Seachem Flourish Excel is sold in the following sizes: 100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, 2 liters, 4 liters, 20 liters. This means that it won’t hang around in your aquarium for more than a day and therefore needs to be added daily. I think most people’s problems with Seachem Excel comes from overdosing. Great for plants; but be careful with snails. One of the concerns of using Flourish Excel when I was planning was if it was going to be worth the expense to commit to dosing Excel everyday. This works for me in 2 tanks. Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2016, I love Seachem products. Flourish Excel™ is a source of bioavailable organic carbon. This is typically obtained from CO2, but, may also be derived from simple organic compounds (such as photosynthetic intermediates). This is typically obtained from CO 2, but, may also be derived from simple organic compounds (such as photosynthetic intermediates). It might not kill your fish, but I would think it might still be an irritant to them: i just in good conscious cannot use it in my tanks with fish. Your email address will not be published. Get yourself an accurate syringe or dose using drops. Photosynthetic intermediates includes compounds such as ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate, and 2-carboxy-3-keto-D … Flourish Nitrogen is safe for invertebrates such as shrimp. Flourish Excel also has iron reducing properties which promote the ferrous state of iron (Fe +2), which is more easily utilized by plants than ferric iron (Fe +3). Below is a table for the dosing required after a major water change: I have read the reasoning for why this larger dose is recommended. I personally have chosen to not perform this increased dosage after water change. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. About Seachem Seachem's philosophy is that the knowledgeable hobbyist makes the best customer. I entered the hobby because I love the fish, I like the plants a lot but they are for the fishes living space mostly. Had good results with it, bur may try the Excel next bottle just to mix it up. Ideally used after a water change, Flourish Excel will provide the right amount of carbon compounds to promote photosynthesis - essential for … Seachem`s motto is `just add water, we’ll do the rest`. Large doses of Flourish Excel™ can sometimes cause some melting of the leaves of Vallisneria. I am curious as to how the tank would perform with a more high performance substrate like ADA Aquasoil. This is typically obtained from CO2, but, may also be derived from simple organic … In my mind, the defining factor of a ‘high tech’ planted aquarium is adding a pressurized CO2 system. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Seachem Flourish Excel Planted Aquarium Fertilizer, 250 ml at Amazon.com. These terms tend to include aspects of plant keeping including the lighting, fertilizers, selection of plants (low light plants or high light plants). You can also consider that you may be able to increase the lighting, either intensity or duration, to match the CO2 that is being provided. I had always had it in my (over) planted tank and even running pressurized co2 at 5 bps in my 30 gallon wasn't stopping the bba from spreading quickly to all my slow growers and even my extremely fast growing wisteria. Seachem Flourish Excel Bioavailable Carbon - Organic Carbon Source for Aquatic Plants 500 ml. I love Seachem products, and Flourish Excel most definitely perked up my live plants; however, two small yet very healthy mystery snails died shortly after my first use of this product. . All plants require a source of carbon. 1. Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2018 Size: 500 ml Verified Purchase I love Seachem products, and Flourish Excel most definitely perked up my live plants; however, two small yet very healthy mystery snails died shortly after my first use of this product. All plants require a source of carbon. Seachem Flourish Excel is an additive for planted aquariums that is an alternative to gaseous CO2 injection. Seachem Flourish Excel 500ml. Quick and easy, and the results in plant growth and algae control are well worth it! I will eventually wean myself off the Excel and try to see if I've found the right light/CO2/fert ratios that will control algae naturally, but for now continue to dose the Excel as directed. Contains no phosphate or nitrate. This increased dosage is an effort to makeup what is removed. This is typically obtained from CO2, but, may also be derived from simple organic compounds (such as photosynthetic intermediates). 5.0 out of 5 stars 7. There are limits to how effective this alternative source of carbon is – plants are much more efficient in absorbing gassious CO2 added to the water. Plant growth is very good with no detrimental effects from using Excel. This page works best with JavaScript. I have fish and shrimp and haven't noticed any issues with the animals, and the plants grow noticeably better with regular dosing, as well as a noticeable reduction in algae (with regular weekly cleanings). The latter two processes occur more rapidly than with other micronutrients. It’s clear that it is very affordable for nano aquariums. If either CO2 or nutrients are limited, then the result will be algae (if there is excessive light). Where diminishing returns kicks in is for larger aquariums. I have a 30 gallon deep tank and I am dosing 1ml per gallon which is 3ml every morning. Your email address will not be published. SeaChem Flourish Excel™ is a source of bioavailable organic carbon. By dosing with Flourish Excel™ you bypass the involvement of CO2 and introduce the already finished, structurally similar compounds. Despite all the advantages of a low-tech approach, wouldn’t it be great to have a compromise between an all-in CO2 setup and a slow growth setup? This is typically obtained from CO 2, but, may also be derived from simple organic compounds (such as photosynthetic intermediates). All plants require a source of carbon. Flourish Excel is a source of bioavailable organic carbon. All plants require a source of carbon. The combination is particularly ideal for situations when continuing to add CO 2 could result in dangerously low pH levels. This means, that after 24 hours it will no longer be effective. Shop LiveAquaria for Seachem Flourish Excel, a bioavailable organic carbon source for freshwater planted aquariums that provides a simple source of carbon for aiding growth of aquatic plants perfect for use as an alternative to carbon dioxide (CO2) injection or in addition to it. Seachem Flourish Excel is a source of bioavailable organic carbon that caters for your aquatic plant's natural need for CO2. I have Tetras, Amano shrimp, snails and Cories, none have been adversely effected by the Excel. The use of either CO 2 injection or Flourish Excel™ does not necessarily negate the use of the other. 3,658 global ratings | 1,264 global reviews, Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2017. We shall learn more about this product through this Seachem Flourish Excel review. I really wanted to like this product. I have been using Flourish Excel for about 6 months, putting a full capful every second day in my 40 gal low tech planted aquarium. Top subscription boxes – right to your door. I have a plant only tank. The 500 ml bottle is a sweet spot for price and was the best deal for me. 2. Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2018 Size: 100 ml Verified Purchase I was first introduced to Flourish when I had planted aquaria. USING AS DIRECTED, and I would advise NOT using at night nor adding after a major water change. The reason plants need CO 2 is to produce longer chain carbon compounds also known as photosynthetic intermediates. The larger the dose, the more likely there might be an issue. I utilize drops as measurement for dosing in a Fluval Spec V. To help in understanding the dosing, I have created two tables showing the dose suggested in Seachem’s instructions. I cannot take the chance that they would not be effected. Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2017. Seachem Flourish Excel Review. I use them in all of my heavily planted tanks and my plants grow like CRAZY, Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2018. It seems that a large water change will remove large quantities of residual Excel and CO2. The cost is almost negligible long term when considering all the benefits to a planted aquarium. STEVE, if i am dosing 40ml with out any results on plants should i up the dosage, Thank you for the review! Overview Flourish Trace™ supplies a broad range of trace elements demonstrated to be necessary for proper plant health and growth (see below for signs of deficiencies). Most of the negative things I hear about Excel involve people complaining that it has harmed or killed shrimp in their aquariums. One of the first decisions that have to be made for someone planning a planted aquarium is ‘high tech’ or ‘low tech’. Seachem Prime Water Conditioner Review | Spec-Tanks, Lighting Schedule in a Low Light Aquarium | Spec-Tanks, Basics of Aquarium Maintenance for Your Fluval Spec | Spec-Tanks, How to Accurately Dose Chemicals in a Nano Aquarium | Spec-Tanks, 2015 Fluval Spec V Aquarium Journal - Spec-Tanks, 2020 Fluval EVO 13.5 Saltwater Aquarium Journal, Project Evo Marine Part 9: Saltwater Cycling and Basics of Reef Water Parameters, Vivid Creative Aquatics Random Flow Generator for Fluval Spec Aquariums. I took a close look at the cost and what I found was surprising. Seachem’s use of ‘capful’ in their instructions is difficult for nano aquarist. I ignore the instructions and only continue to perform the daily dose every day. Do more research. Flourish Excel™ does not contain these specific compounds per se, but one that is quite similar. CARBON PRODUCTION: All plants require a source of carbon, and Flourish Excel is a … All plants require a source of carbon. I would not use this if you care about your fish more than your plants, Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2019. One disadvantage to this product is that it has a short half life of around 12 hours. why do they not use that formula for people to know without a doubt. The damage is temporary; the roots aren't affected and it grows back strongly and tolerates future dosing of Flourish Excel™ even at higher than recommended doses. You can still see all customer reviews for the product. The first is your daily dosing. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Seachem Flourish Excel Review: Organic Carbon Supplement for Planted Aquariums. The following Seachem Flourish review is designed to inform potential buyers of the pros, cons, general features and overall quality of Flourish. I noticed especially that the red wendti needs Excel to thrive. Keeping plant growth balanced against algae will always require that three things be kept in sync: lighting, nutrients, and CO2. Seachem products include buffers, conditioners, filtration media, medications, and test kits, and have always been based on sound aquatic science. My first guess is that the trace amounts of copper in this product were too much for them; although I was very careful not to overdose/overuse. One thing i do buy API is API co2 booster just bc it's cheaper and a lot of people on the forums said the API version is easier on plants than the seachem flourish Excel. Sizes:100 mL, 250 L, 500 mL, 2 L, 4 L, 20 L I’ll start using Flourish Excel today too see how it works! One of the first decisions that have to be made for someone planning a planted aquarium is ‘high tech’ or ‘low tech’. At the time of writing this review I've been using this product for 2 months in two different tanks. It is indeed possible with the help of a solution known as Flourish Excel from a brand called Seachem. This includes: mosses,  Vallisneria (Val), and ferns. I got the best results with Flourish Excel, dosing it every day. Note that this product is not suitable for certain plants and it will kill them. 3. Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2018. I also noticed that the leaves which had algae on it started to clear. Here is the table for daily dosing: For use in my Spec V, I put in 10 drops every morning before I go to work. **** Seachem Planted Aquarium Dosing Chart**** Flourish Excel™ is a source of bioavailable organic carbon. In my mind, the defining factor of a ‘high tech’ planted aquarium is adding a pressurized CO2 system. All I use for these plants is Excel and air stones. Admittedly, I've seen no negative impact on the other invertebrates in the tank (ghost shrimp), so it is possible that something else happened to the snails; however, both of the snails dying in short order after first use seems to be more than just coincidence. Photosynthetic intermediates includes compounds such as ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate, and 2-carboxy-3-keto-D-arabinitol 1,5 bisphosphate. There is such a solution, and it involves a product from Seachem called Flourish Excel. For this, Seachem suggest dosing 1 capful (5 ml) for every 40 liters. Dosing a 55 gallon aquarium would cost about $63 USD a year. Overall Impressions of Seachem Flourite: This is a very good planted aquarium substrate and I am pleased with it. Seachem Flourish Excel Bioavailable Carbon For The Planer Aquarium, 500 ml. This is typically obtained from CO2, but, may also be derived from simple organic compounds (such as photosynthetic intermediates).”, “The reason plants need CO2 is to produce longer chain carbon compounds also known as photosynthetic intermediates. I think it’s a great product and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend for a nano aquarist who wants to improve plant growth. So I started doing daily dosing at approximately a 25% dose only, thats 25% of the lesser dose, I never tried the initial large dosing. Seachem Flourish Excel Bioavailable Carbon - Organic Carbon Source for... Seachem Flourish Excel Bioavailable Carbon - Organic Carbon Source for Aquatic Plants 500 ml. If your aquascape include plants in these categories, avoid using Excel or proceed slowly and with caution. See the summary table below: For use in a 5 gallon aquarium, the annual cost of using Excel is about $6.50 UDS per year. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. A new planted tank with CO2 injection and struggling with algae for months, I finally caved in and decided to try Excel to combat the algae. I am using this for a few weeks now - I thought my plants were doing ok, but I was getting BBA after using the root tabs. Seachem offers two dosing scenarios for Excel. Flourish Excel will break down in the water in about 24 hours. I strongly believed it helped me grow strong, healthy, beautiful aquatic plants which even became a side business where I sold my clippings and extra propogates online all across the country. Disabling it will result in some disabled or missing features. This is typically obtained from CO 2, but, may also be derived from simple organic compounds (such as photosynthetic intermediates).The use of either CO 2 injection or Flourish Excel™ does not necessarily negate the use of the other. All plants require a source of carbon. The cost tipping point will vary based on goals and expectations, but Excel fits my needs at the moment. Over time, this would probably exceed the cost of filling up CO2 tanks. I will concentrate on other methods to help the plants, like good plant substrate and lots of water changes. Lethal to fish and plants. I know that they surely understand what they are instructing their customers to do. I have been using Excel for three years now, and the plants in my tanks are doing very well. The dosing for very small tanks is best measured using more accurate methods. ... Seachem Flourish Freshwater Plant Supplement - Aquarium Element and Nutrient Blend 250 ml. After a week, I have not seen any improvement in the plants, perhaps the dose was not strong enough to see a difference. It is in its structural similarity that Flourish Excel™ is able to be utilized in the carbon chain building process of photosynthesis.”. Seachem Laboratories Flourish Excel Co2 Plant Supplement Flourish Excel™ is a source of bioavailable organic carbon. This is typically obtained from CO2, but, may also be derived from simple organic compounds (such as photosynthetic intermediates). I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. The only sacrifice is remembering to be consistent and dose every day. It has a huge following too of people who swear by it. The second is a dose following a major (greater than 40%) water change. Trace elements are normally depleted by utilization, oxidation and precipitation. Flourish Excel also has iron reducing properties which promote the ferrous state of iron (Fe +2 ), which is more easily utilized by plants than ferric iron (Fe +3 ). The first few days, I did not see much happening to the BBA, but I started noticing that there was no film on the glass, which I had to clean every week. A 29 gallon tank fully planted, high output LED light, pressurized CO2 system and in a 5 gallon nano tank with medium to high LED lighting with no CO2. Also, my plants are growing faster and have turned a lot greener - my java ferns keep disintegrating, but now seem to be doing better although they still do (I don't like java ferns for this reason). Seachem Excel is also known as an algaecide. Flourish Excel does an amazing job- my Java ferns sat tiny, seemingly dormant but alive for a year before starting Flourish, now as you can see from the photo, I have to “weed” regularly! The problem is the plant tank water with this Excel in there causes a burning sensation to my skin when I work in this tank. These tanks have Amazon swords, red wendti, java moss and ferns, jungle val, and a few bulb flat-leaf surface dwellers. There are many people who dose Flourish Excel every other day, or 3 times a week. The best salts, additives and test kits are available for fast shipping, and at the guaranteed lowest prices online from MarineDepot.com. Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2018. The chemical form that is Excel is more difficult for plants to utilize, so plant growth will be limited compared to traditional CO2. All plants require a source of carbon. Description. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness. Do not use. Flourish Nitrogen also provides nitrate for those plants that can readily utilize nitrate as well. Definitely happier plants since I started using this product. It is a liquid that you add to your aquarium daily that becomes a carbon source for your plants. Seachem Excel is to be dosed every day. However, at this point, I don’t want a substrate that is going to breakdown and require a rescape. It is best to put the daily dose of Excel into your aquarium before the light on phase starts, which will be in the morning for most people. All plants require a source of carbon. Although the names are complicated, the structures are quite simple (5 carbon chains). Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in, Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2017. It is not safe for any fish, especially for fish without scales like corydoras. Seachem Flourish Aquarium Fertilizeris a freshwater aquarium fertilizer that contains many of the micro-nutrients necessary to keep one’s aquarium growing bountifully. The use of either CO2 injection or Seachem Flourish Excel does not necessarily negate the use of the other. Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2017. Sale. Provides aquarium plants with a source of essential carbon; Great for use alone or in conjunction with CO 2 injection this capful per 50 gallons don’t tell you anything. While it is designed to be used in conjunction with macro-nutrient supplements, Seachem Flourish Aquarium Fertilizer is an extremely effective micro-nutrient fertilizer and overall gets a high quality ratin… Well it took about a month and a half but this stuff just helped me rid my tank of a very large and ugly infestation of black beard algae. I have emailed seachem to ask if they could simplify the dosing equation, but no answer. These were taken about 6 weeks apart. It took about two months of tinkering with the light/CO2/Fertilizer ratio and regular dosing of Excel to finally stop the algae. They are breeding like crazy and quite active and show no negative effects. (Snapped the pic before last clean up for review purposes). They are a little unkempt at the moment, but the fish seem to like it that way. I think this is extremely affordable considering the benefits received. Seachem Flourish Excel is a source of bioavailable organic carbon. Satisfied customer! I decided very quickly that there were many disadvantages to attempting a CO2 setup for my first attempt at a planted aquarium, so a low-tech approach became my focus. Required fields are marked *. The use of either CO2 injection or Flourish Excel™ does not necessarily … For maximum benefit, use with Flourish Phosphorus and Flourish Potassium. However, I can’t ignore the very short half life of Excel and I don’t fully believe that there could be that much CO2 accumulated prior to a water change. So far so good for shrimp safety and plant growth, Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2015. It is important to keep in mind that as you are increasing CO2 by adding Excel, you may need to increase fertilizers that you are adding to the water column to stay in sync. This will actually kill your fish and even melt some of your plants. The use of e Flourish Excel™ is an integral component of Seachem’s plant products and is recommended for use with the entire Flourish™ line as well as our Flourite™ and Onyx Sand™ substrates. Seachem Flourish Excel is a source of bioavailable organic carbon. Here's my set up before and after. If I was building another planted tank, I would consider a larger aquarium and would probably favor going with injected gaseous CO2. From the Seachem Website: “Flourish Excel™ is a source of bioavailable organic carbon. From my experience, this is not a good idea. Greetings from Brasil. It is the preferred method for many people to kill off Black Beard Alage (BBA) by using the full day dosage distributed right on the spot of algae using a pipette. These terms tend to include aspects of plant keeping including the lighting, fertilizers, selection of plants (low light plants or high light plants). See all details for Seachem Flourish Excel Bioavailable Carbon - Organic Carbon Source for... © 1996-2021, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 3,589 Reviews. It is important not to rely on ‘capfuls’ or other such measures when dosing on a smaller aquarium. But after a couple of weeks, I started noticing the BBA clear, they started to turn a purple color and then disappear. I would go on and on, but I figured I would just post some pictures of my tanks. I have not noticed any problems with my red cherry shrimp. HAVE BEEN USING SEACHEM FLOURISH EXCEL FOR OVER A YEAR I HAVE A 300 LITRE AQUARIUM HEAVY PLANTED , I HAVE CRYPTOCORYNE PLANTS AMAZON SWORD ECHINODOROUS RED SENNA, HAVE INCREASED DOSAGE TO 40ML A DAY BEFORE LIGHTS GO ON, SOME AMAZON SWORD LEAVES LOOK PALE AND WORN, HAVE DISCUS FISH , SO HAVE TO BE CAREFUL ON DOSING , IT RECOMMENDS JUST ONE CAP FULL FOR 200 LITRES SO I AM WAY OVER DOSING AT 40ML AT LEAST YOU WOULD OF THOUGHT, BUT SOME PLANTS STILL SEEM TO BE SUFFERING HAVE T5 TUBES 2 PLANT AND 2 DAYLITE ALSO PLANT ROOT TABS HAVE BEEN ADDED ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE WELCOME REGARDS Yes, capfuls only apply to very large tanks. They suggest dosing at a rate of 1 capful (5 ml) for every 200 liters of water. This will lower oxygen levels (no, its not anywhere on the label) and could kill your fish if added at night or when you use a dechlorinator like Prime, which also removes O2 from water). HI, Please make sure that you are posting in the form of a question. This is indeed a great product for plants, but if the tank contains snails, one might want to consider reducing the dosage as a safety precaution.