FROM EUROPE‘S LARGE AQUARIUM PLANTS NURSERY FROM EUROPE‘S LARGE AQUARIUM PLANTS NURSERY

Maintain aquarium
plants properly –

CO₂ for every requirement

with CO₂
10 simple answers about
For Dennerle, as one of the pioneers in plant aquatics, research green fingers under water.
and development relating to CO₂ has always been of particular
importance. Dennerle CO₂ components – from the CO₂ bottle to
the CO₂ diffuser – must be simple, safe and reliable.

Dennerle offers a practical range of complete CO₂ sets: for small

aquaria from 10 litres up to large aquaria. Whether for beginners,
advanced users, professionals or experts - Dennerle provides the
perfect CO₂ system for every aquarium and every budget.

Dennerle online:

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Dennerle GmbH • Kroepper Straße 17 • DE 66957 Vinningen

CO₂ plant fertilisation – An invention of nature
In addition to minerals and nutrients, all plants also need carbon dioxide (CO₂),
because they produce their most important building material from CO₂, water and
light: sugar! A „waste product“ of this process, known as photosynthesis, is the
oxygen all animals need to breathe.
In natural waters there is a constant supply of CO₂ from a thick layer of mud on the
bottom. It is produced in large quantities there by bacterial decomposition proces-
ses, promoting lush plant growth, which in turn supplies the fish with oxygen, hiding
places and spawning opportunities.

LESS MORE
MORE BEAUTIFUL
ALGAE OXYGEN AQUATIC PLANTS

HEALTHIER FEWER
HARMFUL SUBSTANCES
FISH
Taken during the Planta Hunter Tour, Brazil 2010

1 // Why does my aquarium need CO₂? CO₂ fertilisation has many benefits:
Aquarium water almost always contains too little CO₂, as the natural CO₂ is removed
from tap water in the waterworks due to aeration. • Lush and healthy plant growth
The aquatic plants greedily absorb these low amounts of CO₂. Beset with deficiencies, • Longer lifespan of plants
the stems and leaves are stunted and pale. No sign of vigour! Their defences are • No calcium deposits on the plant leaves (“biogenic decalcification“)
weakened, algae settle on the leaves.
• By using CO₂, the pH value (acidity) decreases to natural values
Lack of CO₂ has serious consequences: • Healthy fish thanks to slightly acidic water (good for fish skin and gills)
• Stunted and deformed growth increases their susceptibility to disease • Trace elements dissolve better in slightly acidic water, which is good
• Sudden death of plants • Iron and trace element deficiency for plants and fish
• Calcium deposits on the leaves • Sudden ammonia poisoning of the fish • No ammonia poisoning of the fish
• pH values much too high. • Infestation of algae • No algae infestation
This stresses the fish and
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2 // How does CO₂ prevent algae infestations?
The undesirable algae stand next to no chance in aquaria in which aquatic plants are
flourishing. Plants immediately „vacuum up“ all the nutrients that promote algae
growth, such as phosphates and nitrates. However, if there is a lack of CO₂, plant
growth is inhibited. Surplus nutrients cannot be consumed fast enough and the
algae seize on this opportunity to gain a foothold.
Good planting and regular CO₂ fertilisation are therefore amongst the most import-
ant measures to take against algae.

3 // How much CO₂ does my aquarium require?

The CO₂ requirement depends on the size and nature of the aquarium:

Higher requirement Lower requirement

Large aquarium Small aquarium
Open aquarium Aquarium with cover
Large surface area/volume ratio Small surface area/volume ratio
Lots of light Little light
Many plants Few plants
Fast-running filter Slow-running filter
Strong water movement Gentle water movement
Additional aeration Without aeration

The optimum CO₂ content:

For lush plant growth we recommend a CO₂ content in the aquarium of approx.
20 mg/l (up to 30 mg/l for strongly lit aquariums with a robust fish population).

Healthy, flourishing aquarium plants are stronger than any algae.

A rule of thumb for the CO₂ supply is: This means algae have a hard time in an aquarium with a good CO₂
supply.
No matter what CO₂
system you use in your
10 CO₂ bubbles per minute per 100 l of aquarium water. aquarium – you will be
Example: A 200 l aquarium: 2 x 10 = 20 bubbles per minute. convinced by its success.

The bubbles can be easily read on the CO₂ diffuser

or a separate bubble counter.
Without CO₂ fertilisation With CO₂ fertilisation

4 5
4 // How can I control the CO₂ content BIO-CO₂
in my aquarium? CO₂ fertilisation
CO₂ long-term test Correct + pH
the easy way

Several versions available.

Suitable for different aquarium sizes
and your individual requirements.

With a so-called „drop checker“, such as the CO₂ long-term test Correct + pH, it is
extremely easy to set the correct amount of CO₂, because unlike conventional products,
this is not filled with aquarium water and indicator (which can distort the test results),
instead it is used on its own. Depending on the CO₂ content, the CO₂ special indicator
reacts with a colour change that can be detected quickly and easily:
CO₂ production
CO₂ production based on controlled, constant yeast fermentation. Ideal for all CO₂
beginners as well as those wanting to try it out. Positive results can be seen after
only a few weeks: Plant growth improves significantly, the plants appear greener,
stronger and more vigorous. The whole aquarium literally comes to life. This type
of CO₂ supply is, however, only suitable for aquaria with a capacity up to approx.
120 litres.
How does Bio CO₂ control gel work?
Excess CO₂

Blue = CO₂ too low Optimum range

Green = optimum CO₂ content
Yellow = CO₂ content too high Lack of CO₂
Days
= Pure sugar = Dennerle Control-Gel
In addition, you can keep an eye on the pH value with the CO₂ long-term test Correct
+ pH. Simply measure the carbonate hardness with a test strip and read the pH A fermentation process with pure sugar normally starts at a very fast pace and
value on the colour comparison scale. drops sharply after a few days. This means the aquarium initially gets too much CO₂,
and too little a short time later. In contrast, Dennerle Bio CO₂ with CO₂ control gel
5 // Which CO₂ system is right for me? continuously produces an almost constant level of CO₂ over 30 days. This provides
your aquarium with an optimum supply every day without having to adjust anything.
There are several ways to supply an aquarium with CO₂.
It doesn’t get any easier or more convenient!
The trick with the thermal container
Bio CO₂ systems: CO₂ systems with liquid gas
Here the CO₂ is generated Divided into The Bio CO₂ system produces more CO₂ the warmer it is. This is
by yeast fermentation disposable systems and reusable systems why the thermal container for the Dennerle CO₂ plant fertiliser set
BIO 120 ensures that CO₂ production automatically adapts to the
aquarium temperature, because aquaria with higher temperatures
also require more CO₂.

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 DISPOSABLE SYSTEM 6 // Why is a good pressure reducer so important?
Practical The tiny amounts of CO₂ involved in plant fertilisation require an extremely accurate
dosage. Dennerle pressure reducers achieve this with the unique control technology
CO₂ fertilisation of the Dynamic Valve Control. Applys for all Dennerle pressure reducers:
The pressure reducers can be controlled using a single control knob with unprece-
dented ease and precision.
Once set, the amount of CO₂ (bubble count) remains stable over time.
The safety aspect was also fully taken into account: all pressure reducers have an
Several versions available. automatic overpressure seal and a safety vent.
Suitable for different aquarium sizes
and your individual requirements. • Only one control knob for easy operation
• Constant bubble count by means of
Dynamic Valve Control (DVC)
CO₂ supply via liquid gas in a recyclable, disposable bottle. Ideal anywhere where • Automatic pressure compensation when adjusting,
CO₂ refills are hard to obtain or the nearest CO₂ refill service is a long way away. for fast, accurate setup
• Constructed from high-strength aluminium alloy,
which reduces the weight
• Automatic overpressure seal
REUSABLE SYSTEM • Thread with safety vent
• Internal fine filter for good operational safety
Sustainable
CO₂ fertilisation What models are there?

Several versions available.

Suitable for different aquarium sizes
and your individual requirements.

CO₂ supply using liquid gas in a refillable bottle is especially environmentally fri-
endly. Perfectly suited to very large aquaria and those that need high levels of CO₂. Evolution Nano Evolution Primus Evolution Quantum Evolution Space
especially for the affordable entry with bubble count the only aquatics
Dennerle offers reusable bottles up to 2 kg. scale and cylinder pressure reducer with
Nano aquaria level option
pressure manometer integrated magnet
The right CO₂ system for your aquarium: valve
Info: All pressure reducers can be used for Dennerle disposable or reusable bottles with the aid of an adapter.

Reusable-CO₂
Duration of use in weeks

A good non-return valve reliably protects CO₂ equipment from water intake, such as
a pressure reducer or magnetic valve.
Set price

Nano-CO₂ Disposable-CO₂
CO₂ Special Check Valve
Bio-CO₂
60 L 120 L 300 L ... 600 L
Aquarium size

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7 // How does the CO₂ get into the water?
Our Flippers are highly effective, compact CO₂ diffusers equipped with a CO₂ collec-
tion tank, waste gas vent and bubble counter function. The stepped design enables
the CO₂ to dissolve particularly well in the aquarium water.
Collection tank
8 // How do I measure the CO₂ supply?
Even with CO₂ diffusers with a built in bubble counter, an additional bubble counter
near to the pressure reducer is extremely useful. This makes adjusting the bubble
count easier, quicker and more accurate. For CO₂ diffusers without a built in bubble
counter and those that are fitted where they are hidden behind plants and stones in
the aquarium, a separate bubble counter is highly recommended.
Permanent, direct control of the CO₂ dosage. The bubble count per minute serves as
a measure of the CO₂ dosage in the aquarium.

long-life
suction cup
Bubble Counter Exact

waste gas vent

bubble counter
function

9 // Why are special CO₂ hoses necessary?

CO₂ easily seeps through many hose materials. The Dennerle special Softflex CO₂
hose is made of special plastic that is impermeable to CO₂ and ensures that the
valuable CO₂ gets into the aquarium. The hose is pressure resistant up to 7 bar and
is easy to install thanks to its high flexibility.
Hose type Annual leakage
Special Softflex CO₂ hose a few grams
Standard PVC air hose several hundred grams
Nano CO₂ Flipper CO₂ Mini-Flipper CO₂ Maxi-Flipper Silicone hose several thousand grams

CO₂ Micro-Flipper CO₂ Flipper

Special Softflex CO₂ hose

The waste gas vent:
Whenever a CO₂ bubble dissolves in the water, other gases that naturally occur in
the water (e.g. oxygen) penetrate these bubbles. All Dennerle CO₂ diffusers the-
refore each have a specially developed waste gas vent. Here the waste gases are
separated from the – significantly heavier - CO₂ and automatically removed on a
regular basis. This effectively prevents potential „clogging” of the equipment by
waste gases.
10 11
10 // Can I control my CO₂ dosage automatically? Too much CO₂ Correct CO₂ Too little CO₂
The use of a magnet valve saves valuable CO₂, because it allows the CO₂ dosage to pH value
be regulated in two ways, thus saving CO₂ every day:
KH 6,3 6,4 6,5 6,6 6,7 6,8 6,9 7 7,1 7,2 7,3 7,4 7,5
2 32 25 20 16 13 10 8 6 5 4 3 3 2
3 48 38 30 24 19 15 12 10 8 6 5 4 3
4 64 51 40 32 25 20 16 13 10 8 6 5 4
5 80 63 50 40 32 25 20 16 13 10 8 6 5
6 96 76 60 48 38 30 24 19 15 12 10 8 6
7 111 89 70 56 44 35 28 22 18 14 11 9 7
8 127 101 80 64 51 40 32 25 20 16 13 10 8
9 143 114 90 72 57 45 36 29 23 18 14 11 9
10 159 126 100 80 63 50 40 32 25 20 16 13 10
CO₂ magnet valve + CO₂ time switch 11 175 139 111 88 70 55 44 35 28 22 18 14 11
12 191 152 121 96 76 60 48 38 30 24 19 15 12
13 207 164 131 104 82 65 52 41 33 26 21 16 13
With a magnet valve controlled by a time switch, you can cut off the CO₂ supply
14 223 177 141 112 89 70 56 44 35 28 22 18 14
overnight, as aquarium plants do not need any CO₂ at night.

pH electrode
CO₂ pH-Controller Evolution DeLuxe

For precise control with the pH controller, a laboratory standard pH electrode is

required. This permanently measures the pH value in the aquarium and works ext-
remely accurately!
With the Dennerle CO₂ pH-Controller Evolution DeLuxe, the CO₂ supply is automati-
cally controlled according to the requirements of the aquarium at the time. The pH
controller continuously measures the pH value by means of an electrode and so Calibration solution
controls the supply of the amount of CO₂ required - fully automatically and with
electronic accuracy. This guarantees the optimum supply for both the aquarium
plants and the fish.

Example: kH = 4,
by adjusting the pH value to 6.8 on the pH controller,
you achieve a CO₂ content of 20 mg/l. The pH electrode should be calibrated regularly (every 1-2 months) to ensure a
consistently good measurement result. For reliable and convenient adjustment of
the pH electrode, use appropriate calibration solutions.
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 Setting up a CO₂ system is so easy
2
(Liquid gas / example)

A 3

1 4 5

optional
A Magnet valve
1 CO₂-source 2 Pressure reducer 3 Non-return valve: 4 Bubble counter: 5 Flipper
Saves valuable CO₂

Disposable or reusable. Latest CO₂ technology. Protects magnet valve For easy control Highly efficient CO₂ B Time switch
TÜV tested for maximum Easy to operate and and pressure reducer. of the dosage. supply incl. waste The easy way to save CO₂
safety. safe to use. gas vent.

14 15