What is CO2 and why is it so important in our aquariums?

Surely if you are starting in the world of water landscaping you have been assailed by a thousand doubts, as is normal! Before venturing to acquire an aquarium and start incorporating fish, plants, and all the necessary equipment, we must inform ourselves and have some basic knowledge to start on the right foot. Knowing the importance of CO2 in planted aquariums is key.

Read on and find out what CO2 is and why it is so important in our aquariums.

Do all aquariums need carbon dioxide?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the essential elements for the balance and perfect development of planted aquariums. CO2 is a vital nutrient for the proper growth and health of plants.

Although all aquariums have carbon dioxide, by adding it ourselves we ensure a fully balanced planted aquarium. In fish and plant urns it is very common for natural imbalances (pH, kH …) to occur due to the different demands of each species, so injecting CO2 is the perfect solution.

The importance of CO2 during photosynthesis

During photosynthesis, water plants, like terrestrial ones, consume carbon dioxide and expel oxygen. In order to transform inorganic matter into organic, they must absorb and assimilate well the essential elements (CO2, carbonates, bicarbonates, light…)

When in aquariums there are limited amounts of the elements mentioned, we can talk about a deficit that directly affects the plants and the submerged ecosystem itself. That is why we must be vigilant and intervene in time. To avoid unforeseen events we recommend injecting CO2 into your aquarium before it is too late. If you doubt between several brands we recommend you trust BLAU.

Getting a densely planted and healthy aquarium, with Ornamental Fish Aquarium, is possible.

Necessary amount of CO2 in aquariums

Before including natural plants in aquariums we must inform ourselves to know well the needs and demands of each species (Anubias, Bucephalandra, Cryptocoryne, Rotala, floating, ferns …). Each of them has its own characteristics and peculiarities.  

Carbon dioxide (CO2) has acidic properties, so when dissolved in water the pH drops. The extent to which the pH drops depends directly on the KH of the water. Although there are other compounds that affect water parameters, controlling the amount of CO2 is key. To know if we are adding the necessary amount of CO2 we must have an aquarium drop checker.