Plants and bubbles

[Fogweb]

After fixing my stocking issues with the advice from here, I find I have another question. I like the looks of bubbles but keep reading they shouldn't be used in heavy planted tanks. When is a tank considered heavy planted? I have 9 live plants in my tank (72 gal) so I doubt I am anywhere near the line but everything is doing so well in there-I don't want to mess up. I have a canister filter not a HOB so there is current but not water falling into the tank. Would the bubble curtain be okay?

[wijnands]

Heavily planted is subjective. I would consider 9 plants in 72 gallon a strand here and there. Adding bubbles may lose you co2 which will slow growth down.

[Fogweb]

I agree with you-its got a way to go before its heavily planted. That's why I was wondering if the bubbles would be okay now. What would be the line where its not a good idea anymore?

[pjaldave]

I really wouldn't put airstone (the one that produces bubbles) in a tank with plants, unless using for filtration (sponge filters).

As wijnads already said, more bubbles = less CO2 for your plants to use for photosynthesis.

[wijnands]

Neither would I but if you happen to like the looks of bubbles, well, why not trade a bit of growth for that.