Seachem Flourish Excel

Seachem Flourish Excel

Seachem Flourish Excel is a source of bioavailable organic carbon. All plants require a source of carbon. This is typically obtained from CO₂, but, may also be derived from simple organic compounds (such as photosynthetic intermediates).

The use of either CO₂ injection or Flourish Excel does not necessarily negate the use of the other. Because the processes of producing photosynthetic intermediates and building onto them occur simultaneously, one can derive a substantial benefit with the use of Seachem Flourish Excel either alone or in conjunction with CO₂.

The combination is particularly ideal for situations when continuing to add CO₂ could result in dangerously low pH levels. Seachem Flourish Excel also has iron reducing properties which promote the ferrous state of iron (Fe⁺²).  Plants utilize the ferrous state of iron (Fe⁺²) more than ferric iron (Fe⁺³).

The reason plants need CO₂ is to produce longer chain carbon compounds also known as photosynthetic intermediates.

Photosynthetic intermediates include compounds such as ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate and 2-carboxy-3-keto-D-arabinitol 1,5 bisphosphate. Although the names are complicating, the structures are quite simple (5 carbon chains). Flourish Excel does not contain these specific compounds per se, but one that is quite similar.

By dosing with Flourish Excel you bypass the involvement of CO₂ and introduce the already finished, structurally similar compounds.

It is in its structural similarity that Flourish Excel is able to be utilized in the carbon chain building process of photosynthesis. Simple chemical or enzymatic steps can easily convert anyone, to any one of the above-named compounds (or a variety of others).

Method of use:

On initial use or after a major (> 40%) water change, use 1 capful (5 ml) for every 40 L (10 US gallons). Thereafter use 1 capful for every 200 L (50 US gallons) daily or every other day. For smaller dosing please note that each cap thread is approximately 1 ml.

CAUTION: Do not eat drink or get into eyes. In case of eye exposure, promptly & thoroughly wash your eyes with water & seek medical attention.

McMerwe’s Comment: A premium organic carbon source for the planted aquarium [Rating 5/5]

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