AquaVascular Carbocharge Liquid Carbon for Planted Aquariums

Liquid carbon for lush planted tanks — without CO2 injection

AquaVascular Carbocharge is a bioavailable liquid carbon source that gives your aquatic plants the carbon they need to photosynthesise vigorously, without the cost and complexity of a pressurised CO2 system. It’s the go-to product for low-tech planted tanks, nano scapes, and hobbyists who want lush growth without the CO2 cylinder route.

What liquid carbon actually does

Plants need carbon far more than any other nutrient — it’s the backbone of every organic molecule they build. In a natural stream, plants pull dissolved CO2 from the water column. In an aquarium without CO2 injection, dissolved carbon runs out quickly, especially in a well-planted tank. Carbocharge provides an alternative carbon source that plants can absorb directly through their leaves and use immediately for photosynthesis.

Who benefits most

• Low-tech planted tank owners who want the appearance of a high-tech scape without the CO2 hardware investment
• Nano aquarium keepers where a pressurised CO2 setup is oversized or impractical
• Beginners transitioning to planted tanks who want visible plant growth before committing to CO2
• CO2 injection users during power outages — Carbocharge can bridge gaps when the CO2 cylinder runs out or the solenoid fails
• Aquascapers dealing with algae outbreaks — liquid carbon has a well-documented secondary benefit as a spot-treatment for spot algae, black beard algae, and staghorn algae

Dual benefit — plant food and algae control

Carbocharge’s active carbon compound is toxic to many nuisance algae species at the concentration plants tolerate. This means daily dosing supports plant growth while simultaneously suppressing common algae types — a genuinely useful double action for planted tanks. For spot-treating stubborn algae growth on rocks or wood, some aquarists briefly stop water flow, apply a concentrated dose directly onto the affected surface with a syringe, wait 60 seconds, and then restart flow.

Dosing guidance

Standard maintenance dose is 1ml per 50 litres of tank water, daily. Best dosed in the morning, before your lights turn on, so plants can use the carbon during their daytime photosynthesis cycle. Increase gradually — never start at the full dose. Watch livestock response for 3–5 days at half-dose before ramping up.

Important warnings

• Do not use in tanks with Vallisneria, Riccia fluitans, or some mosses — these species are sensitive to liquid carbon and can melt at standard doses.
• Overdosing causes fish gasping and shrimp death — Caridina shrimp are particularly sensitive. Halve the recommended dose for shrimp tanks and monitor closely.
• Store away from children — the concentrated liquid is not food-safe.

What’s in the bottle

• 1 × AquaVascular Carbocharge,

Manufactured in India by AquaVascular. Backwater Aquatics is an authorised AquaVascular dealer.