Picking a C02 System?

[Mercfh]

So I am completely new to C02 but I am tired of algae in my tank and I want to grow more plants. I'm currently running a Fluval 3.0 on a 55g sand substrate.

I am more so getting this to make the algae a little less of a problem, but also because I can tell my plants are just not thriving.

Regardless there are just SO many options, I think i've decided between C02Art or GLA, leaning towards GLA but regardless both sites have SO many options (Like a bunch of manifolds/etc...? not sure what benefit those give).

I don't need something super duper high tech. I want to do a low and slow thing since I don't really plan on growing SUPER demanding plants. However I am just a bit overwhelmed at the different options.

So I guess C02Art vs GLA? and If so what "full system" should I go with a for a 55gallon tank.

[MrGibson]

I just recently got a co2 art regulator as my first. I’m liking it and my plants are growing stupid fast. I don’t think there’s really a bad option between the two. Whichever route you take I think a two stage regulator is the way to go. Make sure you have a way to check co2 concentration like a drop checker and take it super slow when dialing it in. I had a close call when I first installed it a few weeks back and ramped things up too fast. Luckily I was watching my tank and noticed what was going on pretty quick. I’d try to dial it in over a few days where you’re home if possible, and avoid making an adjustment and walking away. 

[JoeQ]

IMO, learn to grow simple but healthy plants (this mainly requires knowledge in plant nutrition) before adding co2. Just adding injected Co2 is not the miracle grow solution it is made out to be and often complicates things. concentrate on planted tank fundamentals first. Add co2 when your plants are already thriving and you want to grow more difficult plants.

Edited September 5 by JoeQ

[JoeQ]

On 9/5/2024 at 10:56 AM, Pepere said:

But I have since figured out how to have success without injecting CO2…

But just think of how much easier it would have been if you did it the otherway around!!! 🤣

[TAB]

I have always had good luck with .milwakee instraments.

[Mercfh]

My problem is for sure my lightning system is just too strong, i've turned it down to 6 hours but I still get insane hair algae. I feel like C02 just makes sense since I want to grow plants faster + I already have a good light.

 

[JoeQ]

On 9/6/2024 at 9:13 PM, Mercfh said:

My problem is for sure my lightning system is just too strong, i've turned it down to 6 hours but I still get insane hair algae. I feel like C02 just makes sense since I want to grow plants faster + I already have a good light.

 

You might want to consider other factors for your hair algae issue. 6 hours seems like an incredibly short photo period which allows algae to thrive from ambient room lighting while higher level plants can not help defend against algae during this period. In my case the cause of my hair algae was simply from over feeding my tank which took me years to notice!

Edited September 7 by JoeQ

[Mercfh]

On 9/7/2024 at 5:59 AM, Pepere said:

Well, take a look at this tank…

 

and check out this thread on Scapecrunch.com…

https://scapecrunch.com/threads/sudiorcas-non-co2-supplemented-softwater-tanks.295/
 

The poster starts the thread with several photos of his non co2 injected tanks that he runs with many of them running at 150 par at substrate level…

 

I have to say I am exceedingly impressed and I am studying the thread a fair amount…

 

Wow that's without c02? That's crazy nice.

[HelplessNewbie]

I saw this ACO video early on and was very impressed by the low tech/passive co2 setup shown from 08:00. This is something I am thinking of trying again with a new tank.

Perhaps, you can dip your toes into co2 in this way.

https://youtu.be/rg1u-XVMU3Q?si

 

Edited September 10 by HelplessNewbie