Wycco: Do you know where I could get some Florin-Axis? I am planning on using it next month in place of Excel, and seeing which seems to do better.... then the next month, I might try both... we'll see.
Excel melting plants?
- Thread starter montanafish gal
- Start date
Very rarely will a tank have enough algae to keep an oto healthy for long.
I suggest feeding a combonation of vegetables, algae wafers, and whatever else they decide to eat. You can also grow your own algae.
I got mine online at aquacave... I googled around to see who had it cheapest- I think it was $8 from them- they had a fantastic deal on shipping at the time, it was either free or just a few bucks... can't remember now.... don't know if the deal still is on...
Lots of stores sell it online- and from what I recall most were about the same price- shipping is what made the difference. I haven't seen it in a pet store or a LFS- but we only have chain pet stores and one LFS and it sucks (they don't carry Excel either... the person - who I assume is the manager because he seemed to be in charge of what they stock on the shelves, told me he can't think why anyone would want to add carbon to their tank- LOL).
*duh, that's what the carbon in the filter is for!*
(Please, nobody think that I am even remotely serious.)
(Please, nobody think that I am even remotely serious.)
LOL I didn't think of that! 
The guy was familiar with Carbon Dioxide though for plants- but I guess didn't realise it was the carbon from that that plants needed... he suggested I add tonic water to my tank instead. (which people on here confirmed wasn't the best solution- I asked).
They have every seachem flourish product except for Excel. He said he was going to order some- but never did... at least, I went back a couple of times over the next few months and never saw any- which is why I went online to look and stumbled upon Axis instead.
No one has Excel locally for me.
The guy was familiar with Carbon Dioxide though for plants- but I guess didn't realise it was the carbon from that that plants needed... he suggested I add tonic water to my tank instead. (which people on here confirmed wasn't the best solution- I asked).
They have every seachem flourish product except for Excel. He said he was going to order some- but never did... at least, I went back a couple of times over the next few months and never saw any- which is why I went online to look and stumbled upon Axis instead.
No one has Excel locally for me.
That is one major downside to these products. If your plants are getting there carbon from a liquid additive, than they aren't replacing Co2 in the water with o2.
Then again, in theory, if you find the right balance between o2 consuming, co2 producing fish and inverts, and co2 consuming, o2 producing plants, you shouldn't have to add co2. Also, it seems that the decomposition of the fish's other waste would provide plentiful nitrates, phosphates, and potasium. Why is it not that simple?
Then again, in theory, if you find the right balance between o2 consuming, co2 producing fish and inverts, and co2 consuming, o2 producing plants, you shouldn't have to add co2. Also, it seems that the decomposition of the fish's other waste would provide plentiful nitrates, phosphates, and potasium. Why is it not that simple?
oh my this has gotten really complicated. And my anti-scientific brain (I slept during all my science classes) is awfully confused.... lol.
Ok, to get this thread back on track, the answer to your question is:
The only common plants that are often harmed by use of Excel are Vallisneria and Anacharis. There may be some other plants harmed by it, and not all valls may be harmed by it. If you wish to use a similiar product that has not been shown to harm any plant, try Florin-Axis.
The only common plants that are often harmed by use of Excel are Vallisneria and Anacharis. There may be some other plants harmed by it, and not all valls may be harmed by it. If you wish to use a similiar product that has not been shown to harm any plant, try Florin-Axis.
for the unscientific
it doesn't really matter. the O2 is replaced during gas exchange at the surface .
the plants would still process CO2 it derives from the normal CO2 levels in the water.
the excel simply places a usable/soluable form of carbon in the water.
I do believe that CO2 should still be used when high light tanks are involved. basically super injecting CO2 by simply making more available.
hmm I wonder what impact this is having on global warming? but that is another topic
I am dosing Excel in my tanks since I am only at about +/-2wpg
it just seemed easier than messing with pressurized CO2 and or DIY.
so far the bad algae seems to be suffering. so far any vals(not much to begin with as it seem to be one of those plants I can kill)have not seemed to be bothered
