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Post by sunrunner66 on Aug 21, 2013 23:42:40 GMT -5
Hi all, I'm relatively new to the planted tank thing but finally have converted my 24" tall 65 gallon tank over to all live plants and was wondering about going to CO2. I currently have a 36" Aquatic Life T5HO dual bulb light on for a total of 10 hours split 4/6 hours and a Finnex LED that's only on for about 4 hours in the afternoon. I also dose with most of the Seachem plant products. My PH stays pretty tight at 7.5 with DH 12 and KH 5. I'd like to keep it neat and not have to mess with DYI or fizzy tads. I've looked into the Fluval 88 gram system but that's rated for up to 40 gallons but I wonder if even a little CO2 would help or would it be a waste. I also found a mini regulator system that attaches to a paint ball canister that seems like it would work better. Any suggestions or comments will be welcome. Thanks
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Post by sunrunner66 on Aug 22, 2013 0:00:24 GMT -5
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Post by parker002 on Aug 22, 2013 10:54:53 GMT -5
You're tank looks AWESOME. Why create extra work for yourself?
I've done DIY and fizz tabs both. Never noticed enough of a difference to make adding CO2 worth it.
I don't dose ferts or CO2 anymore and I'm still completely overgrown with plants.
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Post by sunrunner66 on Aug 22, 2013 22:27:00 GMT -5
Thanks Parker. That was my other option and concern. Would adding CO2 just make more work and create an out of control tank. I do get a small amount of green algae on the back glass that doesn't get touched by the plecos and otos but it's not bad. Nothing a monthly scrubbing doesn't take care of. I think I'll keep it going the way it is for now and see where it goes.
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Post by parker002 on Aug 23, 2013 11:26:17 GMT -5
I look at it this way - if it doesn't work or doesn't make that much of a difference (as in my case) why go to the extra work for nothing?
If it DOES work, your plants will grow much faster, leading to overgrowth, which will disturb/disrupt your aquascaping and require you to prune more often.
Either way, I don't see the payoff. Let me say again - your tank looks GREAT just the way it is. I especially love the Madagascar lace plant as the centerpiece. Making it grow faster may accelerate dormancy - every so often it will turn brown and all the leaves fall off.
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Post by devonjohnsgard on Aug 23, 2013 11:41:25 GMT -5
I think lighting is even more important. It's what starts the photosynthesis that uses the CO2. I've seen some really great tanks, just keeping good parameters and good lighting. Your tank looks great. You should think about sending it in to American Aquarium Products aquarium and pond picture contest. You might when some credit to the store. Not a bad deal. www.americanaquariumproducts.com/PictureContest.html
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Post by parker002 on Aug 23, 2013 17:46:47 GMT -5
Yep. I have TMC GroBeam tiles. They're far more important than anything I could add to the water.
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Post by sunrunner66 on Aug 24, 2013 19:26:51 GMT -5
Thanks guys. I'll take a fresh pic of it and send it in. I tend to agree. If it ain't broke don't fix it. The best thing I did was add the T5HO a month ago. That's when everything started taking off but not at a crazy, out of control rate.
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Post by Carl on Aug 26, 2013 11:58:11 GMT -5
Thanks guys. I'll take a fresh pic of it and send it in. I tend to agree. If it ain't broke don't fix it. The best thing I did was add the T5HO a month ago. Not much I can add to this thread other than agree 100% as to "If it ain't broke don't fix it". As Parker noted, you have an good looking aquarium, so why mess with a good thing unless you want more? Carl
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Post by sunrunner66 on Sept 1, 2013 16:22:40 GMT -5
Thanks
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