CO2 / Carbon Products

[deanna]

I would like to know if anyone has experience with Brightwell's product: FlorinAxis. It is supposed to add carbon in a different way than Flourish Excel. There are very few reviews on the web and a lot of would-be organic chemists commenting in both directions on it.

I have been using Flourish Excel for years and haven't noticed a dramatic effect, particularly after discontinuing it a few months ago, which hasn't resulted in a negative change in my plants. I have a low tech setup, but with good lighting.

My concern is long-term exposure to the glutaraldehyde in the Excel (plus, I like anacharis, which is melted by Excel). It is nearly impossible to avoid getting some of this on your hands and, although I'm sure Seachem has all the safety studies, glutaraldehyde is used to kill living cells (which is what my hands are).

[Carl]

I am not familiar with FlorinAxis, it certainly would be worth at least trying.

As for Flourish Excel, this is a product I have used considerably with varying results, including results that match yours where ceasing use made little difference.
However I have also had planted aquariums where ceasing use was noticed with change in plant growth, more algae on the leaves or other issues.

I would have to respectfully disagree as per the toxicity of glutaraldehyde to your hands with normal use. While I do not advocate pouring on ones hands, I have spilled Flourish Excel on my hands without any issues.
Now getting in in your eyes or prolonged skin exposure is another story.

You could also consider a simple CO2 system such as the Ista.
Resource:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/CO2Generator.html


Carl

[devonjohnsgard]

Jul 1, 2015 15:12:45 GMT -5 deanna said:

I would like to know if anyone has experience with Brightwell's product: FlorinAxis. It is supposed to add carbon in a different way than Flourish Excel. There are very few reviews on the web and a lot of would-be organic chemists commenting in both directions on it.

I have been using Flourish Excel for years and haven't noticed a dramatic effect, particularly after discontinuing it a few months ago, which hasn't resulted in a negative change in my plants. I have a low tech setup, but with good lighting.

My concern is long-term exposure to the glutaraldehyde in the Excel (plus, I like anacharis, which is melted by Excel). It is nearly impossible to avoid getting some of this on your hands and, although I'm sure Seachem has all the safety studies, glutaraldehyde is used to kill living cells (which is what my hands are).

I have heard of Excel "melting" a few plants. Even some more common ones. I've heard it, but never experienced it.

I've known Excel to be great for algae. As for growth, I've always used it, so I can say if there's a difference in growth, but what I do have to wonder is if because it's controlling the algae, that's what helps the plants grow better. It's seems more in a indirect way, instead of direct.

What's the reason for excel? What kind of lights?

Have you ever considered, just skipping carbon all together and trying co2? Even for a low tech, a little co2 would go a long ways.

Anyways. WELCOME! Thanks for joining the group.

[deanna]

Thanks for the thoughtful replies.

Interesting speculation: that Excel, by reducing the algae burden, allows plants to grow better and the carbon aspect may not be doing much of anything.

I have tried DIY CO2 methods and they do seem to give some help. However, I have also read that the variable rates from a DIY can actually counteract the benefits as opposed to a pressurized system. Not sure, yet, if I want to invest in a pressurized system.

Without much in reviews by others having used FlorinAxis, I guess I’ll have to give it a try. I have consistently high nitrates and phosphates (even after 2-3 water changes weekly and use of Purigen), but I have too many fish for a 29 gallon tank. I like them, so I deal with the negative effects as long as they are healthy and algae formation isn’t too bad. Best first step would probably be to bring the nitrates down, watch it a while, and then try the FlorinAxis.

I have two GroBeam 600’s (bought from Carl)

[devonjohnsgard]

How large of water changes? You could do one once a week like 50%. If Nitrates are higher after each water change, maybe not enough is being cleaned during the changes or the filtration is not good enough.

Do you use any fertilizers?

Two GB 600?

That's high light. You should use Carbon or Co2, so I say it's worth it.

[mmfed01]

I have used FlorinAxis and found it to be no better or worse than Excel or Carbon Plus by Azoo. Like Devon asked, I would be curious if you are dosing Micro/Macro ferts..

I've even experiment with using Metricide 14 and diluting it when I grew tired of spending money on Excel. As Carl noted, while you wouldn't want to get it in your eyes or mouth, you also have to consider the concentration of glutaraldehyde that is in the product. Metricide 14 as I recall was 2.6% glutaraldehyde....I would further dilute depending on my needs. Excel I think is 1.5% glutaraldehyde solution. I don't use the stuff much anymore...other than for emergencies. My 16 and 14 gallon tanks have DIY CO2...with great results when combined with ferts and good lighting (which you have). I prefer citric acid/sodium bicarbonate over the DIY yeast..but that's just me. I think if you took the leap for a pressurized CO2 system you will love it. I've had inexpensive Azoo regulators running for years without problems as well as more expensive dual stage regulators. Best of luck with whatever you decide! 

Mike