Too Much CO2?

Re: Too Much CO2?

You can only drive the photosynthetic reaction so far with light, CO2 and nutrients. After a certain point, adding more will not be of any more benefit and may even hinder or slow the reaction. Certainly plants come from waters that are even lower in pH values, yet grow and thrive in these waters. Obviously there in no CO2 reactor upstream, so there must be other factors involved in their success. You have found success in growth rates at a certain hardness level and reasonable CO2 level. I would try to maintain those conditions which have been shown to benefit your plants most. The CO2 charts are "theoretical" which is always going to be different than what you can measure or test due to variables in your tank. My theoretical CO2 level, at my KH and pH is around 47 ppm, and considered too high according to the charts. But it's not, it's fine. Fish are fine and plants are growing lusher than ever. Use the chart as a guide but watch how fish and plants react, then adjust if necessary.

 

Re: Too Much CO2?

I would have though too much c02 would kill the fish before the plants?