Can Co2 addition be done chemically? Effectively?

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Dwarfnut

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Nov 27, 2002
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In my never-ending reading and searching of the internet and bulletin boards, I sometimes come across ads and verbage suggesting that I can buy some kind of 'miracle' potion that will provide my plants with the needed Co2 so I don't have to do any kind of injection or DIY reactors. Has anyone else heard of these claims and had any experience with them? Does anyone feel there is a way to chemically introduce the Co2 into the water and keep it regulated to the proper amount? I know there is an additive for just about every other needed fertilizer component, so what about Co2??

Thanks,
Bill C.
 
I think you are thinking of Flourish Excel made by Seachem. Yes, this product does work, though not as well as pressurized CO2...I use it in my low-light plant tanks with decent results. It basically provides plants with a readily available organic carbon source.

Here's a little write-up about this product at the aquabotanic site:
http://www.aquabotanic.com/carbon.html
 
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I believe Seachem excel is a c02 additive, but I can't recall for sure. Either way, its main problem is that it gets expensive, and its really feasbile in a bigger tank. The intial cost of a pressurized system or the small costs of a DIY are MUCH cheaper than trying to "add" it to the tank.:)
 
I believe Seachem excel is a c02 additive, but I can't recall for sure. Either way, its main problem is that it gets expensive, and its really feasbile in a bigger tank.
Click to expand...
I use Excel in a 90 gallon and it's not that expensive especially if you buy in bulk from Big Al's.
I get the four liter size for $40 and it lasts for months.
 
Thanks for the info!

So is the Excel considered a substitute for the Co2 gas stuff like injection or DIY?? Should both be used or just one?? Also, do the same rules apply as far as outgassing and such or do they not apply now since this is not a gaseous form of Co2??

I'm thinking it might be easier to use the Excel on the smaller tanks and DIY Co2 injection on the bigger tanks...

Thanks,
 
The rules of outgassing do not apply to Excel. It can be used in combination with CO2 injection though with a good pressurized CO2 kit, it is rather uneccessary. I can only really recommend Excel in small tanks and/or low-light set-ups. I stopped using DIY co2 in my low-light 55g and started using Excel instead, and I cannot tell any difference in quality of plant growth. I don't even dose every day either...maybe 3-4X a week. That's the pleasure of low-light set-ups, low maintenance and up-keep.
 
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