A very normal question we always have received is -- Are there any plants that do not require CO2 or can I replace CO2 with something else for the plants. The simple answer is NO. All plants low or high demand requires CO2, with the difference in the amount of CO2 dosage or duration since they depend on the lighting. Let us look into the details.
CO2 diffusers, also known as carbon dioxide diffusers, are devices used in aquariums or planted tanks to introduce carbon dioxide (CO2) into the water in a controlled manner. They are commonly used in aquascaping, a popular form of aquarium hobby that involves creating underwater landscapes with live plants.
CO2 diffusers work by dissolving CO2 gas into the water, providing a source of carbon for aquatic plants to use in photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and light energy into organic matter and oxygen, and is essential for healthy plant growth in aquariums. By providing a controlled source of CO2, CO2 diffusers can help promote lush and vibrant plant growth in planted tanks.
There are several types of CO2 diffusers available in the market, including:
-
Diffuser Stones: These are porous stones or ceramic disks that release fine bubbles of CO2 gas into the water. The fine bubbles provide a large surface area for the CO2 to dissolve, making them highly efficient in diffusing CO2 into the water. Check out our collections with Aquario Neo and Aquamarket brands
-
Inline Diffusers: These are devices that are installed in-line with the aquarium filtration system, where water is forced through a diffuser chamber that contains a ceramic or glass diffuser. The CO2 gas is injected into the chamber, and as the water flows through, it picks up the dissolved CO2 before returning to the aquarium. Check out the effective design under Aquamarket brand or the Qanvee design
-
Substrate Diffusers: These are diffusers that are buried in the substrate, or gravel, of the aquarium. They release CO2 gas directly into the substrate, allowing the plants to uptake the dissolved CO2 through their roots. Substrate diffusers are particularly useful in planted tanks with heavy root systems, such as carpeting plants.
CO2 diffusers are typically used in conjunction with a CO2 injection system, which includes a CO2 cylinder or generator, a regulator, and a solenoid valve to control the flow of CO2 gas into the diffuser. Proper CO2 dosing and monitoring is important to avoid over- or under-dosing of CO2, which can have negative effects on aquarium inhabitants and plant growth. Below is one of our comparison we had with the same set of plants with and without CO2 to see the results.
In summary, CO2 diffusers are devices used in aquariums and planted tanks to introduce CO2 gas into the water, promoting healthy plant growth. They come in various types and are used in combination with a CO2 injection system to provide controlled and efficient CO2 supplementation for aquatic plants.