Why Do You Need CO2?
Carbon dioxide is a vital element for the process of photosynthesis in aquatic plants. It helps plants convert light energy into chemical energy, promoting growth and overall health & colorful plant leaves . In a low-tech, low-light tank, you may not need to supplement CO2, but if you have high-light conditions or heavily planted tanks, providing additional CO2 is essential.
CO2 in a Planted Tank Guide Shrimp and Snail Breeder
Materials You Need
Before you start
- Two-liter plastic bottle: Used as the CO2 generator.
- Tubing: To connect the CO2 generator to your aquarium.
- Check valve: To prevent water from flowing back into the CO2 generator.
- Diffuser or air stone: To disperse the CO2 into your aquarium water.
- Sugar: To provide the carbon source for CO2 production.
- Yeast: The microorganism responsible for fermenting the sugar and producing CO2.
- Warm water: To dissolve the sugar.
- Baking soda: To stabilize the pH of the CO2.
Steps to Create Your DIY CO2 System
- Prepare the CO2 generator:
- Thoroughly clean the two-liter plastic bottle.
- Drill two holes in the bottle cap. One hole should be just big enough for the tubing to fit snugly, and the other for the check valve.
- Attach the tubing and check valve:
- Connect one end of the tubing to the check valve and insert the check valve into one of the holes in the bottle cap.
- Attach the other end of the tubing to the diffuser or air stone in your aquarium.
- Prepare the CO2 mixture:
- In a separate container, mix 1-2 cups of warm water with 1 cup of sugar until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add a pinch of yeast to the sugar solution and stir.
- Fill the CO2 generator:
- Pour the sugar and yeast mixture into the two-liter bottle. The bottle should be around 1/4 full, leaving space for gas expansion.
- Start the CO2 production:
- Seal the bottle with the cap, ensuring that the tubing and check valve are securely attached.
- Place the bottle in a location where the temperature is relatively stable and within the range of 70-75°F (21-24°C).
- Monitor and adjust:
- As the yeast ferments, it will produce CO2. Bubbles will begin to flow through the tubing into the aquarium.
- Monitor the CO2 production and adjust the sugar and yeast mixture as needed. You may need to replace the mixture every 2-4 weeks.
- Stabilize pH:
- To prevent pH fluctuations, add a small pinch of baking soda to the aquarium water. This will neutralize the acidity produced by the CO2.
Creating a DIY CO2 system for your aquarium can be a cost-effective way to promote the health and growth of your aquatic plants
