For any planted aquarium, carbon dioxide, or CO2, is an essential component. Aquatic plants require CO2 to grow and thrive, just like terrestrial plants do. It is essential to photosynthesis, which is how plants turn light into energy. Your aquarium plants may suffer, appear unhealthy, or possibly die off if there is not enough CO2.
The growth and health of your plants can be greatly enhanced by adding CO2 to your aquarium. It promotes vibrant, lush foliage and aids in the prevention of issues like algae overgrowth. When the CO2 levels in their aquarium are just right, many aquarists discover that their aquarium becomes a vibrant underwater garden.
However, what’s the best way to add CO2 to your tank and how do you do it? There are several approaches, ranging from easy do-it-yourself setups to sophisticated CO2 systems. Maintaining the health and beauty of your aquatic plants depends on your understanding of how each technique works and which one best fits the needs of your aquarium.
| CO2 Importance | CO2 Sources |
| Helps plants grow and stay healthy | CO2 gas cylinders, DIY yeast reactors, liquid CO2 products |
| Balances pH levels | CO2 tablets, chemical additives |
| Prevents algae growth | Natural fish respiration, organic decomposition |
SPRAYING CO2 IN AN AQUARIUM
An external reactor, a diffuser connected to a filter, a stone, a rowan branch, a bell, or a sprayer can all be used to add carbon dioxide to an aquarium. You are free to choose which approach is best and which to employ. Sprayer with pebbles. Large CO2 bubbles and a worsening of the gas’s dissolution are drawbacks. Rowan limb. produces tiny bubbles but clogs easily. A grandfather-friendly method. Ring. made yourself or buy it. a type of dome cap that retains the CO2 that is supplied. A piece of crap as well.
CO2 ladders
Diffusers are among the greatest choices. Fits aquariums up to 150 liters. We discussed this subject in our video. Observe. intended for a 300-liter herbalist. Our bubble maker is the Hydor. We suggest the ISTA 3in1 diffuser for aquariums up to 150–200 liters.
It is difficult to explain in writing how to install a diffuser in an aquarium and how good the spraying is; for these details, watch liveFFsesshin.
CO2 MASH SYSTEM
Let’s assume for the sake of this article that we will not be going into great detail about the CO2 system on soda and citric acid (Kipp unit). A detailed discussion of it can be found here on the FForum. Compared to mash, this system is more difficult to assemble; a ready-made version can be purchased on AliExpress for $2–$3,000. Alright, so-so.
We think that the best way for a novice aquarist to supply carbon dioxide is through an aquarium mash CO2 system. You can accomplish excellent, very excellent outcomes in herbal aquaristics with its assistance. Tanya, who is 15 years old, can even put it together. The mash-fun has very little financial outlay.
Despite this, there are a few drawbacks: – The mash can be used in small aquariums up to 100–150 liters; – The mash’s gas supply cannot be controlled, so it cannot be turned off at night;
CO2 mash needs to be sealed with premium quality. And frequently, it can poison later, even with first assembly of excellent quality.
Only in warm conditions does yeast ferment. at 23 degrees Celsius. Better still, all 27 or perhaps 30 degrees. If your permanent residence is cold during the winter, you must place the mash on top of or close to a radiator or other heat source.
You can use two mashes to equal the capacity of a 200-liter aquarium. Regarding the second point, at night you can take the hose and CO2 sprayer out of the aquarium. It is important to note that with such a CO2 supply system, it is difficult to oversaturate the aquarium with carbon dioxide. Because of its weakness, you cannot remove the CO2 sprayer from the aquarium during nighttime aeration.
Yes, mash is still a performance in general. However, it will also enable a novice to play sufficiently to determine whether or not he needs a cylinder. And now for the specifics on how to put together an aquarium CO2 mash by hand.
There are a ton of mash units, and they’re all very creative and straightforward. Additional recipes and ingredients for the fermentation system exist. We provide you with detailed instructions in this material to build your own DIY CO2 mash system for an aquarium. Such an installation will only cost pennies and won’t require any specialized parts, special knowledge, or effort from you.
SO, HERE IS A LIST OF WHAT YOU WILL NEED
A plastic two-liter bottle filled with carbonated water. utilized as the mash’s primary container. Using a transparent bottle will allow you to see the process and, should anything go wrong, allow you to react quickly.
A wide-necked liter bottle of tea or juice. utilized as a filter to keep the aquarium free of the unpleasant smell that comes with the mash. A prefilter like that is essential! If not, the fish will perish.
A sports water bottle, or more accurately, its cap. required to produce a gas bubble counter and as a mash seal. Not required; you can proceed without a counter.
A syringe with five cubic meters.
Used as a counter for bubbles. Dropper.
Available at any pharmacy. Hoses for the CO2 system are required. silicone used in construction or aquariums.
The mash needed to be sealed. One or two back pressure valves.
Water from the aquarium cannot enter the system or leak onto the floor thanks to this product, which is available in any aquarium department. mister.
Pebble, but a loose diffuser works better.
Vacuum-formed cups. to fasten the aquarium’s CO2 supply hose. A CO2 mash system will set you back about $7–$8k in total.
The growth and health of aquatic plants in an aquarium can be greatly enhanced by adding CO2, which results in a more vibrant and well-balanced underwater environment. It facilitates more effective photosynthesis in plants, which improves their growth and color while also balancing the oxygen levels in tanks for fish and other inhabitants. You can establish a healthy, natural habitat for your aquarium’s inhabitants that is beneficial to all of them by knowing how to add CO2 to it properly.
STEP-BY-STEP ASSEMBLY OF CO2 MASH FOR AQUARIUM
Take a cap from a sports bottle. Disconnect the white cap. 
Use a knife to cut out and scrape out the partitions in the red part of the cap. Try to do this carefully and so that there are no tails left. Leave aside. 
Take a syringe. Remove the plunger. Cut off the bottom of the syringe. 
Insert the backpressure valve into the syringe.
Insert the syringe into the prepared red cap from under the sports bottle as follows. The cap can be silicone coated (optional). Pour water into the syringe. This will make a bubble counter. Using it, you can determine the intensity of gas supply to the aquarium by the bubbles coming out. (it is convenient to pour water using another syringe with with a needle) 
We screw the finished “cap-valve-counter” onto a two-liter bottle. Let"s leave it aside.
Note: A bubble counter is not necessary. And attach the dropper tube straight to a two-liter bottle’s lid, making sure to tightly seal the joint with silicone. Grab a dropper. Cut the adapter off. The feed regulator can be quickly taken out of the dropper. It won’t be necessary. Because the mash will explode if you block it. Reconnect the adapter and leave it there. Create a hole for it in the Biola lid. Put the adapter inside the cover.
Note: you can do without the adapter, it"s a personal matter.
Nearby, pierce the Biola lid with a dropper needle.
Make sure the needle doesn"t get clogged with plastic lids. 
Insert a hose from a dropper into the adapter at the bottom of the lid to the size of the Biola bottle – to the bottom.
All adapters must be silicone-coated on both sides (the tightness, after the silicone dries, can be checked by lowering it with water and blowing). Fill the resulting prefilter with water. Something like this. 
Connect everything! Using drip hoses.
Note! That from the main mash container the hose goes to the filter valve with a tube, and from the needle the hose goes to the aquarium with a sprayer. We also recommend generously siliconeizing all connecting joints and letting them dry.
The CO2 system for the aquarium is ready! You can take it to the aquarium.
Your aquatic plants’ growth and health can be considerably enhanced by adding CO2 to your aquarium. Plants that get the proper amount of CO2 are better able to carry out photosynthesis, which results in lush, colorful growth and a more healthy atmosphere for your fish.
Nonetheless, striking the correct balance is crucial. While too little CO2 might not promote the best possible growth for plants, too much CO2 can be harmful to your fish and other tank residents. You can establish a healthy and stable ecosystem in your aquarium by keeping an eye on the CO2 levels and making small adjustments as needed.
In the end, CO2 is an effective way to improve the appearance and health of your aquarium, but it needs maintenance. To find the ideal balance for your particular tank, start small, track your progress, and make necessary adjustments.
