Aquarium plants are no different than land plants. Both must photosynthesize in order to grow. And as we know, co2 is necessary for this. There are no aquarium plants without co2, unless they are made of plastic. Among living species there are low carbon consumers.
Can I keep plants in the aquarium without co2?
All aquarium plants need co2 for their photosynthesis. However, many slow-growing species, such as Anubias, sword plants and water cups, get by with the co2 in the aquarium water; no additional co2 needs to be added. Attention: If various growth disorders appear, there may be a co2 deficiency.
Which aquarium plants can survive on low co2?
Generally speaking, the slower an aquarium plant grows naturally, the more likely it is to be suitable for a low-CO2 aquarium. There are also other plants that can adapt to low CO2 concentrations. Examples of suitable species for a low-co2 aquarium:
- Anubias
- Bucephalandra
- Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum)
- Sword plants (Echinodorus)
- Floating plants (shell flowers, spurge, etc.)
- Water chalices (cryptocorynes)
- almost all mosses
- many ferns
When purchasing, it is best to ask specifically whether the selected variety can get by with little co2.
How do I tell if an aquarium plant is not getting enough co2?
If a plant in the aquarium gets too little co2, photosynthesis suffers. This has consequences for their growth. Therefore, pay attention to the following deficiency symptoms:
- Plant stopped growing
- or it grows significantly slower
- she's getting brown
- or leaves become transparent
How can I increase the co2 concentration in the water?
The easiest and most convenient way to increase the co2 concentration (€74.00 at Amazon) in the water is with a co2 system. Aquarium shops offer different models.
Can I still add more co2 to all aquarium plants?
If aquarium plants can get along with little co2, that doesn't mean that more co2 is harmful to them. On the contrary, their growth usually benefits from it. They stay he althier, grow denser and more colorful.
Tip
A co2 system doesn't have to be expensive, just build it yourself
Co2 systems cost money that not every aquarist wants to spend. Fortunately, a usable system can be built easily and inexpensively. Browse the internet for detailed instructions.
