"Nikki Casali" wrote in message
...
Which raises the question: What's the life expectancy of a fish in a
tank with a DIY CO2 setup?

Nikki


That's an excellent question.

pros:
- higher plant/fish ratio producing better quality water.
- higher degree of invertebrates filling food niches.
- ability to cycle organic matter better (ie: decomposing fish).
- plants provide lots of cover (calming effect).
- indirectly: relatively few predators in planted tanks.

cons:
- excessive concentrations of CO2 can be reached.
- greater potential/occurrence of pH/O2/CO2 swings.
- increased exposure to typically used fertilizers.
- reduced water movement (pockets of low O2 and variations in
temperature).
- indirectly: reduced visibility could increase the potential for
undesirable conditions to exist longer (ie: progression of diseases and
decomposition of dead organic matter).

I've cross-posted over to r.a.f.plants so that they can add their
expertise, and any necessary corrections to my points above.
--
www.NetMax.tk