What is injected C02 om a tank? What is it exactly and how does one achieve this?

Hi guys

So I saw another poster selling their tank and its mentioned that there is Injected CO2 , What exactly is it? What Does one need to achieve this? can this system be bought off the shelf?

 

You use a pressurized tank (Usually a fire extinguisher), regulator, solenoid valve and some form of diffuser to add gaseous co2 into the water to help grow plants. There is usually 380-405ppm carbon dioxide in the air around us, so terrestrial plants have no issue getting carbon dioxide. Underwater is a different story, there is usually not near enough co2 for ideal plant growth, hence the slower growth in tanks without co2 injection.

Aquarists use a system as described above to raise the co2 levels in water to 15-30ppm, enough to feed the plants without suffocating the fish. The result is significantly increased plant growth (given enough nutrients, it's a balance). This is what almost every carpeted or heavily planted aquascape would use to keep the plants growing well and looking healthy.

You get small kits (ISTA comes to mind) but it's usually more economical to buy a system as described at the beginning of my post. I got my 2kg capacity system second hand for R1800, and with a R50 refill of co2 it's still bubbling away 19 months later without a refill. For bigger tanks it obviously won't last as long but is useful nonetheless.

 

Thanks guys! This was really informative , Wouldn't mind having a system like this , I wonder if it decreases maintenance , not of the plants ( I don't mind the plants growing wild) but of the system itself . Atm I'm using a simple tetra bottle with a bubble ladder , not nearly good enough for a 450 liter tank . And its a headache to have to constantly fill it with sugar and yeast and water every week . I sometimes forget . If this type of system can go on for months without much effort , I wouldn't mind it at all .

 

Pressurized CO2 is amazing in a planted tank... It not only allows your plants to grow at a slightly faster rate but also helps them achieve a better, lusher and more vibrant look.... But in my opinion, adding CO2 to a tank should be the last addition, if you have an active substrate, a good fertilization routine, and good lighting (when I mean good, high lighting is regarded as 1W per 1L, it’s obviously dependent but it’s the general rule of thumb) then look at adding CO2.... Also the addition of CO2 is a huge difference, I’ve noticed it in both my tanks and I must say that it’s daunting at first but after a bit of fiddling it’s pretty much done, then just sit back and maintain the great plants you have

 

I run c02 on all my tanks . When I first setup my one nano it had no c02 for about 2 months. Growth was painfully slow , even with dosing flourish. The substrate is fluorite red . After adding c02 the growth was explosive . IMHO if you want results go pressurized c02 . It’s like night and day.