Are High Tech Planted Tanks Worth It? My First Impressions

I’ve always done low tech planted tanks because high tech aquariums are more expensive, complicated, and more maintenance. But pressurized CO2 gas does produce insane plant growth… so are they worth it?

🛒 MATERIALS I USED
(FYI I work for Aquarium Co-Op but do not receive commissions from their links.)

📚 RESOURCES

🦐 EXTRAS

ATTRIBUTION

#girltalksfish #plantedtank #plantedaquarium

0:00 Learning new skills: how to use CO2 gas in planted tanks
0:53 Why I avoided high tech planted aquariums
2:04 Why I decided to try high tech planted tanks
3:12 Gathering materials for a CO2 injection system
4:52 My first impressions of CO2 system equipment
7:12 My first impressions of plant growth from CO2 gas
9:50 Is pressurized CO2 gas worth it?

[JolliBliss]

Simple conclusion: If you can afford it, do it.

[yourfriend]

hi there! this was really helpful, we’re getting my mom a cardinal tetra tank because she really loves how cute they are and all of their colours. she also loves plants and taking care of them so we wanted to give her a planted tank. we didn’t want to get a sloppy gift so here we are! Lol love your videos! Keep on going

[GSAquatix]

Thanks for demystifying high tech setups, Irene! Your tank looks so healthy!

[MegaPandaCraft]

I've been using a CO2 generation system for about a month and have liked it a lot. They are about $90 for the whole system and the ingredients needed for the reaction aren't expensive either. I've noticed very noticeable growth differences in my plants, especially my Dwarf Hair Grass.

"refilling" is a heck of a lot cheaper than buying tanks of CO2.

[nickpass]

I had the exact experience setting up my CO2...what a nightmare! Although it's fantastic once it's done. Oh, and Irene, thanks for putting out your videos. Each time it pops up on my notifications, I am inspired to go do that tank maintenance I was putting off. My fish thank you as well.

[liztorbett]

GIRL YOURE LITERALLY TO GORGEOUS OMG. i’m getting a betta fish after my family vacation next week and your videos are super helpful! you get straight to the point and have tons of information. i can tell you know what you’re doing :) have a wonderful day!

[zeety]

I use DIY CO2 system with citric acid and baking soda for my small 18L tank, much cheaper than pressurized CO2. My rotala green and rotala hra growing like crazy with lower cost!

[seannunes]

This is great! You finally made the jump. Even a little CO2 makes a massive difference with the plants. CO2 Arts is great. I would not use any other brand, I also use their inline diffuser on my Oase. Just watch your DKH, CO2 acidify your water.

[furiousstyles]

I appreciate you for documenting your journey of experimentation. Too many hi-tech vids show the aspirational outcomes and not the process of fumbling through stumbling blocks.

[cyndifalk]

This was really good info! I've always been intimidated by CO2 for the exact reasons you stated - hmmm -maybe you've given me the courage to try it!

[haitch]

Adding CO2 opens up lots more opportunities to try plants that would never thrive in low tech. It all depends on what the individual wants but a tank with CO2 against a low tech set up are chalk and cheese to me. Loving your videos, thanks for sharing.

[PapaShrimpTX]

Great video!! I like that you at least ran your own test with it first before just not giving it a shot! 👍

[antoniochua]

ive heard that you cant use filters like that sponge filter because the bubbles will defeat the purpose of the C02 (whatever that means) But from your account i can see it still helped and your getting great results.

[Orchids.and.Endlers]

Great quality video ! Love the editing TF !

[professorm]

You can have more red plants when you have CO2.

[lxix]

Just set up a 2.5lb paintball tank setup! I love it

[noelbrucker]

Your tank looks amazing! It sounds like it was a fun and interesting project - thanks for sharing your insights from a home hobbyist perspective. That’s so funny - I just this morning removed what must have been a 4-5 foot flower stalk from my first successful aponogeton, enough to grow up out of the tank and reach/curl up on the ground below my 36g. My kids were cracking up since I had just bought us tickets to see “Little Shop of Horrors” about the evil plant that takes over the world 🤣🌱🌳

[limelightaquatics]

Love the new intro. I also upgraded to a CO2 setup recently. I'm very happy with the results, but I was also surprised at how expensive the CO2 tanks were!

[EliBelcherBeatbyeli]

Your dedication and commitment to this hobby, no matter the trials and tests to give your viewers information, keep us updated to help us in this hobby is priceless ❤️ truly one of a kind on YouTube.

[adelesandry]

Great info Irene. I agree with it always seeming complicated. Usually I'm confused a few seconds into a CO2 vid. Ok, off topic, where did you get your teacup platies? Haven't found them around me. I love my painted platies & am doing a breeding project to get the darkest red/orange but would love a slightly smaller fish. As always great work!