Another CO2 booster

[Lady Hobbs]

There are other things on the market to boost CO2 other than Excel. They would most likely not kill the algae you may be trying to get rid of but still should work to raise the CO2 if looking for that.

API now has one.
http://www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com/shop/shop_image/product/253754b16114c8dc18c02a59f976e988.jpg
As well as

http://www.petsolutions.com/storefront/renderImage.image?imageName=34165000.jpg&width=325&height=325&padding=0

Just to let you know it doesn't have to be Excel and that's your only option.

[Trillianne]

I did some googling to compare...here's some of my maths so other people don't have to get out their calculators!

Both Excel and the API call for 1mL per 10Gal doses, but the API suggests daily dosing, and the Excel every other day dosing. Something to keep in mind if you are price comparing.

API comes in just an 8oz size from what I could find, so one bottle would last you roughly 42 days on a 55gal tank.

[Lady Hobbs]

That's good information. This is interesting because Excel is said to deplete after 24 hours so I'm not sure if I see using Excel every other day any different than if I used API every other day if that's the case. Actually, the Excel directions say "add daily dose or every other day" and probably the others can be dosed about the same?

API comes in 16 oz. Haven't seen any larger than that yet. Haven't looked around much really. It's a new product just reaching the market so no reviews on it yet.

Altho it won't kill algae like Excel, perhaps using it may prevent algae to start with tho. I think I will order some just to test it.

[Lady Hobbs]

Read this:

http://www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com/shop/index.php?page=shop-flypage-45351

Kills feas and ticks? LOLOLOL Someone is not in the game there!

[Dave66]

And one more: http://www.marcweissco.com/freshwater/natural_aquarium_vital/natural_aquarium_vital.html

I'd use it if I didn't use pressurized Co2.

Dave

[Lady Hobbs]

Thanks Dave. Marc Weiss would probably be a good one since his products are known to be good. Rather hard to find for some reason. It's on none of my shopping sites for some reason.

[dbosman]

Altho it won't kill algae like Excel, perhaps using it may prevent algae to start with tho. I think I will order some just to test it.

API CO2 Booster is 1.6% glutaraldehyde.

Seachem Excel is somewhere between 1.5% and 2.4% glutaraldehyde.
...Seachem won't say anymore.
They list it using a made up trade name. Polycycloglutaraceta

Johnson & Johnson Cidex is 2.4% glutaraldehyde.

Metrex Research Corporation Metracide is 2.6% glutaraldehyde.

[Lady Hobbs]

So, it would possibly kill the BBA is what you're saying, right?

[Brhino]

where do these alternatives stand on the subject of melting some species of aquarium plants like excel is known to do?

[Lady Hobbs]

I imagine the glutaraldehyde is what kills them and I don't want plants killed either. But Excel was never supposed to be overdosed and the company recommends only dose as directed. It was rather by accident of people using too much that they found out overdosing kills the BBA. I guess if they all contain glutaraldehyde, I'm almost of the opinion it much doesn't matter which a person uses.

I was hoping for a product without it.

[Lady Hobbs]

This is the one dave mentioned. The ingredients....

http://www.marcweissco.com/freshwater/natural_aquarium_vital/natural_aquarium_vital.html

[dragoonwoman]

I used the Aquarium Vital before I started using Excel. I was pleased with the results, but found it hard to come by. Hence the switch to Excel.

Biggest bottle of Excel I've found is 2 liter. I dose all my tanks with it, so it's definitely cheaper in the big bottle.

[dbosman]

So, it would possibly kill the BBA is what you're saying, right?

Yes.
Glutaraldehyde is glutaraldehyde. Only the concentration varies. There are some very concentrated solutions available on line, but only a chemist or people trained to handle dangerous products should attempt to dilute those. Cidex and Metracide are readily available in the US from medical supply companies. Throw away the small bottle of activator that comes with it.

I purchase 5L jugs of Cidex at $12.56. I transfer it from the bulk jug to an old Excel bottle that I keep under the tank, and dose at the same levels I'd dose Excel at.

[Lady Hobbs]

Thank You. Good info there. I'm sure it will prove helpful to others, as well.