CO2 and Planted Tank

[Grubby Sculpin]

Im hoping to start a 55g planted tank in the very near future. Ive got the tank, just need to make a stand and find a good place where the wife will let me put it. Anyway, I want to make it planted, with around a half dozen smaller (~6") pleco's and probably a school of threadfin rainbows. Do many of you inject CO2 into your planted tanks? Id rather not do this because its just something else to worry about but I was wondering if it is necessary. Thanks.

[eupterus]

I have used a compressed CO2 unit in the past and IMO there is no substitute in a plant "dutch style tank" The difference is unbeleievable. You are however correct that it is an added worry and an added cost. It really depends on what plant and how "planted" you want it. The main thing is good light and regular fertilization, CO2 is a bonus, and a very big bonus at that.
Hope this helps

[Barbie]

If you have adequate light and nutrient levels, CO2 will be your limiting factor to good plant growth and you'll be leaving yourself at the mercy of algaes blooming to utilize what the plants can not. I used DIY CO2 for years, swearing I didn't need to spend the money on a pressurized system.

I was wrong!

It definitely made a big difference when I finally upgraded. Spend the money for a system that's pH controlled and you'll be MUCH more happy with your system long term. It's definitely worth it, IME.



This is a picture of my 92 gallon corner bow (albeit a terrible picture, I know!). I had just upgraded the tank from a 40 gallon long that was just stuffed with plants. The tank is now pretty overgrown and lush again but I can't seem to make myself prune and thin anything until it becomes a matter of necessity. The fish don't ever complain about it being a jungle to swim through ;). I would definitely highly recommend the CO2 system as long as you're planning adequate light. It makes a big difference.

Barbie

[Kana3]

This tank is on Fermented Yeast CO2, at probably half the rate required for a tank this size (250 litre). CO2 is delivered via a Bubble Maze. I'll be going on to compressed CO2 when a spare couple of hundred dollars shows up. We have quite a low pH, and KH, in our tap water at the moment, so that's something to watch.

[DiabloCanine]

CO2 is not necessary, just design your planted tank around low light, non-CO2 dependant plants. Plenty of resources available on the web to help you. Try this:
http://www.aquaticscapes.com/easyplants.html ....DC

Im hoping to start a 55g planted tank in the very near future. Ive got the tank, just need to make a stand and find a good place where the wife will let me put it. Anyway, I want to make it planted, with around a half dozen smaller (~6") pl*co's and probably a school of threadfin rainbows. Do many of you inject CO2 into your planted tanks? Id rather not do this because its just something else to worry about but I was wondering if it is necessary. Thanks.