CO2 plant fertilisation
The most important food for plants
As soon as your plants receive the right light, the photosynthesis process starts. As a result carbon dioxide (CO2) is combined with water to make nutrition (sugar), releasing oxygen (O2) as a by-product. This way CO2 serves the plants as their main food. Further fertiliser, such as JBL PROFLORA Ferropol or JBL PROFLORA Ferropol 24 can be compared to the vitamins and trace elements humans need to survive, no matter how much fats, carbohydrates and proteins (corresponds to CO2 for the plants) we eat.
CO2 is always present in small amounts in your aquarium water through the exhalation of fish, plants (at night), invertebrates and bacteria.
Where does the natural CO2 content in the water come from?
Can you leave out the CO2?
Admittedly, even without CO2 fertilisation, some aquarists have observed their plants growing. There are several reasons for this, and the needs of aquarium plants can differ as much as those of fish (discus/goldfish). Some plants, such as the Vallisneria, need very little fertiliser, little light and can survive with the CO2 content of untreated water. Any high maintenance plants, such as Rotala macranda, would perish miserably if forced to share an aquarium in these conditions. The Vallisneria, on the other hand, would flourish still further, were it to receive CO2 fertilisation, assuming there is enough fertiliser and light.
CO2 is dissolved in EVERY water, as it diffuses from our air into the water until the CO2 content in the water is equal to the CO2 content in the air (concentration balance). Unfortunately, it’s not enough for most aquarium plants.
How much CO2 does your aquarium water contain?
This table shows you: firstly how much CO2 is dissolved in your aquarium water, and secondly which CO2 content is ideal for your plants. To use the table you need the pH value and the carbonate hardness of your aquarium water. These two values will give you a CO2 content which is easy to read off. For example, if your pH content is 7.4 and the KH is 6 °dKH, you have 7 mg/l CO2 in the water. However most aquatic plants need slightly higher CO2 levels between 14 and 23 mg/l for vigorous and healthy growth. Very sensitive species even need up to 23 – 36 mg/l. With the help of a CO2 fertiliser system you can then increase the CO2 content in the water and thus at the same time provide the perfect pH value for your fish.
When you measure the pH value of your aquarium water you can read in the table shown, how much CO2 is present in your aquarium. The green area in the table indicates what would be the ideal CO2 level for thriving plant growth or the right level for sensitive plants. Now you can see whether the CO2 content of your water is sufficient and if you need to increase it for the perfect plant growth. JBL offers you a practical JBL CO2-pH Permanent Test , which permanently displays the CO2 content of your aquarium water. This way you can easily and quickly read on a scale at any time how much CO2 is available in the water.
To increase of the CO2 concentration, you can find fertiliser systems under PROFLORA CO2 plant care . You have the choice between bio-CO2 systems ( PROFLORA Bio ), which produce CO2 by means of a sugar-yeast fermentation and systems with pressurised gas cylinders, filled with CO2 ( Disposable (u) or Refillable (m) ).
In addition, you still have the option of purchasing a CO2 set, which includes everything but a CO2 cylinder ( JBL PROFLORA CO2 PROFESSIONAL SET V ). This is especially interesting if you already own a CO2 cylinder.
This is how a CO2 fertiliser system works
For CO2 fertiliser systems with pressurised gas cylinders you have the choice between disposable cylinders as JBL ProFlora u-System ( Disposable (u) ) and refillable returnable cylinders as JBL ProFlora m-System ( Refillable (m) ).
The CO2 is contained in a storage cylinder which always needs to be kept in an upright position, since CO2 is liquefied under pressure. To keep the gas well dosed while introducing it into the aquarium, screw the pressure reducer onto the storage cylinder. It reduces the cylinder pressure so that you are able to adjust the CO2 supply to an exact quantity of bubbles with the help of the needle valve. The CO2 travels from the pressure reducer, through a CO2 resistant hose to a bubble counter, which has a check valve ( JBL PROFLORA CO2 Count Safe ) fitted. There is water in the bubble count, allowing you to see the CO2 bubbles rise and become visible. Now you can adjust the desired bubble count with the needle valve. The integrated check valve prevents a backflow of water into the pressure reducer and storage cylinder. The CO2 hose transports the carbon dioxide from the pressure reducer into your aquarium where it needs to dissolve as quickly and uniformly as possible in the water. To do so, various diffusers are available, depending on the size of your aquarium. In the diffuser, the CO2 comes into contact with the aquarium water where it dissolves. A permanent test indicates how much CO2 has been dissolved and whether this is the right amount.
Connecting a CO2 system, aerating the aquarium and putting it into operation
What are the advantages of a CO2 plant fertiliser system? How do you connect a CO2 fertiliser system to your aquarium? Why should you aerate your aquarium at night?
Which CO2 system is the right one for you?
CO2, also called carbon dioxide, is the main nutrient for all plants.
The ideal CO2 fertilisation for plants in the aquarium
CO2, also called carbon dioxide, is the main nutrient for all plants.
What is the significance of the individual components of a CO2 system?
JBL PROFLORA CO2 Premium Service Partner
In the dealer search below, you can find out which specialist dealer in your area carries the JBL PROFLORA CO2 concept and can help you fill or exchange the JBL PROFLORA CO2 cylinders by entering your postal code.