Description

This article is from the Aquaria: Plants FAQ, by multiple authors.

18 Is Carbon Dioxide (CO2) injection really necessary?

CO2 injection is not required to grow plants. However, most people who
have used it feel that, aside from high-intensity lighting, CO2 is the
most important step to getting excellent growth. In fact, as light
intensity is increased, plants will require more nutrients, including
carbon which is derived from CO2. In conjunction with carbonate
buffers (see the WATER CHEMISTRY section of the BEGINNER FAQ), CO2
injection will buffer your water to a neutral or low pH. Lower pH will
help plants get access to certain nutrients. Some also report CO2
injection keeps algae down.

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