ml> i'm learning the plant tank stuff now also... i just lost 3
 ml> bunches of anacharis (about $8US) because i have a bubble
 ml> curtain in that tank and wasn't aware of the gas exchanges
 ml> that take place like the above...
just a followup to this, you may, at some point, also want to use a "CO2 
injection system" to keep the CO2 levels ok for the plants. i saw, on the 
internet, a simple one that used a green 7UP 2 liter bottle, some hose thru 
the cap of the bottle and yeast... seemed simple enough... i'll try to locate 
more info as time allows... i have a feeling that i'll need it again, 
myself...
)\/(ark
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** A related thread FOLLOWS this message.

FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 229 AQUARIUMS     Ref: EGWG0772 Date: 12/27/97
From: MICHAEL PERRY                                         Time: 12:12pm
\/To: MARK LEWIS                                          (Read 3 times)
Subj: R: Plant Tank

>take note that air bubbles will also remove the CO2 from the water... too
>many bubbles, and the plants will not make it due to lack of CO2... the
>plants will generate the O2 that the fish need...
>i'm learning the plant tank stuff now also... i just lost 3 bunches of
>anacharis (about $8US) because i have a bubble curtain in that tank and
>wasn't aware of the gas exchanges that take place like the above...
   Hi Mark,
   I have been raising fish, and live plants in the same tanks for many
   years. I have been reading the messages about the plants with a
   little bit of a grin. Years ago, I read that undergravel filters were
   good for plants. Later I read that they were no good. Through
   experience, I have some success stories, and some failure stories to
   share. I have never had any long term luck with hygrophlia, or
   cabomba. (sp) Those are the failures. Right now, I have tanks set up
   with different types of filters, and plants. They all have a lot of
   aireation, and I am not adding any CO2. Here's a list.....
   55 gal red mellon sword, two amazon swords, crypt, 5 giant val
   50 gal 3 ruffled swords
   175 gal lots of hornwort (I sell it to a local store)
   70 gal more hornwort
   70 gal two giant val ( started with one from 55 4 months ago)

     All of the tanks have a lot of fish, and either outside power
     filters, or undergravel filters. There are african cichlids in the
     175, and the population keeps growing. Most of the tanks are being
     used for raising angel fish. I have between 500, and 1000 right now
     at different sizes. I have sold about 400 in the last 4 months. I
     have also sold about 100 various African cichlids in that time. I
     use Kent plant supplement, and gro lux bulbs. I do between 5, and
     10 % water changes once a week. So for me, good light, iron from
     the Kent, and water changes seem to keep my plants, and fish
     healthy. Oh yeah, my water has a ph of about 7.5, and is a bit
     hard. I hope that this will help others.
                           MIKE.............
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FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 229 AQUARIUMS     Ref: EGX00000 Date: 12/27/97
From: CAROL SHENKENBERGER                                   Time: 12:13pm
\/To: MARK LEWIS                                          (Read 1 times)
Subj: Re: Plant Tank

*** Quoting mark lewis from a message to Carol Shenkenberger ***
 CS> Well, it's bubbling away a bit (tiny air unit for the one
 CS> fish, who probably doesnt need it, but habits die hard). The
 CS> guppy looks happy in with all the plants.
ml> take note that air bubbles will also remove the CO2 from the water...
ml> too many bubbles, and the plants will not make it due to lack of CO2..
ml> the plants will generate the O2 that the fish need...
Its just a tiny filter.  Smallest size they sell, made for a 5 gallon bowl 
and sitting in a 20 gallon tank.  I imagine it's ok.
The plants are starting to grow...I see roots on many of them now.
                                       xxcarol
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