CO2 for a small planted aquarium.

[toolbox31]

Hi,
I am forced to keep my new project small so I am setting up a 10 to 20 gallon planted tank. Most of my research leads me to costly answers for large aquariums. I was wondering what would be a good system for CO2 injection for a small tank. I would also take suggestions on anything else from substrate to filtration to plant species.

 

[12 Volt Man]

I used this on a 20g planted and it worked well:


http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18478/si1380444/cl0/junglelabsplantcareco2fizzfactory

its cheap and easy to use.
it uses fizz tabs, which are not as good as pressurized C02, but for a small tank you really don't need fancy C02 systems, since small tanks are shallow and you get great light penetration so most plants should grow like crazy for you.

I was able to grow even the red plants very well using T5 lighting and this jungle fizz factory..

 

[toolbox31]

Thanks a lot, thats a lot more reasonable then some of the systems I've been looking at. If gets a chance, whats a good brand of trace elements.

 

[Deaths Sting]

u could also use seachem flourish Excel. you could also make a DIY Co2 reactor

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/...cts/14453-diy-co2-guide-pictures-recipes.html

 

[12 Volt Man]

I used to use the regular Seachem flourish comprehensive fertilizer and the plants grew very well. this is the only shot I have of the tank, which is no longer a planted tank. its from two years ago:

fizz tabs, T5 lighting, seachem ferts, I used to use Sera Root tabs as well for the lotus..

 

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

Why CO2? What plant species do you want to keep??? Chances are you do not need a CO2 system at all. It's an absolute myth that you cannot have a nicely planted tank without it.

I suggest you read HERE.

Happy Plantkeeping,
HarleyK