Best Aquarium CO2 Diffuser-Review and Buying Guide-2023

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) plays an important role as a nutrient for successful plant growth in the aquarium. During the process of photosynthesis, aquatic plants remove CO₂ from their environment. In this process, aquatic plants use CO₂ and H₂O to produce carbohydrate (C₆H₁₂O₆) and Oxygen (O₂) with the help of light energy. Generally, the planted aquarium should have sufficient CO₂.   There are many best aquarium CO₂ diffuser in the pet business sector with a reasonable price tag. You should use high-quality brands that provide better performance that fulfill your requirements.

A medium-level plant requires CO₂ about 10-15 mg/L while advanced plants need CO₂ 15-30 mg/L. But a high level of CO₂ is lethal to your fish that can also cause death to your fish. For optimum growth with beautiful plant colors, you should take care and maintenance. In this case, you can add CO₂, macronutrients like iron (Fe), nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), manganese (Mn), and micronutrients inside your aquarium. Aquarium plants can absorb these nutrients through their leaves and roots.

Aquarium plants use free CO₂ to perform photosynthesis.  For this reason, plants need essential factors such as fertilizers, lighting, and CO₂ that govern the speed of growth and health. If you use modern T5 or LED lighting system and the substrate or liquid fertilizers in the aquarium that can make the aquarium unbalanced. Hence CO₂ is very important for your aquarium plants to make the balanced aquarium otherwise huge algae growth has an effect over the fish tank.

In many cases, high CO₂ can produce carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) when dissolved in water that leads to pH swings in the aquarium. This problem often occurs at night when plants do not perform photosynthesis. In this case, the pH level in the aquarium water drops rapidly and can be harmful to aquarium organisms. So adding CO₂ to the planted aquarium should be closely observed.

For making microbubbles, the best type of CO₂ diffuser is essential. It should be safe, secure, and does not leak. There are many high-quality CO₂ diffusers in the pet business sector with a reasonable price tag. You should use high-quality brands that provide better performance that fulfill your requirements. In this case, it is better to purchase using a few more dollars that be confirmed with a quality product.

It is a very hard job to select the best quality products. For this reason, we have compiled lots of information using online research and made a list of 10 best quality CO₂ diffusers that may help you to choose the best one.

Comparison Table: Best Aquarium CO2 Diffuser

JARDLI Music Glass CO₂ Diffuser

If you are looking for a diffuser for small or average-sized planted aquarium, then the JARDLI Music Glass CO₂ Diffuser is the perfect choice for you. You can use it for up to 75 gallons tank. It is a very favorite for many tank owners due to its elegance and efficacy design.

It is made using high-quality borosilicate glass which makes the product is safe and durable to use for your tank. Its elegance design also makes it more visually appealing.

The Music Glass diffuser has high-quality ceramic membrane nano-holes with 2-inches diameter which can carry on to producing tiny bubbles that can equally spread the CO₂ into your tank water which helps to mix with natural water flow. In this case, its bowl style design can easily break downs and dissolve up to 98% of CO₂ which enhances the plant growth and health due to its sufficient CO₂ supply.

I highly appreciate purchasing this device due to its easy to set up with no time at all. The device contains two suction cups and a stick that simply connects to the airflow pipe and to the side of the tank, respectively.

Caution to Use

Before using, tube, ceramic disc, or surfaces must be immersed in water for at least 30 minutes. To avoid damaging glassware, you should always wet the glass tubing before inserting the silicon or rubber tubing.

Pros

• Aesthetically and visually it is very appealing.
• Aesthetically and visually it is very appealing.
• It is safe, durable, and easy to setup.
• It is a super-affordable device that can disperse a tiny bubble of CO₂ in a wide area of water.
• It is made using high-quality borosilicate glass with high-quality ceramic membrane holes.

Cons

• Sometimes it can block with algae.t
• Care should be taken due to its little fragile glass.

STARSIDE Aquarium CO₂ Regulator

If you looking for the best quality CO₂ diffuser that produces a constant stream of tiny bubbles, then STARSIDE CO₂ diffuser is the best choice for you. It is made using the best quality resin glass that is resistant to bending and extremely durable. It looks crystal clear, nice, and aesthetically beautiful.

It works well due to its U-shaped feature and easy to install. It uses the ceramic disc to produce a constant stream of CO₂ bubbles and diffuse the CO₂ into the water more evenly by creating a tiny form of bubbles that enhances your plants’ growth.

The most outstandingly, this awesome device can successfully diffuse CO₂ inside the tank water and generates a nice-looking stream of tiny bubbles, as a result, the plants get more benefits to grow healthily and stay fresh. The plants also will be refresh and show their vibrant and brilliant colors. This also ensures very relaxing scenery at your home.

At the time of execution, you simply utilize the suction cup to connect it to the side of the fish tank and modify the U-bend as essential.

If you have a rimless aquarium, then the U-shaped section fits easily over the side of the aquarium while the U-shaped portion does not fit with a tank, the rest of the diffuser will still function by connecting simple tubing.

Actually, CO₂ diffuser provides a sufficient amount of CO₂ by making tiny bubbles that help your aquatic plants enjoy a safe and healthy environment inside the aquarium making the home eye-catching.

Besides, this device has a few drawbacks. Because it may create clog with algae and the ceramic disc is fixed permanently attach and does not remove for cleaning. In this case, it needs sufficient high pressure to allow successful flow.

As a whole, this CO₂ diffuser for aquarium is great for the inexpensive price tag and reasonably functional and can guarantee to generate light and a foggy stream of bubbles that could assimilate properly with the aquarium water.

Pros

• It is a new brand high-quality product suitable for up to 50 gallons tanks.
• It has a U-shaped design that makes more aesthetically look.
• It is made using high-quality materials that make it durable and long-lasting.
• It can provide a safe and healthy environment for aquarium inhabitants.
• It can diffuse CO₂ more evenly into the aquarium water.
• It is easy to install and operate.
• The package includes diffuser, U-bend, and check valve.

Cons

• The product does not contain a bubble counter.
• Ceramic disc is fixed and permanently attach to the disc, as a result, it does not detach for cleaning.
• It needs lots of pressure to make proper flow.
• It may create clog with algae.

Rhinox Nano CO₂ Diffuser

Natural and live aquatic plants play an important role to make the healthy aquarium environment, as a result, all aquatic pets become happiest and more active. Plants perform photosynthesis for producing their own food using CO₂ and release O₂ into the tank water.

To produce more CO₂ in the planted aquarium, CO₂ injection is needed but it does not distribute CO₂ evenly into the tank water. Therefore, the best CO₂ diffuser is essential. In this case, Rhinox Nano CO₂ Diffuser is the best choice for you.

It is a popular and well-known diffuser among the planted aquarium enthusiasts due to its high rating performance that is available in the pet fish business sector with a reasonable price tag. This device is constructed by the best materials using the latest technology as a result that ensure maximum functioning with their comfortable rhinox design and create a plant-friendly aquarium environment.

This awesome Rhinox Nano CO₂ Diffuser contains fine, see-through glass which makes the device both visually unobtrusive and aesthetically fascinating.

It requires minimal parts and easy to set up, install, and activate with low maintenance. The device includes a suction cup that performs in sticking a diffuser to the tank wall. It is also well-suited with pressurized tanks that have a maximum capacity of 20 gallons. It is also compatible with DIY yeast bottles.

This diffuser provides immeasurable benefits for aquarium fauna and flora. Its high-performance, high aesthetic value with low cost makes the Nano CO₂ diffuser most popular among the planted aquarium enthusiasts.

The Rhinox Nano provides CO₂ using a diffusion system that makes the satisfaction of both plants and aquarium fish. Many aquariums contain insufficient CO₂ which is not suitable for a planted aquarium. In this case, it is essential to add CO₂ intake with maximal efficiency but minimal disruption to aquarium inhabitants.

As a whole Rhino Nano diffuser contains atomic pores on the surface of its ceramic diffuser disc which can break down CO₂ into tiny bubbles. It can facilitate the CO₂ bubble to bring about nearly 100% diffusion ensuring the rich growth of your aquarium plants. After all, it is the cheapest diffuser in the pet fish market that gives you great CO₂ bubbles.

Pros

• It is made using high-quality glass.
• It is suitable for up to 20 gallons tank.
• It is the cheapest diffuse that gives you more CO₂ bubbles.
• It is easy to set up and maintain.
• It features U-band and tubes.
• It is very popular among the planted aquarium enthusiasts.

Cons

• It does not contain a valve.
• It is not fit for the large-sized tank.
• It has comparatively low power capacity than other devices.

Fibst CO₂ Diffuser for Aquarium

Hi every planted aquarium pet fish lovers, if you are looking for durable and long-lasting Stainless steel made CO₂ diffuser, then Fibst CO₂ Diffuser is an excellent option for you. Because it is constructed by using 304 stainless steel instead of glass with a ceramic sheet that ensures a reliable and superior quality bubbler other than diffusers.

The kit is durable and lasts a long time in your fish tank. The great advantage of this device is that it is rust-proof or non-corrosive because it is made up of stainless steel.

Its elegant design adds more appeal to its overall look and it also shows highlight its capability to function as a dependable CO₂ diffuser. It gives you a guarantee of a dynamic CO₂ diffusion inside the aquarium water. It is a simple but elegant design that makes it extra appealing to look and you can freely choose from its three distinct sizes such as 20Dx350L, 30Dx300L, and 30Dx350L. It can produce all-round CO₂ bubbles.

The device is easy to install and clean up. During installation, you just hook the diffuser above the edge of the fish tank and use the stainless steel fixture to make safe it.

If you purchase this kit, you will get one stainless steel CO₂ diffuser with one stainless steel fixture. In this case, the stainless steel tube is of 5mm diameter. Besides, they also provide you a 6-month warranty for ceramic sheet and 24-month warranty for other parts. You will also get non-stop friendly customer service if needed.

Besides the above features, it has a few drawbacks. Because it is designed with tiny CO₂ diffuser surface area and it is not equipped with a furnished flow control valve. It also does not contain a bubble counter or check valve.

 

Pros

• It is made using top quality stainless steel materials which make the product durable and long-lasting.
• It is easy to install and clean.
• You can easily replace the ceramic disc.
• You will get a 6-month warranty for disk and a 24-month warranty for other parts.
• It is a simple but elegant design makes it extra appealing to look at.
• It is rust-proof or non-corrosive.

Cons

• It does not contain a flow control valve.
• It does not include a bubble counter or a check valve.
• It is not suitable for tanks over 30 gallons.
• The diffuser tiny CO₂ surface area is small.

Yagote CO₂ Aquarium Diffuser

Hi, friend if you are looking for a budget-friendly CO₂ diffuser for your aquarium, then Yagote CO₂ Aquarium Diffuser is the right choice for you.

It is a well-known high transparency premium quality and high-performance product. It has a stunning spiral design with a fine and beautiful see-through glass that makes the product a more elegant look. The surface of the ceramic diffuser disc contains minute pores that are capable of producing tiny CO₂ bubbles. These bubbles can move up steadily which can ensure efficient diffusion of CO₂ inside the aquarium.

This device is constructed using high-quality glass materials which ensure the longevity of the product to prevent from broken of damages.

It is an awesome and high profile device that can produce rich CO₂ which is essential for the proper growth of plants and ensures sufficient nutrition and health of hydrophytes. This makes the friendly living environment for aquarium inhabitants.

This kit contains a suction cup which is firmly fixed with the fish tank. It is easy to install and operate and you can easily adjust the position instantly. This device is easily compatible with a pressurized tank that ranges from 15 to 50 gallons.

It is recommended that if CO₂ cannot be diffused smoothly or if you observe 2-3 big bubbles per second produce only a few tiny bubbles which means that the kit does not work properly. In this case, the first time you feel free to contact the sellers and send the product for a new one.

If you purchase this product, don’t worry, they provide a guarantee with service continuously.

After all, all the planted aquarium owners use this high-quality CO₂ diffuser because it ensures high performance and super quality tiny bubbles productions. 

Besides, it has a few negative features. It is a glass constructed kit and it must be handled it with more caution due to its fragile behavior.

Pros

• It is a budget-friendly CO₂ diffuser.
• It is made using a fine and beautiful see-through glass that makes the product more elegant look
• It is well-known premium quality and high-performance product.
• It is well-known premium quality and high-performance product.
• They provide a guarantee with free service continuously.
• It is easy to install and operate.
• It is suitable for a 15-50 gallons tank.
• It is suitable for a 15-50 gallons tank.

Cons

• It is breakable and handles with more caution.
• It features a tiny ceramic disc size.

JARDLI Glass CO₂ Diffuser

Live aquatic plants living inside the tank make the aquarium environment attention-grabbing. When plants come in a sufficient amount of CO₂ with other nutrients then they show modest growth with vibrant colors. To make your planted aquarium awesome centerpiece at home, you should make a smart decision to purchase superior quality aquarium diffuser.

I think JARDLI Glass CO₂ Diffuser is the best option for you because it offers the correct amount of tiny bubbles of CO₂ which encourage your aquarium plants’ healthy growth and fast proliferation.

It is the unique U-shaped hanger style diffuser with 0.8 inches diameter and 7.9 inches long. It is designed for nano tanks i.e, perfect for below 20 US gallons tanks. If you add this diffuser in your tank that enhances the aesthetic beauty of the aquarium and makes the brilliant centerpiece at home.

This device is equipped with a ceramic disc that contains very tiny pores which break down the CO₂ gas into lots of tiny stream of bubbles. Most of the nano tank owners prefer this diffuser due to its awesome performance. Because it can break down the CO₂ into tiny, light streams of bubbles. It also features an elegant style that adds more wonderful aesthetics for the aquarium.

It is made using high-quality glass that looks bowl style which can dissolve up to 98% of the carbon dioxide (CO₂) running through them. It can create correct pressure that capable of diffuse in a very light and fantastic bubble stream.

This diffuser requires standard 4/6 mm CO₂ tubing. In this case, you can use silicone or rubber tubing that should be kept into boiling water for 30 seconds or 1 minute before inserting the tubing to CO₂ diffuser. If you keep it in boiling water which makes the tubing soft that helps easy to install.

It is recommended that if your diffuser does not function correctly than the new one then you should keep the device in bleach water for 15 minutes and wash it with water and immerse for 30 minutes to reach the normal function.

As a whole, JARDLI Glass CO₂ Diffuser functions wonderfully in your fish tank that provides the sufficient amount of CO₂ that is needed for your plants and helps to flourish and stay in good plant health inside the aquarium.

Pros

• It features a high-quality ceramic membrane.
• Tiny pores of the ceramic disc break down the CO₂ gas into lots of tiny streams of bubbles.
• It is suitable for up to 20 gallons of the fish tank.
• It is made using high-quality glass.
• It looks bowl style which can dissolve up to 98% of the carbon dioxide.
• It provides the correct amount of tiny bubbles of CO₂ which encourage your aquarium plants’ healthy growth and fast proliferation.

Cons

• It is not suitable for more than 20 gallons tank.
• It should be handled carefully due to its little fragile.
• Incapable of fitting standard tubing.

Fluval Ceramic 88 g-CO₂ Diffuser

Hi everyone you are looking for CO₂ diffuser for smaller sized fish tanks, then Fluval Ceramic 88g-CO₂ Diffuser is specifically recommended for you. This device provides a suitable amount of CO₂ supply to the aquarium plants and a variety of fish species to flourish. It ensures a healthy environment by providing a proper amount of CO₂ for fish and plants.

It has a round plastic body which surrounds the ceramic disc. It looks like a black donut or tire that can be attached to the side of the tank with a suction cup. The top of the tire contains a small nipple where you can attach the CO₂ line.

You can easily hide it behind some plants at the back of the tank due to its simple and small size body.

It is a very essential device that you can purchase to diffuse CO₂ for your fish tank because it provides lots of benefits to your aquarium inhabitants and also ensures an undisruptive healthy environment for them. Besides, this device is the perfect choice for you because it produces the correct amount of tiny bubbles of CO₂ in tank water and makes your aquarium dwellers safe at all times.

After all, if you want to purchase the Fluval Ceramic 88g-CO₂ Diffuser, firstly you have to make sure that it is the right fit for your fish tank then should pick this perfect device for you. You have to make the decision to install the device in such a place as the tank that makes a clean, safe, and healthy environment inside the tank for your pets.

Besides the above features, it can make a great motivator for algae growth inside the tank. As a whole Fluval CO₂ diffuser is a remarkable device that can capable of supplying the sufficient amount of tiny bubbles of CO₂ for your aquarium that ensures the optimum growth of your plants inside the tank.

Pros

• They perform to supply an appropriate amount of CO₂ in the aquarium.
• They provide a healthy environment inside the tank that makes your aquarium inhabitants happy and healthy.
• It is made using the best quality round plastic body with the ceramic disk at the center.
• You can set up it anywhere in the tank.
• It is suitable for up to 20 gallons of fish tanks.
• It is simple to install.
• It does not break easily due to its plastic body.

Cons

• It can prone to clog.
• It encourages instant algae growth..
• It is not perfect for bigger tanks.
• It does not come with a bubble counter, a U-bend, or a check valve.

Pm0606 Micro CO₂ Bubble Diffuser

If you are looking for micro-fine bubbles producing diffuser then Pm0606 Micro CO₂ Bubble Diffuser is the handsome choice for you. This device is constructed by expert engineering formula using high-quality equipment. It can create a stable and good ecosystem for your tank inhabitants and also make the aquarium centerpiece at your home.

It features a cost-effective ceramic disc which performs optimum diffusion and produces tiny CO₂ bubbles in the aquarium. It is durable, long-lasting, and easy to set up.

It comes in two sizes in the market with a sensible price tag. Among the ‘S’ size is appropriate for the mini-sized planted tank while ‘L’ size is perfect for big planted tank those are very effective at creating a large number of bubbles on a wide, distributed surface.

Pm0606’s product is made with high accuracy to provide suitable environments for aquarium plants with other inhabitants such as guppy, tetra, betta fish, shrimps, and so on.

This device also features an air control valve that helps in regulating the amount of CO₂ gas into the tank and also maintains the size of the bubbles being produced.

This device does not include tubing which is required to connect the device with the fish tank. It is durable and long-lasting and is made using strong glass that won’t break easily.

The device contains 100% washable components that require regular cleaning for functioning properly. It is easy to clean, set up, and easy to maintain. As a result, you can be used over and over again without needing to replace it.

You can purchase this awesome device with 100% confidence because it is made by the remarkable and renowned company. If you do not glad about this device for any reason, you must inform the seller and their buyer service team will without delay solve the issue or they return you 100% cashback.

This kit is also designed with a bubble counter that can calculate the bubble via a clear Acrylic cylinder which is suitable to maintain the CO₂ dosage. It is also perfect for both high and low CO₂ pressure.

Pros

•  It is fit for both plants and fish.
• It can create micro-fine bubbles for maximum CO₂ absorption.
• It features an air control valve for regulating CO₂ release.
• It is available in 2 sizes (up to 75 gallons) such as S for small tanks and L for larger tanks.
• It is easy to clean and maintain.
• It also features a bubble counter.

Cons

• The kit does not include the required tubing.

ST International Aquarium Glass Diffuser

If you are looking for CO₂ diffuser for a small-sized planted tank, then the ST International diffuser is a good choice for you. It is made using high-quality material that can last for years if you use it with much care. It can diffuse optimum CO₂ and break down into a fine stream of bubbles that are easily dispersed all over the fish tank and keep your plant green and thriving.

The kit features a simple and small glass design. You can easily fit into a small-sized tank by getting special benefits without taking up too much valuable space inside the tank.

It is very effective and inexpensive for the price that can offer a sufficient amount of CO₂ to your planted tanks and ensures even distribution of CO₂ inside the tank. It is easy to use and operate. Cleaning and maintaining this kit is also very easy for you to deal with.

To make beautiful and vibrant aquarium plants this diffuser does a fantastic job by providing the necessary amount of CO₂ which especially require for surviving the plants and other organisms inside the tank for a long time.

The ST International Aquarium Glass Diffuser has unbelievable capacity to split CO₂ bubbles into the light, tiny and fine stream of bubbles. It also instantly dispenses the tiny bubble of CO₂ all over the fish tank, as a result, the plants get the necessary amount of CO₂ which helps them remain alive and healthy life at all times providing your aquarium eye-catching and vibrant colors to everyone.

The kit includes a suction cup which is needed to attach the diffuser to the wall of your tank, and also connects your pressurized CO₂ system.

Besides the above features, there are two weak sides. Firstly, it someway produces audible sounds but it does not create annoying. Secondly, it is a little fragile because it is made of glass material. If you handle carefully, don’t worry it can last for years.

Pros

• It is suitable for up to 30 gallons tanks.
• It can diffuse an optimum amount of CO₂ sufficient for your plants.
• It is made using durable and solid materials.
• It is easy to operate, clean, and calls for low maintenance.
• It can provide maximum carbon dioxide dispersion inside the tank
• List Element
• List Element

Cons

• It someway produces audible sounds.
• It is a little fragile because it is made of glass material.

Bluecell Aquarium CO₂ Regulator

The right level of CO₂ promotes healthy aquatic plants with vibrant colors. In this case, the best CO₂ diffusers play an important role in the correct amount of CO₂ delivery. If you ensure to provide the right amount of CO₂ supply inside the aquarium and keep the plants and fish alive, fresh then you have to use the best CO₂ diffuser. In this case, Bluecell Aquarium CO₂ Regulator is the perfect option for you. Because this device can deliver suitable air pressure with the correct amount of CO₂ to the aquarium. It features a high bending resistance with a built-in bubble counter.

Bluecell Aquarium CO₂ Regulator is made using high-quality glass that looks crystal clear making the aquarium gorgeous and eye-catching centerpiece at home.

It has a U-shape connecting tube that can keep away from the blockage of CO₂ flow. By providing sufficient CO₂ supply it improves the growth and health of your plants.

It also features a built-in bubble counter which can provide a dependable function. It also functions high-handedly by distributing a tiny bubble stream of CO₂ inside the tank and creating a sound and safe heart for both fish and plants.

This diffuser is available in the pet fish market with an inexpensive price tag but it functions as like that other expensive models. It does not easily bock the flow of CO₂ as compared to other models.

Besides the above features, it is made of glass material that makes the device a little fragile. In this case, if you utilize it with extra caution then it lasts for a year.

It also comes with frail built air hose and you also need to extra careful when inserting the air hose otherwise it can break easily if too much pressure was exerted.

Pros

• It does not block the CO₂ flow.
• It is designed with a sturdy and useful built-in bubble counter.
• It can create a healthier habitat for both plants and fish species inside the tank.
• It looks crystal clear making the aquarium elegantly-appealing.
• It is easy to install and clean.
• It can distribute a tiny bubble stream of CO₂ inside the tank.
• It features a high bending resistance.
•  Inexpensive to purchase.

Cons

• It is made using thin glass material, extra care should be taken during handling.
• It is slightly difficult to insert the air hose.

Benefits of Plants in Your Aquarium

• Plants make available more oxygen for the beneficial bacteria and convert ammonia into nitrite and nitrate. So the beneficial bacteria help to create healthy the ecosystem in your aquarium.
• If you plant multiple plants in your fish tank, fish become happier, safer, and less prone to stress.
• If you plant multiple plants in your fish tank, fish become happier, safer, and less prone to stress.
• Plants also protect the fish fry, eggs, and small fish to make hiding space that prevents from eating by the parents.
• Plants increase the level of O₂ in the tank water and consume the waste products created by fish by reducing ammonia releases when organic waste decomposes.

Role of CO₂ in Planted Tank

CO₂ is an important chemical substance that is needed for the proper growth of the plant. If you keep a lot of plants in your aquarium, you need more CO₂ because normal amounts of CO₂ provided by fish which is not sufficient for plant growth. CO₂ works with the presence of light. If you give more light, the more CO₂ is required for the process of photosynthesis to produce plant’s food which enhances the lush growth of your plants.

The plant normally needs 8-20 mg/L CO₂ as an ideal dose. You should maintain the proper level of CO₂ for your live plants. In this case, you should test the level of CO₂ using a simple CO₂ testing kit. If the level is not sufficient then you have to add CO₂ from outside until reaching the appropriate level.

In many cases, pH and alkalinity influence the level of CO₂. If your tank contains an appropriate level of alkalinity (90 mg/l) then the slow addition of the CO2 will also lower your pH. In this case, you should check the level of pH and alkalinity regularly when dosing CO₂.

Sometimes excess pH can lead to fish defenselessness, diseases, and enhance to create algal growth. In this situation adding CO₂ in your aquarium is required. Many aquarium enthusiasts use planted tanks and add CO₂ to make the aquarium plant stunning. As a result, they strictly monitor the pH and alkalinity level of the water to determine how much CO₂ you need. But your tanks have soft acidic water then adding CO₂ is not required.

The planted aquarium requires good lighting with CO₂ that should be 1-2 mg/l during the photosynthesis period per hour. The aquarium gets indoor air with 1-3 mg/L of CO₂ while the aerated water can dissolve only 0.7 mg/L of CO₂ that comes from the air. In this case, CO₂ fertilization is essential for optimum plant growth.

For both fish and plants, the level of O₂ does not drop below 5 mg/l. If the level of O₂ drops below 2 mg/l which can cause harmful for fish. If you appropriately maintain the CO₂ level in your fish tank which does not affect the fish. If your tank contains the heavy stock of fish then the level of O₂ can fall below the acceptable level at night. In this case, tank owners use an aerator to improve the O₂ level by removing excess CO₂.

Sources of CO₂ in Water

There are many possible sources of CO₂ in the aquarium:

• During photosynthesis one-fifth of the CO₂ assimilated by the plants and remaining that returns back to the water.
• Fish also releases CO₂ into the water during respiration.
• Bacterial oxidation of dead plant material releases CO₂ into water.
• In many cases, decorative wood also releases CO₂ into the aquarium water.
• A fully mature biological filtration system produces one gm of CO₂ per 24 hours by using one gram of dry fish food that added to the aquarium.
• For optimum growth of plants need CO₂ 15 mg/L but an effective amount of CO₂ should be between 10 and 35 mg / L.

CO₂ Regulator System

For keeping an appropriate amount of CO₂ in a fish tank, a CO₂ regulator system is needed. A CO₂ regulator system consists of a CO2 diffuser and a CO₂ cylinder. If you increase the level of CO₂ in your fish tank, you should take an appropriate plan to maintain a suitable CO₂ level otherwise it can be dangerous to your aquarium inhabitants and must be used appropriately.

Today, many aquarium enthusiasts use different CO₂ equipment to deliver CO₂ for their planted aquarium. To supplement the CO₂ into a fish tank, there are many ways. These ways make differ in price, success, difficulty: They can be broadly categorized into the following types:

Yeast-based CO₂ supplement

This type of CO₂ supplement system is the most efficient but is an unmanageable way of getting CO₂ into your planted tank. In this case, CO2 comes from the by-product of the fermentation process of yeast but is not sufficient for your plants.

Pressurized CO₂ systems

It is the best process to deliver the CO₂ into your planted fish tank. This system is reliable and provides a constant supply of CO₂ but it is more expensive. It needs 1-5 liters bottles which is suitable for various sizes of the aquarium.

In this system, pressurized bottles and electric solenoid valves are required which allow the CO₂ to only enter into the aquarium during the day. It also helps to stop pH swings during the night that can be harmful to your aquarium fish. To get accurate and the best result, it should be allowed to tune an exact CO₂ output. It does not deposit any scum on your diffuser. To correctly set up, you need to a diffuser, needle valve, and. bubble counter.

DIY CO₂ Supplement System

It is the most successful method when it is properly executed. It is made using very cheap materials such as bottles and home-made everyday used hardware.

In this system, DIY CO₂ will make a layer of slimy substance to form on a typical diffuser. It is a very popular and successful method and a cost-efficient CO₂ dosing system. It is easy to set up but needs to refill each week.

Liquid CO₂ Supplement System

In the market, CO₂ is available in a liquid form. Among them, Seachem excel is the well known liquid CO₂ supplement. Besides, other forms of liquid CO₂ are also available in the pet business sector. Actually, they are not an ideal substitution of CO₂ dosing into your aquarium. It is cost-ineffective in contrast over time.

It is suitable for small-sized tanks that have lower light tanks with lower carbon dioxide (CO₂) utilization requirements. It is easy to utilize in small tanks and can help to control the algae growth under lower light fish tanks. It has few drawbacks because that requires steady fine-tuning.

CO₂ Tabs Supplements

In many cases, some aquarists use CO₂ tabs to supplement the CO₂ in a fish tank. It is inefficient and ineffective for the larger tank but a suitable source for the smallest tanks. It is easy to utilize but not appropriate for long term operation.

Electronic CO₂ Supplements

Many aquarists use electronically generated carbon dioxide (CO₂) to the fish tank. It is suitable for only the smaller tanks. If you supplement a higher level of CO₂ in your tank it will make cost-effective compared to other systems. In this system, carbon inserts to electrolyzed to make CO₂ into the fish tank.

To continue producing CO₂, it needs refills which become fairly expensive for each device. Hence electronic carbon dioxide (CO₂) generators are not a good solution for long term utilization.

Definition of CO₂ Diffuser

The diffuser is actually a separate part of the CO₂ regulator system which is attached to the tubing that connects at the bubble counter of the CO₂ regulator. The other end of the tubing is attached to the diffuser for better performance of CO₂ utilization.

The main function of the diffuser is to dissolve the CO₂ into the aquarium. In this case, the CO₂ diffuser plays an important role to break down big bubbles into tiny bubbles that are created in the bubble counter and make the small tiny bubbles which dissolve more easily and efficiently into the fish tank, as a result, the level of CO₂ raise in the aquarium water.

It is recommended that you should purchase the harder, thicker, and more durable tubing otherwise you will face unwanted situations or accidents due to breakage or leaking.

There are different shapes and sizes diffusers are available in the market at a reasonable price. Among them, some come in spiral shape which is also known as the baffle system. In this system, it makes delays and regulates the injection of CO₂ into the water. There are another bell-shaped diffusers that diffused the CO₂ in the best way. Besides, a special type of CO₂ diffuser is also used which helps to lower the pH levels of the water. This system is usually utilized in the saltwater aquarium for coral that needs calcium injections.

Types of CO₂  Diffusers

There are many types of CO₂ diffusers available in the market at a reasonable price. They have various shapes, sizes, and are made up using materials like plastic or glass.

It is an add-on device and almost all are submersible in the fish tank but few are kept in the outside place of the aquarium. In this case, it supplements the dissolved CO₂ enriched water into the fish tank. In the pet fish market, the following types of diffusers are found:

Airstone Diffuser

It is one of the least efficient CO₂ diffusers. It is not highly recommended to use because it produces quite big CO₂ bubbles that do not easily dissolve into the aquarium. So you should avoid purchasing this type of CO₂ diffuser.

Ceramic Glass CO₂ Diffuser

It is a very common CO₂ diffuser that is suitable for use in a small-sized fish tank. You can place it in the submerge condition in the fish tank. It is safely secured to the aquarium glass with the aid of a strong suction cup. This type of diffuser can produce very tiny bubbles that can easily dissolve into the water. This type of diffuser is sold in the market with a relatively cheap price tag.

Ladder CO₂ Diffuser

It is a ladder-shaped diffuser which gives the common name ladder diffuser. It is specially constructed for use in a small-sized fish tank. It can work proficiently. It is available in the pet business sector with a very pocket-friendly price tag.

In-line CO₂ Diffuser

It is another type of CO₂ diffuser. It is suitable for a large-sized aquarium that contains many gallons of water. This diffuser is commonly connected to the fluvial canister filter. It is highly recommended you purchase due to its good reputation.

They are quite efficient, safe to use, and very effective. Because of the CO₂ that enter the water and having a lot of time to break down CO₂ bubbles, you save money on CO₂ utilization.

CO₂ Reactor

It is a very popular diffuser but very expensive to purchase. You can use it for really very large-sized aquariums. It is very much functional for use and it can perform to provide the highest output of carbon dioxide (CO₂) that makes the balanced environment into the aquarium, suitable for all the aquatic inhabitants.

The Benefits of Using Carbon Dioxide Diffuser

• Carbon dioxide diffusers can deliver sufficient CO₂ into the aquariums which promote faster growth for all types of aquatic plants inside the tank.
• This device is not expensive to buy than other equipment.
• Carbon dioxide diffuser is typically easy to use and operate.
• Its maintenance does not create any trouble.
• If you use carbon dioxide diffuser then you can utilize or add various kinds of plants in the aquarium.
• CO₂ diffuser provides tiny CO₂ bubbles of the stream into the tank water that offers optimal results inside the tank environment.
• The diffuser helps to work in part by expanding the water surface area exposed to the gas.
• Diffusers break down the big CO₂ bubbles into tiny bubbles into the water and disperse it into the aquarium more successfully and without much great effort.

Concluding Remarks

Fish always exhale CO₂ through the process of respiration, as a result, a certain level of CO₂ always exists in the fish tanks; actually, it is not enough for plant growth. In this case, tank owners mechanically add CO₂ to the planted aquarium.

Generally, plants prefer 10-15 mg/l of CO₂ and it should be kept always constant otherwise high dose of CO₂ could harm your fish and other tank inhabitants.

Besides, a continued depletion or low level of CO₂ can also cause many health effects such as stunted growth, paling in the leaves and stems, etc and even death of your plants. Finally, fear of algal growth with increasingly low CO₂ levels can also cause a lot of other problems including ammonia poisoning.

Basically, the CO₂ diffusers are one kind of add-on device that performs to dissolve the CO₂ efficiently in aquarium water. Actually, diffusers break downs the big size CO₂ bubbles into tiny bubbles that are suitable for equal mixing into the water. If you directly inject the CO₂ into water that does not readily and optimally mix with water. Hence, you should use the best CO₂ diffuser to make a healthy aquarium environment.