El CO2 in the aquarium It is an absolutely essential element not only for the survival of our fish, but also for the optimal development of the aquatic plants that inhabit it. This gas plays a crucial role in the photosynthesis, the biological process through which plants convert light into energy, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. In fact, a properly oxygenated aquarium not only improves water quality, but also promotes a healthy habitat. In this article, we will explore a home-made technique for generating CO2 economically and effectively, as well as other methods and considerations related to this fundamental topic.
Why is CO2 important in an aquarium?
Carbon dioxide is an essential gas in planted aquariums because it plays a key role in photosynthesis. aquarium plants, like land plants, use CO2 to produce energy, releasing oxygen in the process. Without an adequate amount of this gas, plants can suffer deficiencies, presenting a weak growth or even serious diseases.
Below we detail the main benefits of CO2 in your aquarium:
- Improves plant growth: CO2 promotes more vigorous and healthy growth of aquatic plants.
- Maintains chemical balance: Helps stabilize pH and KH levels, essential for water quality.
- Algae control: Providing enough CO2 to plants makes it difficult for algae to proliferate, as they compete for the same nutrients.
- Ecosystem Optimization: Improves the quality of life of fish and other organisms by promoting healthy gas exchange.
Materials needed to make homemade CO2
The homemade method of generating CO2 is an effective and economical solution for small and medium-sized aquariums. Before you begin, make sure you have the following materials:
- 1 plastic bottle (preferably 1,5 or 2 liters).
- 1 serum dispenser with non-return valve and bubble counter.
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda.
- 1 tablespoon of yeast (you can use baker's or brewer's yeast).
- 1 and a half cups of hot water.
- Waterproof silicone sealant.
These materials are easy to get and economical, making this method an excellent alternative for those looking for practical solutions without spending on expensive commercial systems.
Step-by-step instructions for making homemade CO2
Creating your own homemade CO2 system is a simple process if you follow these instructions carefully:
1. Prepare the bottle and system
Make a small hole in the bottle cap large enough to insert the tube from the serum dispenser. Make sure it fits snugly and seal with silicone on both sides to prevent gas escaping. Allow to dry completely before continuing.
2. Prepare the initial mixture
Heat a cup and a half of water and dissolve a cup of sugar in it. Make sure to mix well until there are no granules left. Once the sugar is dissolved, add the baking soda and mix until you get a smooth consistency. uniform solution.
3. Cool and solidify the mixture
Pour this mixture into the bottle and place it in the refrigerator in a horizontal position so that it solidifies at an angle. This will ensure a larger contact surface inside the bottle.
4. Activate fermentation
The next day, add warm water to the bottle, leaving about 7 cm of headspace from the nozzle. Add a tablespoon of fresh or dry yeast without stirring or shaking. The fermentation process will begin immediately, producing CO2 bubbles.
5. Connect the system to the aquarium
Fill the bubble counter of the dispenser with water and connect the end of the tube to the internal filter of the aquarium. Make sure that all the connections are tight to prevent gas leaks.
Practical tips to improve the performance of homemade CO2
Although this method is cash, there are ways to optimize its performance:
- Use dechlorinated water: If you use tap water, let it sit for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate, as it can affect the yeast.
- Control the temperature: Keep the bottle in a warm place so that fermentation is constant and efficient.
- Add a diffuser: Installing a CO2 diffuser in the aquarium helps the gas to dissolve more easily and distribute evenly.
- Avoid excesses: Do not overload the initial mix, as excessive CO2 production can be harmful to the fish.
How long does homemade CO2 mix last?
The duration of the mixture depends on several factors such as the amount of yeast and sugar used, ambient temperature and CO2 consumption of the aquarium. Under normal conditions, it can last between 7 and 15 days. A sign that the mixture has stopped producing CO2 is the Decrease or absence of bubbles in the bubble counter.
What alternatives are there to home-made CO2?
While the homemade method is economical and efficient, there are other options for supplying CO2 to the aquarium:
- Pressurized systems: They are commercial devices that use compressed CO2 bottles, ideal for large or planted aquariums with high demand.
- Tablet diffusers: They emit CO2 when dissolved in water, although they are not as efficient or constant as home or pressurized systems.
- Liquid CO2: It is applied directly to aquarium water, but may not be compatible with some sensitive plant and fish species.
Precautions when using CO2 in aquariums
Too much CO2 can be toxic to fish, causing them breathing difficulties or even death. For this reason, it is essential constantly monitor CO2 levels in the water. There are test kits available on the market that allow you to measure the pH and hardness of the water to determine the appropriate amount of CO2.
Also, be sure to observe your fish's behavior. If you notice that they frequently come to the surface to breathe or exhibit signs of stress, immediately reduces the amount of CO2 supplied.
Implementing a home-made CO2 system for aquariums is an inexpensive and practical way to ensure the well-being of your plants and fish. While it does require some effort and monitoring, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. A balanced and healthy aquarium is not only a visual pleasure, but also an ecosystem that reflects our dedication and care.