Three types of CO2-Systems are used by aquarists to add CO2 to the water in their aquariums: 1. CO2 Bio-Systems, 2. CO2 Mechanical-Systems, and 3. CO2 Electrolysis-Systems. We’ll discuss each method. 1. A CO2 Bio-System
consists of a container, such as a 2-liter soda bottle, with small amounts of yeast, sugar, pH buffer, and water. These ingredients naturally ferment to produce CO2. This is a very low-tech, natural, and inexpensive way to add CO2 to aquarium water.

The container has a stopper with a hole through it for a piece of stiff plastic tubing that attaches to a piece of flexible tubing, which dangles into the aquarium and allows the CO2 to bubble into the water. The CO2 in the bubbles dissolves into the water, increasing the the concentration of CO2 and the growth of the plants .

2. A CO2 Mechanical-System
is much more convenient and efficient than a CO2 Bio-System at adding CO2 to aquarium water.

A CO2 Mechanical-System uses bottled CO2 gas and usually includes both a gas regulator and a needle valve to a adjust the flow of the CO2 gas, plus a bubble counter, a check valve, and a CO2 diffuser or reactor.
Since photosynthesis uses light as the source of energy, photosynthesis only takes place, when the plants are exposed to light. When plants are not exposed to light, photosynthesis is reversed, and the plants release some CO2 back into the water.

While CO2 is essential for plants, too much CO2 can reduce the pH of aquarium water to levels that are stressful for fish, so the CO2 System should be turned off when the lights are turned off, which is easy to do by putting both the lights and the CO2 System on the same switch or on the same timer.

Most
CO2 Systems have a valve that can be adjusted to produce the correct level of CO2, which can be measured with a CO2-monitor, that gives an easy-to-read, continuous, qualitative visual indication of the current CO2 level in a freshwater aquarium.

3. A CO2 Electrolysis-System
uses electricity to slowly convert a replaceable carbon block into CO2 gas, which slowly bubbles off the surface of the carbon block and dissolves into the aquarium water. This system consists of an electronic controller and a carbon block. Click here to buy a Carbo Plus System.

Carbo Plus System,
showing the adjustable controller connected to the carbon block. The controller a current to the carbon block, which produces bubbles of CO2 gas that dissolves in the aquarium water.

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