CO2 or no CO2?

[mtdewlover]

I've been told different things. I plan to set up a 55 gallon planted aquarium with my african cichlids. I plan to get the special plant substrate and nutrients etc. I want to get Java Ferns, some Vals of some sort and grassy type plants my fish won't chow down on. So, do I need a CO2 tank system?

 

[Lithril]

CO2 has made a big difference to my 30 gal tank, the plants are growing really fast and looking very healthy, CO2 doesn't need to be expensive I user one of the new ones that work by fermentation cost very little.

If you are going to use it though make sure that you've got enough light in your tank. Light is the limiting factor and if you don't have enough the plants won't use the extra CO2 anyway.

 

[aquamanis]

Hi, CO2 is always going to benefit a planted tank no matter what the fish are however because cichlids need a high PH you have to be very carefull about the levels of CO2 you inject. This is a very good article about planted cichlid tanks, its worth a read.planted mbuna tank

 

[revengeishere]

Co2 really does make a big difference in pl;ant growth assuming you have lihgitng and fertilize accordingly. But you said you are gonna use vals, co2 should not be a problem because vals are able to take up needed carbon from the hard water(assuming you have hard water because you are keeping cichlids). I dont know about the ferns though. And yes, you can always try the yeast bottle method...its dirt cheap!

Oh btw, I also read that even though you have minimal lighting, co2 might be an extra help because of the fact that the plants might put more enrgy in utilizing available light rather than trying to utilize available light and co2.