Airstone usage

Limeylemon

I am currently re planting my tank, and have 40+ plants on order, i will also be creating a lawn of riccia.
With so many plants oxygenating my water, would i get away with using my air pump less? like not using it at night, or would i not need it at all? its a 34g with flourite substrate, several neon and black phantom tetras, 3 gouramis, 3 corys 2 glass catfish 2 platys and 5 guppys.

(note i noticed when my old air pump packed in while i was out, i lost 4 tetras, this was with a barely planted tank)

Jbrofish8

You dont need an airstone at all with a planted tank. It will do more harm than good to the plants.

All you need is a good filter(for fish), light, heater, and some fertilizer.

Limeylemon

I'll be using a co2 system, root tabs, and seachem flourish. Will the boost of co2 with no oxygen effect the fish in a bad way? Or will it just help replace any oxygen needed?

Jbrofish8

Plants produce oxygen when they photosynthesize. With co2 you will likely need more light and nutrients to keep everything balanced.

What light do you have for this tank?

Limeylemon

I have a T5 HO 24w double bulb, one bulb for colour, the other for plants.

gmate

Out of curiosity, how would it do harm?

Jbrofish8

Using an airstone causes valuable CO2 to escape the water through the surface agitation.

gmate

You're making me think if my airstone is unnecessary now...hmmm

Limeylemon

SAME! Its like... I've put up with that noise for months, for nothing! It will be unplugged for good when the plants arrive :)

By the way, is my lighting strong enough to work with the co2?

Jbrofish8

Im honestly not all that sure about the light. I'll let Byron chime in on your light, hes the expert. :P