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I've been doing some research on the benefits of CO2 units and I read with interest the post from DaMossMan in "Planted Aquaria" entitled "CO2 and 1wpg can be done - disproving the myth". I have a 42g tall aquarium with only 15 watts of light but with 18,0000K. As you can see, I have even less than 1wpg, so would a CO2 system benefit my plants even at this low wattage? If so, here is the system that I would like to purchase http://www.mops.ca/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/skus/co/COHA-A7690.asp?L+scstore+jypz1091ff2dd92d+1147366837. It does state that it is suitable for aquariums up to 20g and to purchase more units for larger aquariums. As I only want 1 unit, (I don't have the room for multiple units in my tank) do you think this small system would do any good? Or should I be looking at larger and more costly systems? Thanks for your help


*Mitch*

I am using this system on a 120G tank at work. At one point I tested the PH and the system droped it from around 8 to 7.4. (20 ppm of CO2)

Tomorrow when I work again I will do some more test through out the day to see what I can come up with for you.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

Mitchee,

Basically speaking, there would be nothing wrong with you adding CO2.

The real question would be: How much do I gain?

You have about 0.35wpg of light that on top is way off fron a good K rating (somewhere between 5000 and 8000) for plants. I am most confident to say that any gains would be minimal. If you have money that burns a hole in your pocket then yes, go out and buy some system and see what it does.

What plants are growing in your tank and how many of them? How are they doing now?

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Hi Little Fish

So, if I understand correctly, the light wattage is still the important factor in growing healthy plants and the CO2 would not really benefit my situation, at least, not the unit that I want to get.

I have approx. 20 individual stem plants bunched in groups of 5. No clue as to what kind of plants they are. My LFS said they were "mixed plants". They all look the same though. Long, narrow leaves. They are growing quite tall and are quite healthy looking in colour. I have even taken a few cuttings from them and replanted. I do want a more varied and full look though in my aquarium. I was thinking of getting the following low light plants:
Anubia Coffeefolia
Anubia nana
Henianthus callitrichoides
Bacopa caroliniana
Hydrocotyle leuco.
Crypto. beckettii
Crypto. crispatula
Crypto, wendtii green, brown and Tropica
Ludwigia repens
I also only have regular aquarium gravel.

I think I'll try planting these guys without a CO2 system and see what happens.

Thanks much


*Mitch*

I think it would be better to spend money on a light fixture with more watts, than on CO2.

The plants you mentioned should grow in your light, but will grow very very slow. Crypts don't need alot of light, but they grow incredibly slow in 1 wpg or less.

I don't think Ludwigia will do good at all in your light. It wouldn't grow for me in ~2wpg. I moved it to a shorter tank with a little more light and it grows fast.

*Kristin*

Hi GirlieGirl

Thanks for your reply! I had another thread going on my light fixture problem http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/threads/28471.1.htm?12#and unfortunately did not receive a reply on the new light fixture I was looking at getting. So, I decided to stay with what I currently have and do the best that I can with that.


*Mitch*

That's the one you were looking at?

Coralife Freshwater Aqualight-20" 6700K Quad-96 Watt
This light features a 96 watt 6700K 4 tube (quad) square pin base compact flourescent lamp. Other features include: 2 cooling fans, sleek aluminum housing, highly polished reflector, acrylic lens cover and on/off switch. Intended for use on Freshwater aquariums. Dimensions: 20" x 7" x 2.5".

It sounds great, even the 6,700 is perfect for plants (no need at all to get a higher K rating). I don't know anybody who uses this particular version, but all my compact flourescents are Coralife.

It is This One, Right? If you should get it then get mounting legs from Coralife as well, this unit will be pretty hot.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Yep, that's the one. I'm only concerned that because I have such a tall tank (22 inches) and with the much lower K rating, I don't want a gloomy looking tank as well as I want to make sure the light reaches the plants. I'm assuming that the higher wattage will take care of that???


*Mitch*

Uh,

I cannot promise that, but it seems like this would be the best option.

As I said, I don't have that particular type (with the quad folded compact system). One thing is for sure though, it beats 0.35wpg any time.

Maybe someone else has more knowledge about this particular unit.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Thanks for your help Little Fish. I've reposted my lighting thread in the hopes of getting some more feedback on this particular unit




*Mitch*

Today I will test the CO2 in the 120 using that set up and get back with you.



55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

Thanks Wingsdlc Much appreciated!


*Mitch*

Ok just got back from work.... work sucked and i couldnt get to the testing. I will try again on Sunday. Sorry about that!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

No apologies necessary Wingsdlc. I'm very thankful for your help


*Mitch*