Co2 and Excel/Metricide

For the first few days while you dial your system in there is no reason not to, but long term I do not think there is any reason to use glut other than to deal with algae issues from time to time.

 

Hi,

Justin provided excellent advice!

+1 I guess as they do on other forums.. Don;t worry, will be my only one

Generally, I avoid putting stuff into my tank, especially if it is not needed.....

I used excel every now and then to help with specific issues, but usually at lower dosages...

 

There is no problem with adding glutaraldehyde while injecting co2. this is useful if you have a larger tank or low circulation. I use glutaraldehyde every day at 200% the normal daily (non water change dose) dose.

I have nerites, rcs, amanos, and 35 cardinals. No problems and no algae.

We also use it in our low tech corydoras tank daily (no co2 injection).

 

I am curious if you have ever stopped dosing the glutaraldehyde to see if it was actually making a difference.
I supplement with glutaraldehyde as well.

 

Yes, despite 30ppm of co2, I start to develop more GDA on the acrylic and BBA on my rocks. The only way I can keep it in check is by dosing glutaraldehyde and limiting my photoperiod to 8 hours. That way I get good color and little to no algae.

I'm running a tek t5ho fixture w/ giesemann middays (108 watts) over a 55 Long.

 

Thanks Matt, that is very helpful. By good color, may I assume you mean reds?

 

yes. of course, if I increase the photoperiod, the reds become redder it seems. but 8 hours is a good photoperiod.