Another question we are asked a lot so I wanted to cover this topic on the blog and break it down into 5 easily digestable chunks. CO2 is hugely beneficial to aquarium plants. Yes some will be fine without them but if you want plants to look like yu see in some beautiful aquascapes, CO2 will be used.
1. CO2 is a necessary nutrient for aquatic plants, as it is a major source of carbon. Without adequate CO2, aquatic plants cannot photosynthesise and can slowly weaken, leading to poor growth.
2. Plants require CO2 in order to produce energy, which is necessary for growth and health. Without CO2, they will not be able to produce enough energy to sustain themselves, resulting in stunted growth.
3. CO2 also helps aquatic plants to absorb other important nutrients such as iron, potassium, and nitrogen. Without adequate CO2, these other nutrients will not be taken up by the plants, leading to deficiencies.
4. CO2 helps aquatic plants to form lignin, a substance that strengthens cell walls and helps the plant to better withstand environmental stress. Without adequate CO2, plants will be more vulnerable to stress and may succumb to disease or other problems.
5. CO2 helps to create a more stable environment in the aquarium, as it helps to maintain optimal pH levels. Without adequate CO2, pH levels can fluctuate wildly, leading to stress and poor health for the plants as well as other inhabitants of the tank.
So as you can see, the benefits of CO2 are huge and to ensure plants look their very best, they will need this essential gas.
