Best CO2 Aquarium Water Treatments of 2025

Chloe Foster Avatar
Chloe Foster
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2025

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CO2 aquarium water treatments are a range of products designed to improve the health and vitality of aquatic plants and fish in aquariums. These treatments increase the levels of carbon dioxide in the water, which is essential for plant growth and helps to stabilise the pH levels. They also help to reduce algae growth and improve water clarity. CO2 aquarium water treatments come in various forms, including liquid additives, tablets, and injection systems. They are recommended for anyone looking to create a healthy and thriving aquatic environment in their aquarium.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

API CO2 BOOSTER for Freshwater Plants Cover #TOP 1
API CO2 BOOSTER for Freshwater Plants
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Interpet Liquid Aquarium Plant CO2 Booster 125ml Cover #TOP 2
Interpet Liquid Aquarium Plant CO2 Booster 125ml
ftb score rating icon 9.7
API CO2 Booster and Leaf Zone Fertilizer Cover #TOP 3
API CO2 Booster and Leaf Zone Fertilizer
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 CO2 Aquarium Water Treatments

#TOP 1

API CO2 BOOSTER for Freshwater Plants

API
579C
Black
237 ml
API CO2 BOOSTER for Freshwater Plants Cover
API CO2 BOOSTER Freshwater Aquarium Plant Treatment 237 ml Bottle

The API CO2 BOOSTER is designed to promote healthy plant growth in your freshwater aquarium. It provides essential carbon that plants can easily absorb from the water, ensuring your greenery thrives. You can use it on its own or alongside a CO2 system, all without affecting the pH levels of your aquarium. For best results, daily application is recommended, helping you maintain lush and vibrant aquatic plants that enhance the beauty of your tank.

What We Like
Promotes plant growth
Easy carbon absorption
pH levels remain stable
Daily use recommended
#TOP 2

Interpet Liquid Aquarium Plant CO2 Booster 125ml

55118
Clear
125 ml (Pack of 1)
Interpet Liquid Aquarium Plant CO2 Booster 125ml Cover
Interpet Liquid Aquarium Plant CO2 Daily Carbon Boost for Healthy Plant Growth 125ml

The Interpet Plant CO2 is designed to keep your aquarium plants thriving while preventing unwanted algae growth. With its easy dose pump, you can conveniently add liquid CO2 to your aquarium, promoting lush and healthy growth for both tropical and coldwater plants. You only need to use one pump per 20 litres of water daily, making it simple to maintain. Plus, it’s safe for your filters and all aquatic life, including fish, shrimp, and invertebrates.

What We Like
Encourages healthy plant growth
Prevents unwanted algae
Simple dosing method
Safe for all aquarium life
#TOP 3

API CO2 Booster and Leaf Zone Fertilizer

API
API CO2 Booster and Leaf Zone Fertilizer Cover
API CO2 BOOSTER Freshwater Aquarium Plant Treatment 473 ml Bottle & LEAF ZONE Freshwater Aquarium Plant Fertilizer 473 ml Bottle

The API CO2 Booster is an essential treatment for promoting plant growth in your freshwater aquarium. It adds vital carbon in a form that your plants can easily absorb from the water, ensuring they thrive. You can use it on its own or alongside a CO2 system, all without altering the pH levels of your aquarium. This means you can maintain a stable environment for your fish while enhancing plant health.

What We Like
Promotes healthy plant growth
Easy to use with or without CO2
Does not affect pH levels
Enhances carbon absorption
#TOP 4

Tetra CO2 Optimat Kit for Healthy Plants

T584
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Tetra CO2 Optimat Kit for Healthy Plants Cover
Tetra CO2 Optimat Kit, Complete Set for Intensive CO2 Supply for Lush Water Plants

The Tetra CO2 Optimat Kit is designed to enrich your aquarium water with CO2, promoting lush and healthy aquatic plants. By using this complete set, you will find that your plants grow stronger, enhancing the overall vitality of your underwater environment. This kit also aids in increasing the oxygen content in the water, which is crucial for the well-being of your fish. Additionally, the system helps prevent lime deposits on leaves and glass, ensuring your aquarium remains clear and clean.

What We Like
Promotes healthy plant growth
Increases water oxygen levels
Prevents lime deposits
Suitable for 100-litre aquariums
#TOP 5

NT Labs Liquid CO2 Boost for Plants

Light Green
NT Labs Liquid CO2 Boost for Plants Cover
NT Labs Aquarium Liquid CO2 Boost, Aquarium Carbon Source, Aquascaping Accessory, Aquarium Plant Fertiliser (100ml)

NT Labs CO2 Boost is a vital addition for any aquarist looking to promote healthy plant growth in their aquarium. By providing a consistent source of carbon, this liquid helps aquatic plants flourish and effectively reduces harmful algae by eliminating excess macronutrients like nitrate and phosphate. It's an essential tool for aquascaping, offering a cost-effective alternative to expensive CO2 gas injection systems. The product is easy to use, requiring a simple calculation of your aquarium's volume and daily application to ensure your plants receive the carbon they need.

What We Like
Encourages robust plant growth
Cost-effective carbon solution
Simple to use daily
Reduces algae growth
#TOP 6

TWINSTAR CO2 Diffuser for Aquariums

TWINSTAR
sample_sku_42145
M-19mm
TWINSTAR CO2 Diffuser for Aquariums Cover
TWINSTAR CO2 Diffuser | Freshwater Aquariums up to 120 gallons | Ultra Clear Acrylic - Made in South Korea | Extremely Fine Pearls | More Porous Membrane (M-19mm)

The TWINSTAR CO2 Diffuser is designed for freshwater aquariums up to 120 gallons. With very fine atomisation, it ensures that the carbon dioxide is distributed evenly, promoting healthier plant growth. The diffuser accommodates a 6/4 mm hose, making it compatible with various aquarium setups. Additionally, it includes a transparent suction cup, allowing for easy installation and positioning within your aquarium. These features collectively enhance the overall health of your aquatic environment, ensuring your plants thrive and your aquarium looks vibrant.

What We Like
Very fine atomisation
Easy to install
Compatible with various hoses
Promotes healthy plant growth
#TOP 7

CENPEK CO2 Drop Checker for Aquariums

CENPEK CO2 Drop Checker for Aquariums Cover
CENPEK CO2 Drop Checker Glass Aquarium Monitor CO2 Indicator for Planted Fish Tank

The CENPEK CO2 Monitor is an essential tool for any aquarium enthusiast. Made from high-quality glass, it allows you to easily measure CO2 levels at a glance, ensuring your aquatic plants thrive. Installing it just below the water surface, about 10cm down, helps you keep a close eye on the carbon dioxide levels vital for plant health. This monitor is particularly beneficial for those with tropical fish and aquatic plants, as it aids in maintaining optimal conditions in your tank.

What We Like
Easy CO2 level measurement
High-quality glass construction
Ideal for aquatic plants
Helps ensure fish tank health
#TOP 8

JBL Proflora CO2 Taifun Spiral 5 Reactor

JBL
6468400
transparent / black
Bis 200 l
JBL Proflora CO2 Taifun Spiral 5 Reactor Cover
JBL PROFLORA CO2 TAIFUN SPIRAL 5, CO2 reactor, for freshwater aquariums , including hose,transparent / black,200 l

The JBL CO2 Taifun Spiral 5 is an expandable CO2 reactor designed for freshwater aquariums ranging from 40 to 200 litres. It promotes healthy plant growth by ensuring lossless enrichment with carbon dioxide, which is essential for aquatic plants. You will appreciate the convenience of operating it without an additional pump or separate bubble counter. Installation is straightforward, connecting easily to your CO2 fertiliser system. Plus, the collection cap helps prevent CO2 loss, ensuring efficient use of resources.

What We Like
Easy installation
No separate pump needed
Prevents CO2 loss
Expandable up to 200 litres
Robust design
#TOP 9

Ista Replacement CO2 Cartridges for Aquariums

Ista Replacement CO2 Cartridges for Aquariums Cover
Finest-Filters Ista Replacement CO2 Pressurised Cartridge for Professional System 45g / 88g Cartridges for Aquariums (45g)

The Ista CO2 Cartridges are designed as replacement options for the Ista professional CO2 system, ensuring you have a reliable source of carbon dioxide for your planted aquarium. Available in both 45g and 88g sizes, you can easily choose the right cartridge for your needs when ordering. As Ista specialises in advanced aquarium equipment, you can trust the quality and performance of these cartridges, enhancing the growth and health of your aquatic plants. Enjoy a thriving aquarium environment with this top-notch CO2 solution.

What We Like
High-quality cartridge options
Available in two sizes
Designed for planted aquariums
Easy to order
#TOP 10

JBL PROFLORA CO2 TAIFUN SPIRAL Extension Module

JBL
6468600
transparent / black
JBL PROFLORA CO2 TAIFUN SPIRAL Extension Module Cover
JBL PROFLORA CO2 TAIFUN SPIRAL EXTEND, expansion module for CO2 reactors PROFLORA CO2 TAIFUN SPIRAL 5 and 10, for 200 l more capacity

The JBL PROFLORA CO2 Module is a high-quality expansion module designed for the PROFLORA CO2 TAIFUN SPIRAL 5 and 10 reactors, enhancing their capacity for aquariums up to 200 litres. Its ease of use allows you to integrate it seamlessly into your existing setup, making maintenance simple. Offering excellent value for money, this product ensures you get the most from your investment in aquarium care. With its reliable performance, you can enjoy a thriving aquatic environment without hassle.

What We Like
Good quality product
Easy to use
Value for money
Enhances reactor capacity
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do CO2 tablets work for aquarium?

The CO2 tablets from ISTA are easy to use, you just have to place it in the aquarium water and upon contact with the water each of the tablet will release CO2 into the tank along with some valuable traces of substances that help and facilitate the growth of aquatic plants. One tablet is enough for 20 liters of water.

2. How do I reduce CO2 in my fish tank?

The quickest and most effective way to save your fish is to reduce the CO2 levels in the water by carrying out a large water change right away. Make sure that the new water is dechlorinated and at the same temperature as that in the tank to reduce further stress or temperature shock to the fish.

3. Is liquid CO2 any good for an aquarium?

If your new to aquarium plants, liquid carbon offers the perfect solution to providing carbon in the aquarium. It is not as effective as injecting CO2 gas into your aquarium, but the initial expense is far less. It is ideal is planted aquariums with low lighting and easy care plants.

4. How long should I run CO2 in my aquarium?

One can turn CO2 injection off an hour before the lights off. This does depend on how short the light cycle is; if the light cycle is 6 hours or shorter, we would recommend running CO2 for the entire light period. For most of our tanks, lights and CO2 injection are turned on for a duration of 8 hours per day.

Editor's Notes

During our co2 aquarium water treatment research, we found 44 co2 aquarium water treatment products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 25,352 customer reviews through our big data system to write the co2 aquarium water treatments list. We found that most customers choose co2 aquarium water treatments with an average price of £14.25.

The co2 aquarium water treatments are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of co2 aquarium water treatments, including API, Interpet, Tetra, NT Labs, TWINSTAR.

Written by
Chloe Foster Avatar

Happy Pet Happy Owner by Chloe Foster sold over 100 thousand copies in the UK. Chloe worked as a veterinarian in The Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Woodham. She stayed for seven years before coming home to set up her pet store in Swansea. Chloe is an experienced veterinarian with a flair for literature. Chloe is vast in the knowledge of animals, animal nutrition, medication, and care.