Flourish Excel | The Truth

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Күн бұрын

Try Flourish Excel for yourself:
amzn.to/4a4PejI
In today's video, we'll do a deep-dive into a very popular product in the aquarium/aquascaping hobby: Seachem Flourish Excel. In my six years as a hobbyist, I've heard a lot of claims and myths being thrown about regarding Flourish Excel. Today, I'll attempt to address some of these claims and bust some of the myths. I'll also explain, scientifically, how Flourish Excel is proposed to work by Seachem, on the cellular level.
Some common claims we'll address:
-Flourish Excel is "liquid carbon"
-Flourish Excel is just glutaraldehyde
-Flourish Excel can be used instead of pressurized CO2
-Flourish Excel is dangerous to your tank and its inhabitants
I hope you enjoy the video! Things are always a bit complex when discussing biochemistry, but the scientist in me loves diving into these topics. If you're a biochemist or have extensive knowledge on plant biology, let me know your input regarding Flourish Excel down below in the comments. See you next time!
WHERE I GET PLANTS & EQUIPMENT:
bit.ly/3I5ZlbM
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Intro & What We'll Cover
00:50 - Addressing Claims via Seachem's Website
01:07 - Claim #1: Is Excel Liquid Carbon?
02:06 - Claim #2: Excel is Glutaraldehyde & Dangerous
03:38 - Claim #3: Excel is Just an Algaecide
04:26 - How Does the Active Ingredient work?
05:25 - Polycycloglutaracetal Explained
06:35 - Drawing Conclusions
08:30 - Outro
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CHECK OUT LOGAN RANDO AQUASCAPING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
INSTAGRAM: / loganrandoaqua
FACEBOOK: / loganrandoaqua
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AQUARIUM GEAR & MATERIALS
GLASS
Ultimate Nature Systems 60U (20 gal)
FILTRATION
OASE Biomaster 600 Thermo
LIGHTING
TWINSTAR 600S
Way2top Aquarium Light LED Dimmer
CO2
VIVOSUN Hydroponics CO2 Regulator
Twinstar CO2 Diffuser (small)
Pressurized CO2 Cylinder (5lbs)
SUBSTRATE SYSTEM
ADA Aquasoil Amazonia ver. II (1.3 bags)
ADA Bacter 100, Clear Super, Tourmaline BC
HARDSCAPE
Seiryu Stone
Pacific Wood
PLANTS
Helanthium tenellum 'Green'
Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Green Gecko'
Echinodorus 'Aflame'
Bucephalandra (assorted)
Anubias nana 'Petite'
Microsorum pteropus 'Black Forest'
Fissidens fontanus

Пікірлер: 90

@LoganRandoAquascaping 2 жыл бұрын

Try Flourish Excel for yourself: amzn.to/4a4PejI I really enjoyed doing this deep-dive style video on Flourish Excel. If you're a biochemist or have knowledge on plant systematics, let me know what you make of all this. I'd love to hear from you!

@mizana1875 Жыл бұрын

I have a biochem background from my degree. I use medical grade Glutaraldehyde for my fish tank since I started a couple of years ago, I only use it to inhibit algae growth. Not too sure what this company is claiming, but Glutaraldehyde is one the most potent antimicrobials that exist that shows little carcinogenic effects on humans and plans (which is why it's used in sterilization when autoclaves can't be used).

@sinakiani4026 2 жыл бұрын

As someone in biochemical science, I want to share an interesting POV. Glutaraldehyde, like Seachem explained, is a 5-carbon organic molecule. Here is the thing though - and I'll try to keep this simple. Glutaraldehyde is a dialdehyde which means it has two aldehydes on each side of the carbon chain. In water, these two aldehydes essentially allow the compound to can "change" so that they are connecting to each other. This literally means that the carbon chain compound can tie into a ring. Anyway, in organic chemistry terms, this froms a hemiacetal ( I think - been a while since I studied this). This conversion of glutaraldehyde in water really depends on pH and in most aquatic tanks which are near 7, this conversation doesn't really happen as it requires higher pH. Now, Flourish Excel calls their compound polycycloglutaracetal. As that is not a proper scientific name, I tried to search the structure and could not find it. But let's think about it. "poly" which means literally "many"...okay. "cyclo" is a correct scientific prefix for a carbon-based ring. Next there is the term 'glutar' which refers to glutaral like compounds including glutaraldehyde. Lastly, we have the suffix "acetal". Coincidence? In pH7 - or any average aquarium pH - these acetals should separate again into a chain that is 'glutar" like. Because remember, in near neutral pH, the cyclic form of an acetal is likely not favourable (for chemical reasons) and this flourish polycycloglutaracetal goes back to "becomes" glutaraldehyde once added to your tank. So maybe Excel doesn't technically have glutaraldehyde, but practically it does. I hope I didn't lose anyone. Great video! Thanks for sharing! Very helpful.

@LoganRandoAquascaping 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Sina, thanks so much for the detailed insight! It looks like we've both come to the same conclusions regarding the active ingredient. The community seems to concur with us. Some folks hypothesize that the polycyclo part of the compound stabilizes it and prevents it from reacting too readily. But yes, practically speaking, we're looking at a bottle of very diluted gluteraldehyde, which I think is important for consumers to know.

@sinakiani4026 2 жыл бұрын

@@LoganRandoAquascaping :) Agreed

@carteldemajil6113 Жыл бұрын

Sooo its good or not good?

@stoneysscapes7544 Жыл бұрын

@@carteldemajil6113 it's good to excel in academics , I was interested in sports !!🤭

@lionheart5329 Жыл бұрын

@@carteldemajil6113 they don’t know 😂

@Christofascist_Hup Жыл бұрын

Seachem Florish Excel cured my cancer, saved my marriage, and drives my kids to school on Tuesdays. 10/10 would recommend.

@LoganRandoAquascaping Жыл бұрын

Congrats on all the success! 🤘🏼🤘🏼

@bradsuarez2683 Жыл бұрын

It's almost as good as the Covid vaccine??? WOW

@laurenmccoy9696 Жыл бұрын

I laughed so hard at this. Kids to school on Tuesdays. 😂😂

@MJAquascaping 2 жыл бұрын

Very interesting! Thanks for making this video Logan!

@aqualabcreations Жыл бұрын

Lots of useful information in this video!!! Thanks for all your help.

@courtneykeeps 2 жыл бұрын

Really good deep-dive Logan! I didn't realise that's how Seachem listed the product. Definitely learnt a few things!

@LoganRandoAquascaping 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Courtney! It was fascinating doing this research

@chelmsford6774 2 жыл бұрын

I use to work in photography and colour film was dipped in Formaldehyde solution to preserve it. I love Seachem products and still use them all except Flourish Excel because it was a very familiar smell and I found out why. My choice and that's why. Great products and we love what they do for our planted tanks, Cheers.

@FG-hw5ep Жыл бұрын

Great scientific explanation which is exactly what I needed to hear! Subscribed!

@LoganRandoAquascaping Жыл бұрын

Glad you dig the video! Thanks for subscribing. I do new videos every Friday

@FG-hw5ep Жыл бұрын

@@LoganRandoAquascaping I'm new to planted tanks so I need all the help I can get. lol I'll be on the lookout for your videos.

@letsgonow5641 16 күн бұрын

I added half a capful to a 3 gallon bucket. Took out the driftwood with Anubias and Java Fern attached to treat the Algae on it. I left it for 5 minutes. 2 days later the Java Fern started to die.

@Gjallarhorn_Productions 2 жыл бұрын

Great info, man. 👍🏻

@stephenevans7884 Жыл бұрын

This is a great video. We'll done and thanks. I'm a chemist and you've nailed it.

@LoganRandoAquascaping Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback Stephen! That's great to hear!

@OneWhoWas Жыл бұрын

I do find it very effective on staghorn, and BBA. I'm currently trying it on some BGA (I know, not algae) with mixed results. It does kill it, but it requires more concentration and longer soak time. I currently spot treat with Excel, turning off filtration and circ/air pumps, and blast spots using a syringe and a piece of hose. If I give a spot a decent shot of excel (1ml for a 1" square section of BgA) and let it soak in that spot for 15 minutes, that section will turn from dark green to a blue by the next day, then Flake away. That section seems very resistant to regrowth of BgA for a while. Now for the weird. Ive experienced next to zero issue with it near plants. Not saying anyone else should do it. But I've dosed straight on Val's... All in sorts of stems, ar minis, Crypts, Anubius buce and I daily does tanks with java fern and subwassertang. I did lightly nuke some Monty Carlo once, but the regrowth was crazy lush. Just an odd observation, from someone who is not a professional.

@LoganRandoAquascaping Жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it's worked on your BgA spot. Excel is great for spot treating like that! It's highly diluted so as long as you don't drastically exceed dosing instructions your plants and fauna are typically safe as you've observed

@FlawllessCowboy 3 ай бұрын

For some reason it decimates certain floating plants in my experience but that's about it.

@sirbreakemstuff Жыл бұрын

you should make a video about how to make excel from concentrated glutaraldehyde and where to get it!

@LoganRandoAquascaping Жыл бұрын

Cool idea, but a bit outside of my skill set

@rachelschildman2327 2 жыл бұрын

🌟🌟ScIeNcE!!!! 👩🏼‍🔬 Excellent job, good explanation, and thanks for the deep dive. I keep low tech tanks, and have been wondering about this (vs API CO2 Booster).

@Knights.of.Ni. 2 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oKl2qJSekq6udXU.html

@barbararando1168 2 жыл бұрын

Well done , great presentation and clarification.

@LoganRandoAquascaping 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Rachel! I can't speak about API's product, but a lot of hobbyists have great things to say about Excel in low tech setups

@drumeer 3 ай бұрын

They explained everything, but no information was given whether it could be used in a tank with fry. Can you help me with this?

@LoganRandoAquascaping 3 ай бұрын

I would not use it with fry

@kaitlyn888 2 ай бұрын

They may not claim that it is an algicide however, I have used it for many years now for multiple purposes I have had no negative effects on any of my aquariums or it’s inhabitants, including plants. It’s used minimally, and it actually eliminated black beard algae in its early stage.

@LoganRandoAquascaping 2 ай бұрын

Agreed, while not marketed as such, glut is a highly effective algicide when used in safe doses.

@homegeographic5351 2 жыл бұрын

is like, water is nor oxygen or hydrogen, but its based on it, probably ot jas another or more atoms or whatever bound. is like no3 is not no2 but is an derivate, no3 is less dangerous them no2. and if it tricks the plants into thinkkong is co2 but is not harmful then ok. few minutes ago i jist dripped the bottle on my finger where i had a cut, small accident, and it hurted alot, it kinda felt like acid. hope is not carcinogen

@aidandalton7404 10 ай бұрын

Overdose depletes oxygen in the water and fish suffocate. I have made the mistake. It will work to benefit plants but takes consistency and correct dosage. Don't be tempted to add more than recommended dose. Just every day and after a month you'll see the results. Hydrogen peroxide is the antidote if fish have adverse reactions and start rapid gill movements or hanging at the water surface.

@gbaquascaping63 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, good video! . I am not too friend of excel , easy carbo or other glutaraldehyde similar or based products but is nice find honest analisys content 😉

@alexgaribay7794 2 жыл бұрын

So are you saying these chemical ferts are toxic to humans? Like should this even be on out skin?

@LoganRandoAquascaping 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Alex, Seachem is definitely very clear to avoid contact with skin, eyes, etc, but that goes for any chemical. It's very diluted and definitely safe when used as directed

@Constantine_Cvl8 2 жыл бұрын

Any fertilizer-type chemicals usually have these warnings, even on normal liquid aquarium fertilizers.

@MartinGonzalez-ok6cu Жыл бұрын

Why do many hobbiest use it to kill Black Beard algae? What actually happening? Thanks for your video it was interesting.

@LoganRandoAquascaping 9 ай бұрын

Because glut is quite lethal so stubborn BBA is taken down by it when spot dosed

@carloft 8 ай бұрын

Do you use it and how?

@LoganRandoAquascaping 8 ай бұрын

I use hydrogen peroxide

@carloft 8 ай бұрын

@@LoganRandoAquascaping thanks a lot for the answer! I find your videos always informative and entertaining

@airnashville3883 2 жыл бұрын

I've been researching this topic for months now and this is one of the best overviews yet. I use Excel and have for months across 6 aquariums, all with CO2 running as well. It does help with some algae like BBA or stag horn. Plants do flourish with it but, I've found as have others, the actual amount of Excel necessary to see optimal results is about 2-3 times more than as per instructions. My belief is that Excel and other glutes work by disrupting biofilms that form on plants leaves and roots. That's why you will see algae on plants melt away after using this. In turn, the cleaner leaves and roots allow more efficient nutrient transport. It does work.

@LoganRandoAquascaping 2 жыл бұрын

I'm really glad to hear that you think my overview stacks up well! It was really fun to dive into. I concur with your own research stating that the algaecide properties aren't present at the recommended dose. Seachem is very adamant on their website that, at the prescribed dose, Excel is not an algicide. But I read that many who tested it, increase the dosing by 3x or so to get the algicide effects of the Glut. I gathered that Glut works by disrupting the permeability of cell membranes, thus reducing cell function of algae/bacteria. Thanks for watching!

@anoobis_ 2 жыл бұрын

Any casualties on the fishes?

@visioncorp5228 Жыл бұрын

@@LoganRandoAquascaping curious if tripped dose starts to effect fish?

@detlefh.7090 Жыл бұрын

What do you think will happen to bacteria colonies in filters? What will happen to microbial films on in-tank surfaces? I advise not to use Glut if you aim for peak functionality of your filter system and/or if you keep Otocinclus. Even shrimp will suffer. Watch their behaviour closely after you have introduced the recommended dose of Glut. That said and you might have quessed it I also use it at times.

@zachy5546 Жыл бұрын

Deep drive on API Leaf???

@LoganRandoAquascaping 9 ай бұрын

Great idea!

@donttalktome4696 Жыл бұрын

Wait, it's not an algaecide,? yet I only use it for algae

@LoganRandoAquascaping Жыл бұрын

Not legally speaking

@Jmastives 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. But as start as I started using this, it destroyed my beautiful moss and anubias. Melted everything. Hoping they grow back now I've stopped dosing.

@LoganRandoAquascaping 2 жыл бұрын

Mosses are going to be particuliarly susceptible to chemical treatment. I advise avoiding direct contact with excel/H202. Most other plants can take the hit

@Jmastives 2 жыл бұрын

@@LoganRandoAquascaping thanks pal. Ive stopped dossing excel for now hoping it recovers. My frogbit wasn't a fan either 😔

@anoobis_ 2 жыл бұрын

What about cabombas? Their leaves look very delicate I'm kinda afraid of dosing them now lol

@LoganRandoAquascaping 2 жыл бұрын

@@anoobis_ When in doubt, spot test on a small section, give it a week, and observe results

@sfiron 5 ай бұрын

No way I’m letting this stuff into my home. Thanks for the vid. Risky and many safer alternatives co2 for one, low tech tanks a second

@ameyaphalke.5580 2 жыл бұрын

Does it kill moss?

@LoganRandoAquascaping 2 жыл бұрын

I’m very cautious using chemicals around moss so I would be extra careful. Seachem doesn’t mention moss on their website, but they do mention Val being sensitive. I would spot dose with a tiny amount, observe results, and go from there

@codyfischer3113 2 жыл бұрын

I have java moss in my tanks that I dose with Excel and they grow great, I have had no issues with it. I can't speak from experience with mosses other than java moss.

@BiteYoFace 10 ай бұрын

it does if you drip directly onto it or let it stay concentrated in stagnant water around moss for a few minutes

@Reek151 Жыл бұрын

This video confused me why do you need Lego for the plants ?

@majorbruster5916 12 күн бұрын

Cos it's cheaper than using actual building blocks.

@cyonoise8782 5 ай бұрын

Can this be used as fertilizer for aquatic grass seeds? I accidentally bought Flourish Excel instead of just Flourish I don't know why they have sort of the same label if one does the opposite of the other if so.

@LoganRandoAquascaping 5 ай бұрын

Excel is not fertilizer. Also grass seeds are a scam: buceplant.com/blogs/aquascaping-guides-and-tips/so-called-magic-seeds-and-the-carpet-seed-scam

@ThePlantedTankTV 3 ай бұрын

I use this stuff exclusively for killing algae because it works wonders. Been using it for 8 years.

@LoganRandoAquascaping 3 ай бұрын

Glut is definitely a highly effective algaecide

@ThePlantedTankTV 3 ай бұрын

@@LoganRandoAquascaping yeah man. You can get it in gallon jugs for way less money than seachem sells it for but it can be hard to find. I don't use it often unless I get a BBA outbreak or something. Then I just cut all flow wait 10minutes for the water to stagnate and then spot dose. Works everytime.