CO2 Generator

[taywf1234]

I was wondering if you need a CO2 generator with aquatic utrics like you do with Aldrovanda?

[Aidan]

It's not necessary for either Utricularia or Aldrovanda.

[rsivertsen]

It's not just the CO2, but the nitrogenous matter released by the Aldrovanda must be removed, otherwise algae blooms set in very quickly, which is why the close proximity to large monocot plants such as Juncus sp, Carex, Typha and Phragmites are essential to the habitat of Aldrovanda, as they quickly absorb and assimilate these nitrogenous compounds, like fertilizing a nitrogen hungry lawn!

[sarracenialover]

I am actually using water hyacinths from the Darnowski method. They work in the same matter as monocot plants. They grow slow first, but expand quickly if you forget about them. Their growth habit helps them absorb nutrients from the water and help prevent algae. I've made a CO2 generator myself, but haven't tried it out yet. I would recommend using one, but it probably won't be essential to the plant's survival. Also, for people not to get the wrong idea, I am keeping water hyacinths under tight control to prevent spread. It is invasive and can destroy many aqua ecosystems.

[BarryRice]

My breakthrough is in finally following the advice of others and using leaf litter. I can finally grow a variety of suspended aquatics and semi-affixed aquatics I was previously unsucessful with.