Seachem Flourish Excel

[solution7]

Its my understanding that the Flourish Excel is an organic Carbon compound, and my question is how necessary is for me to Use CO2 system if I am using the Seachem products and their dosing recommendations.. I have a 65g with not too many plants yet but want to make into a lush Dutch style planted tank.. Any suggestions on the CO2 thing? I have heard that its been done with just the Flourish Excel organic Carbon compound and no CO2 systems..

Thanks for any input you might have ..

[TwoTankAmin]

co2 systems are only really needed for higher light applications. For most tanks they are not needed but can be beneficial. Because the non high light tanks have less light they also need less co2 and Excel is able to provide for a lot or all of the reduced need.

A rule of thumb is that Excel will supply about 1/3 of what co2 gas does. However, Excel is not usable by all plants and will actually damage a few.

If you do a site search for Excel, you will find a lot of good info. Start in the plant forums when you search, but there may be more posted elsewhere.

[phanmc]

Excel is not as effective as CO2, even Seachem admits to this on their website. It is better than no CO2 and has an added algaecidal effect, but cannot compete with a stable level of CO2.

Is it possible to have a lush planted tank without CO2? Yes, but you will be limiting your plant choices and must limit your light level. Dutch style without CO2? That might be difficult.

[solution7]

Just got back from the store having got some DIY CO2 stuff.. DIY will have to do until I can afford a good system...