Hybrid methods, fusing dry start+ excel with non CO2

[Tom Barr]

Yes, plenty of folks have grown HC with Excel, and a few non CO2, but you are not going to have a dense think stem plant background, only HC for the most part and it will not be quite as dense, no Excel will make it even harder.

Regards,
Tom Barr

[feh]

Filling the tank:



Done:


3 weeks later:


Regards,
Tom Barr

Regards,
Tom Barr

What kind of time lapse was this? 4 weeks or longer?

[Tom Barr]

8 weeks, then 3 weeks later once submersed for the final

[feh]

Thats not so bad. When you took out the HC and put the Staurogyne in did you grow that in the same way or left it flooded?

[wasserman]

Hi Tom

it's quiet difficult to get Excel in Indonesia.
Do you something else to replace?
I wonder what's inside Excel product...hmmm...
especially if there is DIY version of Excel

thanks tom

[Florin Ilia]

I'm not Tom but I can tell you that the basic ingredient of Excel is Glutaraldehyde. Similar aquarium products are Easy Carbo from the company Easy Life and Liquid Carbon from AE Design. These have different concentrations so don't assume dosing is the same.

If you can find glutaraldehyde locally then you could use Wet's calculator to mix up a solution:
http://glut.petalphile.com/

Make sure you check the tips.

See also http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-n2UK7D98w

[wasserman]

thanks florin, that is a very helpful info.

another question.
at the wet's calculation, there are various type of glutaraldehyde.
which one do you suggest to best replace Excel?

it would be very helpful if you could link me to any article discussing about Excel.

Cheerio

[Florin Ilia]

Wasserman,

Glutaraldehyde is the basic ingredient in Excel, Easy Carbo, Liquid Carbon which are designed for use in aquariums, but it is also used in other applications, notably as a disinfectant. That's why Wet made the calculator - in case you want to make your own solution for use in the aquarium from a product designed for something else.

Take care, it is a very toxic chemical. Whatever solution you use, never allow it to splash in your eyes. Never smell the product. Keep it in a closed container. Wash immediately if it comes in contact with your skin. Never leave it within reach of children.

Personally I never used anything other than the aquarium products and I would be reluctant to handle higher concentrations. I recommend you do the same - I imagine at least one out of three should be available in Indonesia - unless you are experienced to handle dangerous chemicals and you really know what you are doing. If you still want to DYI, I will have to let an expert answer, I don't want to gamble with your health.

There are many discussions about excel/glutaraldehyde, you can start with this search: http://www.google.com/search?q=excel...barrreport.com

Florin

[wasserman]

thanks florin
i'll get the gear up before do the DIY version then