Please help!

[NuggetChops]

I have a planted tropical aquarium. Decided to add some CO2 to the tank as using fluval co2 indicator showed low co2 plants aren’t really growing and dying off.

I purchased NT labs liquid Co2 and plant booster. Added the recommended amount yesterday after change and this morning fish are all at top gasping I immediately turned on me air pump and this seems to have dispersed the co2 and fish all seem to have returned to normal.

What have I done wrong indicator still shows low levels despite fish activity. I want to add co2 for plants but don’t want To harm my fish.

Please help!

 

[Colin_T]

You don't need CO2 in aquariums. There is plenty produced by the fish and filter bacteria.

If plants aren't growing well you either need more light or different plants. A lot of aquarium plants sold in shops are actually garden plants that don't do well underwater. If plants don't get enough light they die.

If you post pictures of the plants we might be able to tell if they are true aquatics or garden plants.

The following link has info on growing aquarium plants and might shed some light on the problems you are having.

Aquarium Plants 1.01

AQUARIUM PLANTS 1.01 TURNING LIGHTS ON AND OFF Stress from tank lights coming on when the room is dark can be an issue. Fish don't have eyelids and don't tolerate going from complete dark to bright light (or vice versa) instantly. In the morning open the curtains or turn the room light on at...

www.fishforums.net

 

[NuggetChops]

Thank you for your reply I’ve actually today purchased a new light which is on timer as to try and ensure my plants have more light. I do feel that this is an issue as the light on the tank originally isn’t very good at all. The light replicates day to night and dims as the day goes on. I’ll stop the co2 and hopefully that will help. I think they’re all aquatic plants. I have the following

Java moss
Micranthemum Monte Carlo
Rotala indica
Cabomba aquatica
Elodea Densa

 

[MaloK]

If your tank is lightly planted for the moment and your setup is not old and established, I would probably suggest to go with 1/4 dose to start.

Most ordinary tough plants can do well with 1-3 ppm, 10-15 ppm for more delicate carpet and basics, 30 ppm and more for demanding plants with strong lightning.

I been using liquid Co2 on regular basis and never once needed a full dose, only a fraction each time is more than enough.

They are based on organic carbon source and works differently than real Co2 injection.

Also Co2 tests cannot detect their presence in water like real dissolved Co2

 

[TwoTankAmin]

What many people do not realize is that both dechlor and liquid CO2 substitutes are reducing agents, What they do is reduce to O levels as they use it to do what they do. Therefore one can create issues if one is adding both dechlor and the liquid "CO2" at the same time.

If you cannot separate the dosing so you are leaving some time between them, then add an air stone to the tank for a bit and be sure to leave it after you refill the tank. At the very least, add the dechlor before the refill and then add the CO2 substitute after the tank has been refilled and run for a bit. This will help toi keep dissolved oxygen levels higher overall.

I have been adding Flourish Excel to my planted tank for over 20 years. I add it with the liquid ferts I use after water changes but only after I have refilled the tank first. But I have well water which has no chlorine/chloramine and so I do not add dechlor.

 

[jaylach]

You have to realize that when CO2 is used it replaces oxygen in the water. That is probably why the fish were at the top gasping.