Liquid Fertilizers and Activated Carbon

Depending on the size of the tank excel will work fine. As far as carbon depleting nutrients, that is a commonly debated topic among plant enthusiasts. I know most run their filters without it unless it is being used to take meds or tannins out. Even then purigen does a better job.

Hi Kush , I wish I could tell you whether carbon removes ferts or not. I use it now only on occasion to remove meds from the water or to purify the water if some fish show signs of illness. As for CO2 I do not use it but I have only about 2.1 watts per gallon of lighting for my tank. Much more than that and CO2 addition becomes necessary . Otherwise I think adding Flourish Excell can suffice. I use some Excell but mainly just fish poop for fertilizer.

The need to use supplimental co2 gas is a function of what plants you have. Basically in nature the supply of co2 to those plants which need it in an aquarium is always available due to water circulation. There is a constant sypply coming in. In a tank the plants are actually using the co2 up faster than it can be replaced by surface aggitation and fish respiration. As a result co2 gas needs to be added to the water.

It has been said that Excel provides about 1/3 of the carbon plants need compared to adding co2 gas. I am not sure how accurate that measurement is. However, Excel will make a noticable difference in most planted tank setups.