Can plants use BiCarbonates?

[Martin]

Had a discussion about BiCarbonates..

I seem to remember that many plants can use the CO2 from BiCarbonates..

But can't remember the exacts...

Anyone care to chip in?!

 

[Martin]

Re: Can plants use BiCarbonates?

Specifically getting CO2 from KH etc.

 

[defdac]

Re: Can plants use BiCarbonates?

I asked a kindof related question:
http://www.barrreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=718

There are two different ways plants can use it. Direct or indirect.

Direct requires cell surface carbonic anyhydrase type enzymes, indirect simply requires an ATP protron pump. The HCO3 is now CO2 so the uptake can be rapid and in bulk wereas the cell surface method is discrete and potentially limiting.

Current in the environment makes a difference which works better but generally less current will favor CO2 limitation, so....indirect is better than you might think.

 

[Martin]

Re: Can plants use BiCarbonates?

hmm...
yes, hmm..

the argument is that "only" these; Elodea, Vallisneria & Ceratophyllum can use Bicarbonates?
I seem to remember something about these species, but not what specifically.

As fart as I can gather from various posts, and tom's reports, Plants can use Bicarbonates as a source of CO2, IF there is no CO2 in the tank.
This would affect the tankwater's KH and slowly lower the KH.?!

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: Can plants use BiCarbonates?

Yes, only some plants will/can use the bicarb and all plants and algae will only use the bicarb when the CO2 is limiting. Co2 is much easier to use, so they do not go after the KH till the CO2 is very low.

There are perhaps 50 species or so that can use bicarb.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[Martin]

Re: Can plants use BiCarbonates?

The 50 you mention are plants that DO use the bicarbs?

as I've read what you've said in reports and stuff, about 50% of all plants can use bicarbs, but, as you say, only a few species use bicarbs readily, even though CO2 is present?

Am I understanding this correct?!

This is about what i've come to, also what I gathered reading an article from tropica; http://www.tropica.com/article.asp?type=aquaristic&id=142

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: Can plants use BiCarbonates?

Yes, that is the case.

The Tropica article is a great read.

Regards,
Tom Barr