Are High Tech Planted Tanks Worth It? My First Impressions

I’ve always done low tech planted tanks because high tech aquariums are more expensive, complicated, and more maintenance. But pressurized CO2 gas does produce insane plant growth… so are they worth it?
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🛒 MATERIALS I USED
(FYI I work for Aquarium Co-Op but do not receive commissions from their links.)
▶ CO2 Art Pro-SE CO2 System Kit: www.co2art.us/collections/com...
▶ CO2 check valve: www.co2art.us/collections/co2...
▶ Second CO2 diffuser: www.aquariumcoop.com/products...
📚 RESOURCES
▶ Why and How to Add CO2 to Your Aquarium: aquaproshq.com/blogs/aquarium...
🦐 EXTRAS
▶ Instagram: / girltalksfish
▶ Merch store: teespring.com/stores/girltalk...
EDITOR: Matt Gray at www.grayfamilyfilms.com/ and / mentalityfilms
ATTRIBUTION
Music from Epidemic Sound: www.epidemicsound.com/referra... (if you use my referral link, I get 1 month free 😀)
#girltalksfish #plantedtank #plantedaquarium
0:00 Learning new skills: how to use CO2 gas in planted tanks
0:53 Why I avoided high tech planted aquariums
2:04 Why I decided to try high tech planted tanks
3:12 Gathering materials for a CO2 injection system
4:52 My first impressions of CO2 system equipment
7:12 My first impressions of plant growth from CO2 gas
9:50 Is pressurized CO2 gas worth it?

[@GirlTalksFish]

*If you're looking for a step-by-step tutorial, I found George Farmer's video on how to set up a pressurized CO2 system to be quite helpful: **kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmnKZ6KgmtuGl80*

[@shiyadh7355]

You tank is the Kaine of tank I whant, a tank with lots of plants amazing to look at. but I'm never gonna get thare :(

[@sampathjosephkumar]

Ma'am can Betta fish live with gold?

[@MaxTheSion]

@@sampathjosephkumar with gold? Do you mean goldfish? Is so no. Goldfish are cold water fish and are MUCH bigger than bettas and could possibly eat the betta (I haven’t heard of this but I don’t watch goldfish videos) if the fish hobby if fish A fits inside the mouth of fish B they shouldn’t be housed together

[@unusualaquariumecosystems5805]

Farmer is great, there aren't many UK fish fans from what I can see. I'm in the UK

[@JolliBliss]

Simple conclusion: If you can afford it, do it.

[@KothSam]

Words of wisdom!

[@willparsons32]

And honestly, it's really not that expensive! Heck, people would spend more money on a Fluval 407 than that of a CO² Set-up.

[@themortimerclan2187]

can't even afford a fish tank never mind co2

[@GSAquatix]

Thanks for demystifying high tech setups, Irene! Your tank looks so healthy!

[@GirlTalksFish]

Thank you so much! I'm having so much fun with it now that I'm not struggling with the plant growth as much. 😁

[@yourfriend8558]

hi there! this was really helpful, we’re getting my mom a cardinal tetra tank because she really loves how cute they are and all of their colours. she also loves plants and taking care of them so we wanted to give her a planted tank. we didn’t want to get a sloppy gift so here we are! Lol love your videos! Keep on going

[@Bitterstone3849]

That's a nice and an original gift. Something not many would think of. That's something I wanted to do for my mom. I lived with and cared for her. I had tanks upstairs. Never got the chance as she passed in 2019. Do it !

[@yourfriend8558]

@@Bitterstone3849 I’m so sorry for your loss, may your mother Rest In Peace. my mom loves the cardinal tank, I’ve been taking care of it

[@dw9740]

Thank you, Irene. I had the same thoughts about high tech tanks. I don’t have the skills to transition yet. Your observations and comments are extremely helpful to take into consideration. Much appreciated!

[@bwilli1234]

Thank you for continuing to make videos! I started my first tank watching your videos and now I'm working on creating a beautiful planted low-tech tank. I've learned everything from you and aquarium co-op!

[@kerrypitt9789]

That is so important! Find good people to teach you, then follow them and learn everything you can. Very well done!!!

[@liztorbett]

GIRL YOURE LITERALLY TO GORGEOUS OMG. i’m getting a betta fish after my family vacation next week and your videos are super helpful! you get straight to the point and have tons of information. i can tell you know what you’re doing :) have a wonderful day!

[@callummurray3044]

Hi Irene: Your videos are always instructional and well researched and illustrated. They are first class. I have been keeping fish, shrimp and plants for decades, but I still learn from your videos. Your smiling, animated style is also a joy to watch. Well done! 😊 Callum Murray

[@furiousstyles08]

I appreciate you for documenting your journey of experimentation. Too many hi-tech vids show the aspirational outcomes and not the process of fumbling through stumbling blocks.

[@brookeslackta0229]

I want you to know that I think you are THE BEST. The way you relay information is just so easy to follow and I love watching your videos.

[@EliBelcherBeatbyeli]

Your dedication and commitment to this hobby, no matter the trials and tests to give your viewers information, keep us updated to help us in this hobby is priceless ❤️ truly one of a kind on KZbin.

[@PapaShrimpTX33]

Great video!! I like that you at least ran your own test with it first before just not giving it a shot! 👍

[@reginaphalanges7331]

Great video! I'm glad you went with Co2Arts! I tried several different regulators, that failed and the buzzing, omg. I paid the price for 2 Co2Arts regulators, and 5 months later they are still working perfectly! I'm a huge fan! Plants grow like crazy!

[@cosmoplakat9549]

I love looking at the lush growth in high tech tanks (yours is looking great!) but will enjoy them from afar, as I currently just have Cosmo's tank with anubias and crypts.

[@colinl854]

Hi Ireene, in Britain a lot of co2 enthusiasts use old co2 fire extinguishers as a source of co2 its much more enconomic than aquarium specific products, you nedd to have a two stage regulator to ensure that when the cylinder gets low it doesn't dump what's left in the cylinder into the tank all at once. I love watching your videos, loads of information given with infectious enthusiasm.

[@zairafraire9299]

I love you talk about the mistakes we can have in our tanks, thanks

[@nickpass]

I had the exact experience setting up my CO2...what a nightmare! Although it's fantastic once it's done. Oh, and Irene, thanks for putting out your videos. Each time it pops up on my notifications, I am inspired to go do that tank maintenance I was putting off. My fish thank you as well.

[@GirlTalksFish]

Thank you so much! Yeah, I'm not the most mechanically adept person, but now that I've been through it once, I'm sure I'll be a lot quicker next time. 😛

[@limelightaquatics]

Love the new intro. I also upgraded to a CO2 setup recently. I'm very happy with the results, but I was also surprised at how expensive the CO2 tanks were!

[@GirlTalksFish]

Thank you so much! When I got the price quote from the welding supply store, I quickly texted Lizzie and asked her, "Is this a reasonable cost for a new tank??" because I totally got sticker shock. 😲

[@shosho34971x]

Great video. You could use the tropica plant growth system 60 for smaller tanks; it doesn't take up as much space, and is probably cheaper.

[@ilee1967]

Helpful video. A recommendation I would make would be to use a digital timer (instead of a manual timer) to control the solenoid how long you would run the CO2 for. Another option in your earlier videos would be to have a backup battery connected. In the event of a power failure, the digital timer will still retain the program time settings without the need to manually reset the time settings.

[@Orchids.and.Endlers]

Great quality video ! Love the editing TF !

[@Evil_Genius_888]

A pretty nice setup. I’m started with that same Pro SE CO2Arts setup. Later I got the Pro Elite with 2 manifolds for 2 aquariums on one CO2 tank.

[@Sarcasticallyinspired]

Interesting insights. I've just started my planted tank journey and I've been wondering abouts CO2 in general after seeing it mentioned in a few places. This video is useful.

[@kursive1]

Nice video. Just started my journey into Co2. Thanks for the info.

[@cindykautzmann9866]

Hi Irene, your videos have been my favorite source of info since setting up my first low tech planted tank (have been doing saltwater for several years), so first off thank you! I'm about to add CO2 in a similar manner that you did in this video - moderate light, staying with mostly the same low maintenance plants. What liquid fert were you using in this tank? TIA!

[@twunderaquatics1770]

I also learned the hard way don't go with a cheap regulator or defusor. My 5lb tank is perfect. Lasts almost a year for me. Great video.

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

Wow, thank you for sharing your experiences. I am thinking of adding CO2 to my new tank, though I will probably wait for a few months once it is set up to let it get used to the light and water. It is hard to justify the cost, though I feel more confident on trying it now.

[@zeety5978]

I use DIY CO2 system with citric acid and baking soda for my small 18L tank, much cheaper than pressurized CO2. My rotala green and rotala hra growing like crazy with lower cost!

[@GabbyRocio]

Thanks for sharing! I've been strongly considering CO2. That was the exact kit I was looking at too! Now I'm convinced!

[@cyndifalk]

This was really good info! I've always been intimidated by CO2 for the exact reasons you stated - hmmm -maybe you've given me the courage to try it!

[@Lazy_Fish_Keeper]

Cyndi, a fairly easy way to try it out for a lot cheaper: Look for the Aquarium Co-op video of the fish store in San Francisco. He uses a passive diffusion system combined with a deep substrate and hasn't done a water change in 20 years😳

[@lxix1067]

Just set up a 2.5lb paintball tank setup! I love it

[@Poconogreyhound]

Excellent video. I wanted to go full into high tech but wanted to start slow and see if it was something for me. I ended up getting a co2 generator for under $90 on my 20 long. My gf cans a lot so we have plenty of citric acid on hand. I have to admit, its kind of nice to have a small canister I can fit anywhere, and really I only end up recharging it ever two months which takes about 5 mins. At some point I would love to do my 44 g high tech but really have to see about spending more money for a full pressurized system.

[@rosidragon40]

I’m new to setting co2 I enjoyed this video I went to coart and order the co2 kit I have a 75 gallon fish tank I don’t know what size co2 tank I need and how long will the co2 tank last

[@littlemidwestrebornsdolls]

The plants look fabulous! Great information!!

[@coreyb4073]

My first c02 bottle, I did an exchange with my local weld supply, with hydro and a new valve it was about $110, bear in mind I gave them an old tank. My second bottle got from a brewery store for $95 new, and they are open later so I don't have to leave work early.

[@johnnynewburgh9745]

I can relate to poor water quality out of tap low ph and no kh,gh added some crushed coral in hob filter helped out alot. Just set up diy co2 bottles and going to see how it goes. For your other tanks you can add manifolds and run co2 off same tank. thanks for your experience

[@miniguppy]

Top notch video quality never fails to impress!

[@GoodSamaritan1972]

Irene i love your down to earth reviews

[@finthefishsep20toma]

I recently put an aponogeton ulvaceus in my (low tech) 15 gallon and a month later it's grown to the length of the entire tank, and it just put up it's THIRD stem of flower stalks, which also reach all the way across the tank now haha. I guess it could be considered to be oversized for the tank at this point, however since i have a halfmoon betta I think he appreciates that there's places to relax near the surface on both sides of the tank :)

[@adelesandry]

Great info Irene. I agree with it always seeming complicated. Usually I'm confused a few seconds into a CO2 vid. Ok, off topic, where did you get your teacup platies? Haven't found them around me. I love my painted platies & am doing a breeding project to get the darkest red/orange but would love a slightly smaller fish. As always great work!

[@GirlTalksFish]

Oh man, they're the best! I called around all my local fish stores and eventually found a store that was about an hour away that carried them.

[@adelesandry]

@@GirlTalksFish I'll have to do some more searching. They're so cute!

[@kerrypitt9789]

I've decided to start a high tech plant tank. I have a very long 170 gallon tank that I am going to set up. I'm following Bentley, but I appreciate your input. A tank does not "Suddenly decide," to empty into your Aquarium. Even if the regulator fails they are vented to atmosphere, or they should be. You can get a 100lb tank and it will last you for a couple of years depending on how many thanks you have. Do not skimp on Regulators!!! I think Bentley could help, I use similar equipment in the oil industry, so it was something I already knew. You can also get an inline filter and dropout pot that can be put in downstream of the regulator, that will stop your dispersement heads from plugging up. I'm looking forward to setting up my tank.

[@pobster88j94]

I use the Fzone regulator with built in solenoid. Got the paintball tanks, each one last 4 months on my 20 long. I use the bazooka atomizer, and it’s been great. It’s on auto pilot so I don’t mess with it and it’s on daily. They do make it sound really intimidating and I was anxious when I started out but I’d say for tanks 30 or below, the fzone paintball set up is the best.

[@plantedtankz8988]

I love my 5 co2 tanks. But I've learned that honestly most of my tanks don't need them. Unless you have demanding plants. But with high quality lights and co2 it's amazing how much different the plants grow. I think lighting is most important. I have a Chihiros, planted 3.0 and several planted plus lights. By far the best is Chihiros. I use ferts occasionally. I find that the fish poo etc is usually enough. My absolute favorite fert is 24hr aquarist.

[@noelbrucker135]

Your tank looks amazing! It sounds like it was a fun and interesting project - thanks for sharing your insights from a home hobbyist perspective. That’s so funny - I just this morning removed what must have been a 4-5 foot flower stalk from my first successful aponogeton, enough to grow up out of the tank and reach/curl up on the ground below my 36g. My kids were cracking up since I had just bought us tickets to see “Little Shop of Horrors” about the evil plant that takes over the world 🤣🌱🌳

[@GirlTalksFish]

Lol, that's awesome! Congrats on your flowering aponogeton. 👏

[@jeffalbillar7625]

Aponegeton's grow like crazy.

[@YoshiPerner666]

Any tips on balancing the light, co2. And nutrients? I have a 55 gallon , hygger 24/7 full spectrum led, co2 pro setup, and use seachem excel, thrive plus all in one, and api leaf zone.

[@MegaPandaCraft]

I've been using a CO2 generation system for about a month and have liked it a lot. They are about $90 for the whole system and the ingredients needed for the reaction aren't expensive either. I've noticed very noticeable growth differences in my plants, especially my Dwarf Hair Grass. "refilling" is a heck of a lot cheaper than buying tanks of CO2.

[@OmnoPC]

You don’t buy new tanks of co2, you pay for a refill which is about $20 or so

[@thediplomat1124]

What is this generation system?

[@catlady9123]

I refill my 10lbs tank for under $40, and it lasts me over a year. Setup on a timer (mine is on a smart plug, along with lights and a bubble wall that I run the hours the co2 is off, my cardinals like to play in the bubbles lol) and forget about it.

[@theluskbarata7533]

I like the lesson learned style of videos. Great. ☺️👍

[@haitch04]

Adding CO2 opens up lots more opportunities to try plants that would never thrive in low tech. It all depends on what the individual wants but a tank with CO2 against a low tech set up are chalk and cheese to me. Loving your videos, thanks for sharing.

[@James-yv1qq]

I love that tank! it looks like a low tech tank, but because of the co2 it sooo densley planted. The big high-tech scapes are nice to look at but not for me. This though is a mix of both worlds, and I love it!

[@Anamink]

I recently started up a 55g high tech tank (my second aquarium, first time with CO2) and I wanted to offer one tip for someone looking to get into CO2: look on your local Craiglist/Offerup/FB Marketplace/etc to see if you can find a used CO2 cylinder. I'm lucky to live in an area with LOTS of homebrewers, so I managed to get a used, partially-full 20# cylinder for $50. This is also great if you want a backup cylinder for when your first runs out--if you can find a used 5# for cheap you can just switch it out while you refill your other.

[@jom7982]

i love lowtech set up, it's a lot harder to maintain than high tech tanks. The patience, the attention that it needs and the satisfaction that you get when you succeed. 😍, trust me, you'll find it difficult to reescape your lowtech tank once it's stablished.

[@UpperAquatics]

Thanks for all that you do! If you ever end up in Colorado Springs, swing by Pet Supplies Plus and ask for Scott! I'd love to shake your hand for all the work you've done!

[@GirlTalksFish]

Aww, thanks for the invite! I'll add it to my list of places to visit next time. 😊

[@Lazy_Fish_Keeper]

My BiL is in the Springs, y'all have gorgeous sunsets! And a Kane's

[@davidanderton2437]

Managed to set my CO2 up for about $200AU so maybe $130US. I didn't use crappy great just found good deals at a brew shop. I recommend getting an inline CO2 mixer if you have an external filter. You waste less CO2 and hence don't use as much.

[@mr.monitor.]

Using the right tool to tighten the regulator to the tank helps a lot. You don't use adjustable pliers with teeth. Hold the regulator steady and only tighten the nut using a open end wrench, Cresent style adjustable or smooth jaw pliers.

[@MaxTheSion]

For me pressurised CO2 is too expensive and technical so I can’t use/buy it (my dad pays for the fish) I have though started using Seachem flourish excel in my 36 litre (9.5 gallon) betta tank and my plants love it. My banana lily plant has sprouted and opened a leaf within a day! And has put on two more baby leaves, and my dwarf hair grass has seemed to grow taller and thicker after only two days of use. I obviously can’t compare pressurised CO2 to liquid CO2 but one thing is for sure, I have some very happy plants :D

[@michaelwhitaker1972]

I'm with you on having horrible water. It really is a struggle and I have been struggling with the decision to invest in another set-up or investing in CO2 for my 55. This little video of yours is making me think I need CO2 before another set-up lol.

[@Tj-co2ww]

Hello just pointing out you want to use a crescent wrench instead of those pliers. Pliers get the job done but they also scratch your expensive regulator.

[@annadavis236]

I’m 14 and I just picked up the same co2 kit and I’m totally lost on how to install it! Do you have a video/guide you recommend?

[@airnashville3883]

I use CO2 reactor, 4L that I got off Amazon. It came with all the hardware you got for your tank plus the tank, diffuser, extra parts, etc for ~$100 and the citric acid and baking soda in bulk for less than $20 (5 lbs of each). all in for $120 and should keep me in CO2 for several years. When I run out of chemicals, I can get another several years worth for $20, I already have all the equipment.

[@emihayashi7725]

Binge watching as many of your videos this week, a treasure of info. Overwhelmed to learn that adopting one beta fish would require so much equipment. Never would I have guessed that a CO² tank was required. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@AT-nj9kr]

more for plants > fish

[@Chromaspell]

co2 isnt required for just 1 beta fish. its only required for certain species of plants in a high light environment

[@emihayashi7725]

Will tank ever cycle without 2" of substrate? Plenty of floating and attached plabts, no ricks, only a token cover of sand avd gravel. Weight is my concern

[@robertflink8017]

Nice iam also trying it first time great help 👍

[@garrjammm]

Hey! You're based near Seattle right? What's the store you found that was selling C02? I'm down in Ballard and struggling to find a good price for one.

[@crow-vz5lx]

Thanks for clarifying how to

[@naegwut]

This was so helpful!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@seannunes2041]

This is great! You finally made the jump. Even a little CO2 makes a massive difference with the plants. CO2 Arts is great. I would not use any other brand, I also use their inline diffuser on my Oase. Just watch your DKH, CO2 acidify your water.

[@plantedtankz8988]

The plants grow much differently under high lights and co2 don't they? I love it.

[@briankepner7569]

There's a product idea for you right there it's to build a shade for your sponge filter. A little platform that may be fish could sit on..

[@catlady9123]

The way I see it, my Co2 setup cost me money up front, but long term is saving me money when I want to setup a new tank because I have so much trimmings to literally grab from my high tech tank to use in a new tank. If I buy something new for a new tank (for variety) I'll take about 1/4 of it and shove it in my high tech for quick propagation, then move it to the low tech it was intended for for faster filling.

[@libratyanjhon3959]

Running 10 gallons for two months plus, stunted plant growth, algae, melting plants etc. Just added simple CO2 system (citric acid + sodium bicarbonate) using used soda bottle because I can't afford cylinder. The system doing great since I only need 0.4 BPS (medium planted and no worry about exploding bottle). I just hope that the issue will be addressed. I also used liquid carbon, but not sure which way is effective to combat algae on my plant leaves. Dilute it into the water (currently) or using pipettes directly on algae?

[@Azron2190]

Did you fertilize as well? Great video!!!

[@FranciscoLopez-bg5ct]

hi i have a question so i have lucky bamboo in my betta fish tank and i was wondering if its bad or good for my betta fish ?

[@professorm4171]

You can have more red plants when you have CO2.

[@Fishtory]

While true, the lighting and lowering the nitrates below 20ppm will get you even more bang for the buck/ energy and time invested. ...use all that together and boom! All the colors of the rainbow.

[@recoveringliberal1689]

that, and the bushiness of all my plants, far superior.

[@ishmeetsingh5592]

Hi irene? I have a suggestion for u *So basically for a pressurized co2 system we donot use sponge filter as air from sponge filter will remove co2 that u are dissolving in your tank* So it would be better if u switched to a hang on back or canister filter Any ways good luck 👍👍

[@kennethmarrow3131]

You are doing a way better job managing your videos. I like when you talk and let it play out. You are so animated and loveable and smart 💙

[@haroldgreen1425]

I'd like to make a premature comparison. I have two small tanks. The first is a 29 gallon that I set up three or four months ago. The ten gallon tank I set up two months ago. Both have a full spectrum led light. Both have a substrate of some variety of aqua soil but the 29 gallon has a layer of crushed coral over the soil. The ten gallon has a DIY co2 setup with a drop indicator that shows a nice green color so I'm going to assume a sufficient amount of co2. Today I had to remove some plants as they were overgrowing all the others. There's over a dozen different types of plants in the tank and all seem to be growing well. Red plants are showing a nice red color. Four rosy reds occupy the tank and look well. The ten gallon tank I removed plants today also as the plants in there are growing to the level of overcrowding the tank. There is a small group of ghost shrimp in that tank. Both tanks have a sponge filter for keeping the water clean and very little algae growth. I was impressed by some water wisteria I had to order as none was available locally. It arrived being little more than stems as the leaves had all fallen off during shipping. Over a few weeks the stems have leafed out and look great. The red plants in that tank also look the same color as those in the larger tank so at this stage I see no color difference between the co2 and none co2 tanks. Both tanks are impressing me with great plant growth. I would say before going to co2 use a good soil substrate and a quality led lighting. If you're getting really good plant growth and color you may not need co2 but from what I've read some types of plants don't show the red without co2 so I'd say it really depends on which plants you want to grow as to whether or not to do co2. Co2 system is a two liter bottle with a layer of sugar and gelatin topped with a layer of water, sugar and yeast. It lasts for weeks providing a good stream of co2 at a very low cost. Second bottle to limit liquid entering the tank.

[@thediplomat1124]

How do you feel about liquid CO2? Its more manual to pour the necessary amount everyday, but not sure what the difference is

[@nanofishfriends2237]

I feel for you Irene! I have low tech tanks and the plant growth has been phenomenal with medium to low lights and squirt of easy green each week. My water has good amounts of minerals (GH 9, Kh 7). Of course, I also pick plants that aren’t fussy (cryptocorenes, jungle Val, rotala rotudafolia, water wisteria, guppy Grass, pearl weed, dwarf nymphaea). I also find using potting soil gives me the best growth on plants, and after two months of water changes and testing water I get the most balanced tank ever that thrives better than tanks on which I used inert substrates with root tabs!

[@Lazy_Fish_Keeper]

Yay!!! Another dirted tank person!!!!! Do you have Dr Diana Walstad's Treatise?

[@nanofishfriends2237]

@@Lazy_Fish_Keeper yes!!! It’s based on the walstad method!!

[@justinkayce9811]

I tried a DIY CO2 setup I learned from MJ aquascaping on a 5 gal with wonderful results. I left the stone in for 8 hours with the light schedule and surface agitation. Plants went nuts and algae became almost nonexistent.

[@uniteagainstthefitnah]

I got tiny snail and swimmy water bug infestation in my shrimp tank, how to get rid of them. I try added corys bcs i read somewhere they ate snail, and added guppys bcs i thought they will eat the bugs. Neither is doing any eating of the pests. Any other way?

[@NellysNerdyAdventures]

I am having such a hard time finding teacup plattys anywhere. Any suggestions?

[@jigokutsuushin]

Glad you got your feet wet on CO2, Irene! I also run a 20 gallon mid-tech tank with glowlight tetras, siamese algae eaters, and a mix of cherry and amano shrimp. I use the CO2 setup that has 2 soda bottles and mixes baking soda and citric acid. I don't have a car so it would be hard to transport a pressurized tank, while I can order the baking soda and citric acid on e-commerce shops. Black beard algae is also a problem in my tank, but I'm fine with it as long as it doesn't take over my system. My driftwood is also growing candlesnuff fungus. I've read it goes away on its own but it's been half a year and it still grows back. It's harmless but ugly. I may have to boil the wood again, but that would entail having to remove the plants I've tied/glued to the wood and I haven't had time for that.

[@Lazy_Fish_Keeper]

I thought my guppies had somehow gotten intestinal parasites.... I didn't realize that they would eat the white mold / fungus on the wood.🙄

[@olliburrslay9960]

2 years late. Fluval came out with their own CO2 system. The canisters/refills/cans? Whatever you wanna call em. They’re kinda pricey. And so was the fluval system that came with the air stone hoses and canister holder. I use it to regulate my PH since I have lots of aquarium plants and want to keep a betta fish. There’s just snails in there now. 10 gallon planted aquarium with driftwood and the Indian leaves/Bark/ and pine cone looking things. Hopefully this works out

[@Fishtory]

Great video! I think it's important to show people all the unique colors, textures, shapes, features and flowers/fruits that often come only with that co2 boost. The last thing that I think helps people quite a bit - is to understand that co2 is like steroids...it will allow your nutrients and fertilizers to do as much work and transformation as the lights you have also allow. But all together steroids will make a person agitated and fat if they don't work out and or balance their endocrine system as well. However, if balanced and given a good "diet" and workout, the muscles (plants) will transform a ton. Also, you mentioned the liquid carbon for your BBA, and unfortunately the Dissolved co2 gas is what will help more...and you have that. So shading out light totally when the tank lights aren't on (ambient room or natural light ) or increasing your light intensity for less hours (6 to 8 hours on and then pitch black with a Towel or quilt over the tank for the other hours) will probably help you much quicker. The liquid carbon is another food source for the BBA and only tends to help If your co2 was low to begin with. All that said...its just my experience with my water conditions and yours may differ, obviously you are very skilled and educated on aquaria, I just wanted to toss in my 2 cents if it was helpful at all. Oh and a syringe with h2o2 to spot treat the start of the BBA and those fish fry willing to eat the orange and blonde colored dead BBA, will work faster than anything I mentioned above.

[@elizabethG633]

Can anyone explain to me why an ammonia free tank all of a sudden gets and ammonia spike hard to balance every time I dose my aquarium with plant fertilizer and not even the recommended dose, I use less? It happened with Easy Green a number of times, and this last time I was ammonia free, I used Flourish Excel to also help me fight BBA and ammonia again.

[@antoniochua8111]

ive heard that you cant use filters like that sponge filter because the bubbles will defeat the purpose of the C02 (whatever that means) But from your account i can see it still helped and your getting great results.

[@alternativeaquascaping517]

it will not hinder the co2, all it does is increase aeration in the tank and only removes co2 at the surface, but it also means you can actually inject MORE co2 into a system because its also saturated with oxygen, making a higher co2 level like 40 ppm safe

[@WhatIsMisophonia]

@@alternativeaquascaping517 No, where did you hear that? The issue is that aeration removes co2, which may be fine if you're injecting more than enough. Yes. it does so at the surface, but newsflash, that's where all gasses diffuse. Surface agitation removes co2 quicker than it adds it because it is already likely in higher concentration in the water than it is in the air. The reason why plants have so much difficulty obtaining carbon from water as opposed to air is that the thickness of water vs air makes it so that less co2 contacts the plant at any given moment. Also, carbon bonds with oxygen from H2O, that molecule your water is made of. It also releases that hydrogen, which causes lower ph.

[@alternativeaquascaping517]

@@WhatIsMisophoniaLike i already mentioned right? Why are you going off like that, and what does carbonic acid have to do with it? A real simple fix is just bump the dial up a touch. Example; from 2 bubbles per second in a 60 litre tank, to 3 bubbles per second. But a simple air stone will not negate the effects of co2 injection. You can of course go over board with a massively overpowered air pump, but thats not what were focusing on, or what someone is likely to be using. In my tanks, even the ones that use CO2 injection, i either have a large amount of surface agitation, or run an air stone 24/7, and i recommend the same to many others as its just better for the overall ecology of the system.

[@WhatIsMisophonia]

@@alternativeaquascaping517 I misunderstood a bit, though I've never heard that higher o2 levels make higher co2 levels safe, as co2 poisoning can happen regardless of whether not there is adequate oxygen. I never said an air stone would negate the effects of co2 injection, and indeed excessive aeration reducing co2 levels is more an issue with tanks that don't do co2 injection.

[@Lazy_Fish_Keeper]

Irene, awesome video!!! Maybe try the bell method for your smaller tank? And tell TF he did an AWESOME job!

[@eldiefranzjoseph5182]

I think the sponge filter system is contradicting or conflict your co2 system. I suggest using a regular hanging filter or external filter is better.. ❤

[@thetruthseeker6409]

Can i put pothos plant inside my aquarium? Thank you.

[@1domcouk]

Great vid. I think your light intensity is a little low. Prime Time aquatics have their Fluval 3.0 lights set at 65% intensity. I would start at 50% and then slowly ramp it up and see how you do with algae. It does depend on how deep your aquarium is I guess.

[@Mukis_Aquatic]

Hey you were using water pump pliers wrong...if you adjust it to the next slot the handles will touch an it will be easier

[@ilvll]

Thank you! I think I’ll start my new 20g without co2 but maybe in a few months I’ll get the kit! I’m just concerned of how natural it is to use this. IE, let’s say I grow a lot of stems and then give them to a friend who doesn’t have co2, the plants will not thrive? Will they melt and die? That’s my main concern.

[@sobhansarthak8672]

I have done this like one of my tank and no the plants don't die but their leaf shape differs a lot though. Growth rate and color more or less remains the same so does the density but leaf shape and stem thickness differs a lot. You can easily see that.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

Wow, $350+ for a system. I was able to put mine together for less than $150. If I had to pay $350 I don’t know if I’d have done that. I definitely noticed the same things you noticed when I made the switch. My stem plants were dying but they weren’t growing. As soon as the CO2 was in, at a bubble a second it was like someone flipped a switch in my tank and it is flourishing.

[@user-dz9yk8qc8q]

You can buy from Malaysia , here everything is quite cheap , I bought a whole set of the system for only about 100 USD or less

[@jfdd43]

Few things. To clean a diffuser, you can put it in a bleach solution, then use a syringe to ‘pull’ the solution though the diffuser. Cheap regulators are NEVER worth it. It’s too important a job to cheap out on. I use a Milwaukee brand. It isn’t cheap, but it is ‘no frills’ and works really well. Finally, a clogged diffuser can cause problems. I have had bubble counters crack because of the built up pressure. If you see the the co2 slowing down, clean it.

[@4Vio4]

full stop what is that breeding box at 8:20 i need it!!!

[@Rorther]

High tech usually takes so much effort for trimming it all the time. The biggest advantage is that you can trim it and leave exactly as you want, and you can have a lot of bioload because of the fast growing. I would go for riparium instead, because are plants that grow above the water, so they can get the carbon from the air. And they pretty much can grow infinitely, since they are not locked for the size of the aquarium

[@sp61087]

you can use the same cylinder..jus gotta a use a splitter and a separate diffuser

[@GirlTalksFish]

Ah, my main problem is my aquariums are all in different rooms, but yes that would work if they were right next to each other. 👍

[@keshlalish5586]

the bad thing about giving you back the same cylinder is that you will have to pay for the hydro test, when they just replace the tank, they will cover the price of the hydrotest. for people who don't know, hydro test are done to see if the tank is still in good shape, and tanks usually have a date on it i think it's 5 or 10 years for co2 (remembering from my paintballing days) maybe someone more up to date can clarify

[@bigbowlowrong4694]

If you want to start with co2, you don’t have to start ‘high’ and begin dumping in tonnes of co2 and fertiliser. As you said, you can start with a lower dose, even one bubble per second on a 40 gallon tank will help a moderately-planted, previously low-tech tank immensely. The plants will pretty much immediately start noticeably growing again and most of the time you’ll even get the appealing “pearling” effect.

[@jamiebaker6516]

Once you go co2 you never go back. However, I definitely get tired of trimming plants on tons of tanks so I only do two co2 tanks these days.

[@franko1642]

I must say that thankfully, I didn't have all those issues. I bought a semiprofessional one, that uses baking soda and citric acid, and so far so good and I spent like 150 bucks in everything but the ingredients.