Excel Overdose, Dead Fish

[tackful]

I had made a 50/50 solution of Ecel/H20 as a dip for some algae covered wisteria. Replanted the wisteria, then without thinking dumped the whole solution into the tank during the water change. Soon noticed one pristella lying on the bottom and breathing hard, so immediately did a 50% water change, but things did not improve. Tank clouded up again, as before, and after 24 hrs I have lost 3 fish, with another Rummynose or two looking bad this morning. I think my total overdose amounted to roughly 100 ml of Excel. All ammonia and nitrite readings are 0, so I assume it was the overdose that killed the fish, despite having taken immediate corrective action. I am also wondering if I forgot to treat my water during the initial water change before adding it to the tank, although this doesn't seem likely. JUst to be on the safe side, I added an extra amount of Amquel and Amquel Plus during the second water change. Am I correct that it was my Excel blunder that is killing my Fish?

[snoopy65]

It is highly likely. Excel is a liquid form of carbon and in excessive quantities can cause problems with the fish breathing or getting oxygen.

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Glutaraldehyde (which is basically what Excel is made of), is a biocide that just happens to work well in low concentrations as a carbon source for plants. It's actually used for all sorts of applications such as sterilizing medical equipment, and an ingredient in embalming fluids. So yes, an overdose of Excel is deadly to all forms of life, not just algae.

[Lab_Rat]

That sucks, what size tank did you dump the 100mL Excel into?

[tackful]

29 gal, forgot to mention.

[J double R]

yeah, that'll do it. it was an accident, so there's really no lesson to be learned other than being more careful next time, and in the event of a recurrence, change as MUCH water as you can, not just 50%.

sorry for your losses.

[Slappy*McFish]

yikes!

[JAY973]

That stinks I hope the other fish pull through for you....
Good Luck