Excel used as an algaecide
- Thread starter Hank
- Start date
Thx,
I'm dosing 2x the normal amount. What do you think about dosing Excel 3x the normal amount. I forgot to mention, the purpose for this amount of dosing is to rid bba. I already tried H202.
If you fail to follow directions, you end up killing your fish with this product, they have dosing on the bottle and going much above that is not good for livestock.
As is the case with copper, dose makes the poison, too much, kills the patient, too little, no effect.
Algae is there for a reason, and it's NOT from a lack of Excel, so dose, stay consistent and reduce light perhaps, clean the tank and be patient.
Things that happen fast often are bad in aquariums. See if you have a CO2 issue etc.
Regards,
Tom Barr
As is the case with copper, dose makes the poison, too much, kills the patient, too little, no effect.
Algae is there for a reason, and it's NOT from a lack of Excel, so dose, stay consistent and reduce light perhaps, clean the tank and be patient.
Things that happen fast often are bad in aquariums. See if you have a CO2 issue etc.
Regards,
Tom Barr
Tom has a good point. The algaecidal properties were an unintentional side effect, as far as I know...there's really no perfect method to using it as such, at least nothing specifically endorsed by Seachem. So it's not exactly the first step I would take in treating an algae issue.
Keep in mind, Excel contains minute amounts of copper so if you have any inverts in your tank I would recommend against it. Algae is usually caused by an imbalance of nutrients, CO2, and light in the tank. I suggest taking a look at your plants and doing some research on effects of various nutrient deficiencies, that's the easiest way to see if you're missing something in great quantities.
Personally though, I cheat and use Otocinclus catfish. They're great at eating algae, and I enjoy their personalities and antics in the aquarium. I get them because I enjoy them and they need the algae so I don't worry too much about the nutrient mix. There are a lot of people here that will post their disagreement with the idea of purchasing a fish to solve something that could be resolved though other methods.
Personally though, I cheat and use Otocinclus catfish. They're great at eating algae, and I enjoy their personalities and antics in the aquarium. I get them because I enjoy them and they need the algae so I don't worry too much about the nutrient mix. There are a lot of people here that will post their disagreement with the idea of purchasing a fish to solve something that could be resolved though other methods.
I'm truly honored, Thank you for your warning and suggestions. I did read a 26 page thread on APC forum about Excel and bba. I know your feelings about using Excel as an algaecide. There are too many experience hobbyist who claim success, so I must try it! I'm too frustrated not to.
In a 3 month period I have cut back my lighting from 7 hrs to 5 hrs photo period. Compressed C02 45ppm. I used H202, that was a 50/50 success story.
I did a 3 day blackout and 3x 50% water changes before I started double dosing Excel. I'm now into my second week. The first week was not too good, only because the black tuffs of bba has NOT turned red. So far fish and shrimp are doing good! The Lobelia Cardinalis sp dwarf have lost 70% of their lower leaves and Bacopa sp Colorato are experiencing some melting. I do hope I have a better second week!
Just got to give it a try!
What is your CO2 system like?
I'm no where near an expert on pressurized systems, but my experience with BBA stemmed from problems with CO2 and possibly someone could identify an issue...
Just a suggestion.
I'm no where near an expert on pressurized systems, but my experience with BBA stemmed from problems with CO2 and possibly someone could identify an issue...
Just a suggestion.
Try injecting with a syringe, pin point your shots.
I agree with Tom. Read my answer to tom's post of what steps I have taken, especially using CO2
I'm surprised you didn't mention that Excel contains Glutaraldehyde! Thank you for your suggestions and I'm glad you found the right combination for a free algae tank. I don't think having some type of clean up crew is cheating...Thank you