Newbie Learning

[Vethian]

I have been given a 16 gallon tank. 
 
I wanted to put together a planted tank for my Betta and Rasbora.  So, I started reading about setting up a planted tank.  In my reading, I see people talking CO2.  
 
I have decided to experiment before thinking of putting fish in.    

With such a small tank and budget, I started looking at the DIY yeast method.  What is the best way to diffuse?  Could I just use a air stone?  
 
 

 

[Akasha72]

I don't know the answer to your question but have you looked at liquid CO2 such as easycarbo? It's all I use and it works well 

 

[Vethian]

so, that is a daily dose with a feeding?

 

[Akasha72]

yeah, it's just a clear liquid. I add two pippettes full each day (if I remember) It's the easy, no hassle way to add CO2

 

[eaglesaquarium]

The product being discussed isn't truly carbon dioxide, but it serves a similar purpose.  With such a small tank, its a decent option.
 
 
BUT, the need for a CO2 additive will depend on your lighting and the plants you choose.  I have had a planted 55 gallon, and with very low lighting, and very low demand plants, have never had to use any supplements.  The CO2 from the fish or that is dissolved from contact with the air is sufficient for my plants - and the poo from my fish is sufficient to fertilize.
 
 
In another tank with higher lighting, I went to CO2, and fertilizers and the results just never worked out for me, and the tank was constantly being over run with Black Beard Algae.   I could never find the right balance.
 
 
The key to plants is balance.  It starts with the lighting.  Everything revolves around that.  Once you have settled on lighting, that will determine the plants and the plants will tell you what they need regarding CO2, ferts, etc.  

 

[Vethian]

yeah, it's just a clear liquid. I add two pippettes full each day (if I remember) It's the easy, no hassle way to add CO2

 

oh...very nice.  I shall try that first.
 
I want a vibrant light to make colors pop.  I will check what I have and see where it takes me.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Co2 is making a tank more high tech, if you're thinking of using co2, in whichever form, you may need high lights as well, and also may also need to dose fertiliser daily.
 
So thats the first thing to bear in mind when considering co2.
 
Have a look at this thread, about yeast co2.
 
The Yeast Co2 Method
 
 
Then some good information about doing diy co2, quite a read but really interesting imo.
 
Pressurized Co2, Equipment, Flow And Fertilization
 
 
A lot of reading I know, but co2 is not to be taken lightly, especially for a beginner to the hobby. But very, very rewarding when the set up is right and the balance is spot on, the plant growth and lush green, nothing like it

 

[Vethian]

Yep, I am reading through them.  I see multiple suggestions on the diffusing method.  As I have a small tank, I wanted to keep these things hidden as best I can.  I think i will start with a nice light for the coloring.  Im looking at the java moss and ferns and anubias to keep thing simple.

 

[Akasha72]

I'm no plant expert but from my experience of keeping all three of those plants none of them need anything special to grow. All three are in the 'easy' category. I doubt they will need CO2. See what the other guys think though

 

[Ch4rlie]

Co2 benefits pretty much ALL plants, so means that these plant will grow faster and show more healthy growth.
 
Though java fern, anubias and and java moss are all indeed in the easy to look after category which means they will be fine also in a very low tank set up so they don't NEED co2 but still benefits them.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

I wouldn't add CO2 with those plants.  None of those 'require' CO2, they don't require a lot of light, nor a lot of fuss.  The beauty of those types of plants is that they don't need much, at all.
 
 
I'd suggest getting those and see what they do without any additives.  

 

[Vethian]

sounds like a plan.  i am interested in the more advanced aspects of plants.  But, I will start slow.

 

[Vethian]

Would an internal filter work well?  I want to place the tank close to the wall and not have things hanging off of the tank.  I could get a canister filter, but at 16 gallons I feel that would be over kill.  

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Yes, an internal would be fine.  With a betta a sponge filter is a good choice, as they are very gentle in terms of current.  

 

[Byron]

JD has summed things up very well (post #5).  What is so baffling when one starts reading about planted aquaria is the seeming conflicting advice...until one understands that one can have an aquarium with fish and plants that is very simple, or very complex, depending what you want in the area of plants.  If you have any experience gardening, you will know how light affects plants, and that nutrients have to be in balance.  Things are much the same in an aquarium.  There are higher light requiring plants, which therefore need more nutrients (of which CO2 is just one of 17), and there are plants requiring more moderate light, and those managing with even lower light.
 
My advice would be to keep things very simple in such a small tank.  Maintaining water stability can easily become a nightmare once you start adding this and that.  I have maintained many planted tanks over the last 25 years, but I have never used any form of CO2, and I have never gone above moderate light.
 
Byron.