The CO2 Bio-System is a complete, efficient system for the production and diffusion of CO2 for aquariums up to 160 liters / 40 gal.
Encourages vibrant plant growth & vitality
Natural biological fermentation process
No high-pressure components required.
Unique diffuser pump with CO2 venturi injector
Injects micro bubbles from bottom of aquarium
Optimum diffusion of generated CO2
Enables lower CO2 diffusion rate at night
Includes components for 1 months supply of CO2
For continued use, use Red Sea’s Bio Generator Refill Kit
Carbon Dioxide for Aquatic Plants
For plants to grow, they form carbohydrates out of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water, using light as the energy source. This process is called photosynthesis.
Although they are called "aquatic plants", most aquarium plants are swamp plants that grow in their natural habitat with at least part of their leaves above the water line, and are adapted to take up gaseous CO2 from the atmosphere. In the aquarium, placed entirely under water, most plants are only able to use the CO2 that is dissolved in the water.
In a well-planted aquarium CO2 is in great demand and if not added regularly will become the most dominant factor limiting plant growth.
Since photosynthesis uses light as the energy source, photosynthesis only takes place during daylight. Due to the lack of light energy at night the photosynthesis process is reversed so that the plants actually release some CO2 into the water.
While CO2 is essential for plants, too much CO2 can reduce the pH of the aquarium water to levels that are stressful for fish and therefore CO2 diffusion into the aquarium should be reduced at night.
To ensure correct levels of CO2 at all times it is recommended to use a CO2 monitor like the Red Sea CO2 Indicator, which gives an easy-to-read, continuous, qualitative visual indication of the current CO2 level in a freshwater aquarium.
CO2 Bio-System
Diagram 1 – Product Components
Reactor Body
Reactor Lid
Silicone tube
Diffusion pump
Venturi
The CO2 Bio-System provides a simple, reliable and safe source of natural CO2 with a unique method for efficient and controlled diffusion of CO2 into the aquarium. The CO2 Bio-System is recommended for aquariums up to 160 liters / 40 gal.
CO2 Generation
In the Reactor of the CO2 Bio-System, yeast breaks down sugar in a natural biological process that generates CO2, which is released as a gas. The reaction Media provided has been specially treated to ensure a stable production of CO2 for approximately 30 days, after which time the reaction Media should be replaced. This biological process is affected by temperature. It works best at temperatures that are normal for freshwater tropical aquariums with slight variations of CO2 generation rate and production period according to the actual conditions. At higher temperatures CO2 will be generated at a faster rate but the CO2 generation period will be reduced. At lower temperatures the reaction will slow down and under 15OC / 59OF it may stop completely.
CO2 Diffusion
Unlike other biological CO2 systems, the CO2 Bio-System includes a diffusion pump which injects CO2into the aquarium via a purpose designed venturi, which produces micro-bubbles of CO2 at water depths of more than 45cm (18”). This allows the diffusion pump to be located directly above the aquarium substrate, which promotes more efficient CO2 absorption into the water column, by allowing each CO2 bubble more time to fully diffuse into the water as it rises to the surface. In addition the diffusion pump provides additional water circulation near the substrate, which will assist in bringing the water bourn nutrients to the roots, the gentle flow disperses the CO2 bubbles over a larger area of the aquarium, again improvin adsorption of the CO2 into the water.
The positive sucking action of the venturi, actively injects the CO2 into the aquarium as it is produced without creating any backpressure in the reactor, significantly improving the stability of the system.
CO2 reduction at night
As discussed above, CO2 diffusion at night can be unnecessary or even harmful for the fish. By switching the diffusion pump off at night either manually or by using a simple household timer to automate the process, the CO2 diffusion will be significantly reduced, improving the overall performance of the system.
It is not possible to stop the generation of CO2 in the reactor however switching off the diffusion pump will slow down the reaction and reduce the effective diffusion of the gas into the aquarium water. Switching the diffusion pump off at night is not essential but is highly recommended.
For continued use, use Red Sea’s CO2 Bio Refill Kit.
Includes components for 1 month’s supply of CO2.
