The Safest and Easiest System On the Market. CO2 Life is a patented carbon dioxide delivery system which does not require any bottles or other external equipment. It works using a carbon cartridge which ensures a continual and consistent release of carbon dioxide by electrolysis. CO2 Life does not create sudden pH changes to the aquarium. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is fundamental for healthy and luxurious growth of plants in the aquarium. CO2 is essential to photosynthesis, the process by which light energy is converted to chemical energy that is stored as carbohydrates and sugars in plants. Plants require light energy, CO2, and H2O to make carbohydrates and sugars. Aquarium plants cannot capture free CO2 from the air. For photosynthesis to proceed, aquarium plants must capture CO2 from water.