Cheap Flourish Excel (registerd) substitue.

T

TechAquaria

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Sep 3, 2009
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For those who use Glutaraldehyde in place of Excel:


http://cgi.ebay.com/1-Gallon-GLUTAR...in_0?hash=item3ca1e06731&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

(watch the line wrapping above) Or, simply search on ebay for glutaraldehyde.

And, be very careful with this concentrated product as it will make, when mixed with water, 20 gallons of 2.5% glut solution.

The above, diluted to 2.5%, is 2.45 USD a gallon, 1.225 per half gallon, or .6125 per quart, or .30625 per pint. At my discount aquarium supply they hit me $10.50 per pint before sales tax! A saving of over $10.20 USD per pint!

Those with very large tanks can now afford glut.

Regards,
TA
 
That is great. I will definitely look into it.
 
Thanks for the tip, I need to look into this. Are you using it now ?
 
FISHSHROD said:
Thanks for the tip, I need to look into this. Are you using it now ?
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I am using a form of glutaraldehyde, but I am using Metricide 25% solution, at present, and I have located a source, locally, which is reasonable (dirt cheap.) However, when I purchase next time I need resupply, I will use a source such as I have quoted. One quart of of the Metricide 25% I have makes 10 quarts of 2.5%. So, it will be a bit of time before I purchase again (I have 2 gallons of the 25% right now), but yes, I would purchase and use the product I pointed out. I have some large tanks and to purchase SeaChem Flourish Excel would be ridiculous in price, indeed, I would do without! So, I am forced to find the cheap sources.

Just consider what it would cost me to dose my 350 gallon tank for a month, daily, with Flourish Excel!!!


Regards,
TA
 
if you read the warning statement on the ebay ad that stuff sounds like hazardous waste lol i wouldnt mess with it myself.
 
RodInCALIFORNIA said:
if you read the warning statement on the ebay ad that stuff sounds like hazardous waste lol i wouldnt mess with it myself.
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Then you best leave Flourish Excel alone! Glutaraldehyde is Glutaraldehyde, it is used in some embalming fluids. It is commonly used in the medical fields to sterilize equipment which would be damaged by heat sterilization methods. Indeed, experiments have been carried out in using it to reduce/eliminate disease in fish at hatcheries, etc. A google search will provide details for you.

Indeed, many of the chemicals, medicines and micro-nutrients, we use in our aquariums, are very poisonous in high concentrations. Take for example Boron, a micro-nutrient necessary for most, if not all, organic life, too high a concentration with kill every plant in your aquarium, indeed, it can kill EVERYTHING in an aquarium. Or, take copper as an exxample, necessary for many plants (even ourselves!) health, it will kill everything in the tanks in high concentrations; it is necessary in only ppb (parts per billion.) Commonly available medications in your fish store are the same.

Yes, I would use the product I pointed out, in proper dilution of 2.5% with EXACTLY the same confidence I use Flourish Excel. Let us take a 10 gal tank as an example. First day I dose with 5ml as recommended by SeaChem, second day and thereon, I dose at 3ml p/day--this is 3x the dose recommended by SeaChem--it noticeable reduces algae growth at this dosage.

A search with google will turn up that many are using glutaraldehyde in place of Excel. I myself have never noted any affects/effects than I have noted with Excel--nor have I even heard the most faint of heart state that there have been any adverse effects from this substitution.

I am not expert, but I think you will find the only dangers with glutaraldehyde are EXACTLY what you would experience with Flourish Excel--given the concentrations mentioned.

Regards,
TA
 
Interesting you bring up costs.

jpappy789 said:
When weighing the costs of this "substitute" vs. the risks of handling such a chemical, I'd rather go pressurized CO2 given a larger setup. JMO...:)
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Having taken a bit and thought over you post, I view the hobby though these eyes:

With any given chemical(s) I find in fish stores/pet suppliers, usually the cost of packaging far exceed the cost of the chemicals/nutrients/elements contained within. (And, even most antibiotics are cheaper to me under my medical plan/insurance!!!)

Indeed, most bottles of quality micro-nutrients are $10.00 USD, or more; the worth of the active ingredient(s) inside fancy bottles are only pennies. Expensive fertilizers are the same, these same ingredients can be supplied for pennies, as compared to many dollars for the commercial products.

The cost of ignorance is great (i.e., results in paying exorbitant prices for others knowledge.) Some of us choose to gain the knowledge/education, etc. ourselves and save the cost, while usually constructing superior product(s) (the cost in pretty packaging/transportation/advertising/etc. can be saved and invested in greater quality.)

Of course, the technical areas of aquarium keeping are best left alone by those unable or unwilling to use caution, learn and experiment--as are most things in this world.

Regards,
TA
 
Fluorish excel IS NOT Glutaraldehyde, it is an isomer that SeaChem lists as Polycycloglutaracetal which is much less reactive and they claim it as being more acessible to plants. So in fact the two should not be handled exactly the same.
 
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