Surface agitation - A problem?

[Cheesetian]

I have a 15g and it currently has beach sand in it. Was thinking of taking it out, adding a layer of potting soil then putting the sand back in and planting it up. What i'm worried is that i have an overhead filter and the output back into the tank from the filter causes quite a lot of surface agitation and i've read about surface agitation causing the loss of Co2 in water. If so, what should i do? I'm looking to do a low-tech setup.

 

[jcardona1]

Are you injecting co2? If so, try to keep the splashing to a minimum (although some surface movement is good as it gives you higher levels of o2 = better for fish).

If not adding co2, then it's also a good idea to have surface agitation. Reason being that the agitation will allow co2 levels in the atmosphere to more quickly reach equilibrium with the tank. Without the addition of co2, your tank will maintain levels of 3-4ppm of co2.

 

[Cheesetian]

Are you injecting co2? If so, try to keep the splashing to a minimum (although some surface movement is good as it gives you higher levels of o2 = better for fish).

If not adding co2, then it's also a good idea to have surface agitation. Reason being that the agitation will allow co2 levels in the atmosphere to more quickly reach equilibrium with the tank. Without the addition of co2, your tank will maintain levels of 3-4ppm of co2.

No, i do not intend to inject any CO2. So it's okay if i still have surface agitation? I was afraid it would take all the CO2 out of the water and my plants wouldn't flourish and would die.

 

[jcardona1]

No it wouldn't. Your thought is that for a co2-injected tank. In a non-co2 tank, the agitation will promote the gas exchange at the surface of the water, whereby co2 enters the tank from the surrounding atmosphere. So you'll be alright

 

[Cheesetian]

No it wouldn't. Your thought is that for a co2-injected tank. In a non-co2 tank, the agitation will promote the gas exchange at the surface of the water, whereby co2 enters the tank from the surrounding atmosphere. So you'll be alright

Alright! Wonderful, means i can go out and buy some plants tomorrow. Thanks J!