surface agitation

[the_deeb]

I know that you should try to minimize surface agitation in a CO2 supplemented aquarium to reduce outgassing. But is surface agitation still detrimental to plants when extra CO2 isn't being added?

The tank in question is a low light setup with mostly slow growing plants. I'm trying to decide whether to have my canister outputs fully submerged or to use a spraybar directed towards the surface.

 

[msl4]

I know that you should try to minimize surface agitation in a CO2 supplemented aquarium to reduce outgassing. But is surface agitation still detrimental to plants when extra CO2 isn't being added?

The tank in question is a low light setup with mostly slow growing plants. I'm trying to decide whether to have my canister outputs fully submerged or to use a spraybar directed towards the surface.

Well the surface agitation will bring the level of co2 into equilibrium with that of the air. So do you think you have enough fish that they would be putting off a fair amount of co2 and do the plants need it with such low light.

My bet is that its not going to matter much if you have low lights. You could always add some excel if you want though.

 

[cassharper]

Well the surface agitation will bring the level of co2 into equilibrium with that of the air. So do you think you have enough fish that they would be putting off a fair amount of co2 and do the plants need it with such low light.

My bet is that its not going to matter much if you have low lights. You could always add some excel if you want though.

Sounds about right. If I remember correctly the average ppm of CO2 in the air is going to be around 3-6 ppm. An injected tank can be up to 30. A non-injected tank will run around 10-15 ppm. You will be suffering loss over time through outgassing, but probably not at a faster level than the fish can create.