Low-tech vs high-tech
Short answer: Low-tech means no injected CO₂ and slower, easier growth; high-tech adds CO₂, stronger light and fertiliser for faster growth and carpets, with less room for error.
By Alfa Low, aquascaper. 2nd place, 2019 aquascaping competition (event name to confirm) · 2023 entry (result to confirm).
Details
- Low-tech: no pressurised CO₂, moderate light, slower growth, less trimming. Great for epiphytes, crypts and mosses.
- High-tech: CO₂ injection, stronger light, regular fertiliser. Faster growth, carpets and red stems are easier, but there is less margin for error.
- Light drives demand: raising light without CO₂ and nutrients is a common cause of algae.