Question About Co2

[dave_m13]

Hi All

I have a question about whether my tank may require CO2 or not.

The tank I have is 365 litres, roughly 80 Uk gallons I think. I have 4 40W bulbs so working on wpg I think I have 2WPG.

Do I need to add any CO2 to the tank, or could I get away with none and mnaybe just adding ferts/excel/nutrients?. I have been adding quite a few plants, probably have 15-20 potted plants which covers quite alot, it looks much nicer than what it was with just Vallis but everything needs to grow as the mid/top tank is bare. I have no algae, have not suffered much algae in the larger tank.

If I do need to CO2 what would be peoples recommendations? I have been looking at the JBL what are these like do I need to add anything else?

Thanks very much
Dave

 

[George Farmer]

Hi dave

How long has your tank been running with no algae? What make tubes are they and have you fitted reflectors?

365 Litres is 96 US Gallons (the WPG rule relates to US) so you have 1.7 WPG - still a fair bit of light in that size tank as the WPG rule becomes more leanient with larger volumes.

If your tubes are standard and you don't have reflectors then you may get away no extra CO2. Flourish Excel may provide enough carbon but will be more expensive in the long-term than investing in a pressurized system. The JBLs are good, e-bay is also a good place to look.

 

[dave_m13]

Thanks

I have had a 200 litre tanks for over 18 months, I have recently transferred everything over to the 365 probably about 2 weeks now.

The tubes I think are pretty standard they came with the tank. no reflectors.

I will see what happens over the coming weeks with the plants added, I may just use excel to start with and then if I do not get anywhere then I will look into pressurised.

Thanks, Merry Christmas

Dave