Is it necessary to have a c02 dispenser to grow aquatic plants?

Question

my tank is very small only about 25 litres

Answer 1

It depends on how many plants you mean. The most important thing to remember is live plants require a balance. You need to balance the fertilizer, lighting and CO2 at proper levels for the number of plants you are keeping. If you have only a few plants in a tank, not major amount of CO2 or fertilizers will be needed and natural levels will probably be fine. The more plants you add, the more the demand for CO2 and therefore the more you need a CO2 system and of course extra fertilizers.

MM

Answer 2

It depends on the kinds of plants you have... the hearty plants, like java fern, will do fine without one. I have also had some marginal success with water lettuce. The problem is that you may develop a lot of algae if you don't have a co2 system. If you use hearty plants, have a few fish as another person answered, and add an otto or 3, the algae shouldn't be too bad. WARNING: do NOT add ottos until youhave some algae to eat! I accidentally starved a few to death before I figued this one out. Let your tank glass get a little algaefied, then add ottos. I do suggest that you start out with java fern... it is readily available, cheap and growns well with little care. The more expensive, delicate or demanding plants are more difficult.

Answer 3

As mentioned by others, it depends on the kinds of plants you want to keep. I tend to stick to slower-growing plants and I don't see any real difference with or without CO2. Fast-growing plants typically need more light and nutrients, and, at least in my tanks, they tend not to fare as well (though I've gotten a nice batch of wisteria going in my 30 gallon). If you have a LOT of the fast-growing variety, you'd best add CO2, but you can keep slower-growing plants and a FEW wisteria/anacharis without it and it can work fine if you make sure to meet their lighting and nutrient requirements.

Answer 4

Not if you keep fish in the tank. Finsh need Oxygen in their water and they produce Carbon Dioxide. If you have fish in your tank (maybe 2 schools of Tetras), they will provide sufficient CO2 and fertilizer, just get the right light, and you're set! Good luck!

Nosoop4u

Answer 5

no..lighting..temperature and fertilizer is most important plants themselves are oxygenators and manage quite well if given the correct environment.co2 certainaly wont harm...but no biggy if its not there by dispenser

Answer 6

for best results yes. I haven't grown plants without one.