Who Gives A Fish Forums

Just set up a high-tech 20-gallon tank with CO2 injection and LED lighting. My Monte Carlo isn't carpeting like I hoped. Any tips to boost growth without algae taking over?

Yo, I feel you on the Monte Carlo struggle. What's your CO2 ppm at? Mine didn't start spreading till I bumped it to 30 ppm and kept the light at 6 hours a day. Also, you dosing ferts? A lil extra potassium might help.

lionoak wrote: ↑Tue Jul 08, 2025 12:38 am Yo, I feel you on the Monte Carlo struggle. What's your CO2 ppm at? Mine didn't start spreading till I bumped it to 30 ppm and kept the light at 6 hours a day. Also, you dosing ferts? A lil extra potassium might help.

Agree on the CO2, but watch for algae if you crank it too high. I had to dial back to 25 ppm after a BBA outbreak. What's your substrate? Root tabs saved my carpet when the water column dosing wasn't enough.

n00b here but my Monte Carlo went wild after I added root tabs like pastime1 said. also, my tank's chill at 78°F, dunno if that matters. y'all think temp's a factor?

Thanks for the advice! I'm at 20 ppm CO2 with AquaSoil and weekly liquid ferts. Gonna try bumping CO2 and adding root tabs. Appreciate the help.

briar wrote: ↑Tue Jul 08, 2025 4:17 am n00b here but my Monte Carlo went wild after I added root tabs like pastime1 said. also, my tank's chill at 78°F, dunno if that matters. y'all think temp's a factor?

Temp def matters, my dude. Monte Carlo likes it warm but not too toasty. Keep it between 75–80°F and you're golden. Also, OP, what's your photoperiod? Too much light + high CO2 can be a sketchy combo for algae.

Yeah, photoperiod's key. I run mine at 7 hours with a siesta break to curb algae. And +1 on the temp range—anything below 75°F and my carpet slows way down. You running a canister filter or HOB? Flow can mess with CO2 distribution.

my HOB was blowing the CO2 everywhere till I added a sponge to slow the flow. now my plants are happier. thx for the tips, y'all!