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Excel Initial Dose

Discussion in 'Non-CO2 Methods' started by Frank158, Jul 12, 2017.

  1. Frank158

    Frank158 New Member

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    I've always had a question about the initial dose of Excel. According to the bottle it is recommended that you dose the tank 5ml per 10 gallons then daily dose is 1ml per 10 gallons. I've also read that Excel completely dissipates after 24 hrs therefore the reason to dose daily.

    So the question is, why perform the 5x initial dose if it all dissipates the next day anyway? Seems like a waste to me. I typically do my water change a few hours before the lights go on and think that I can just stick with the daily dose.
     
    #1 Frank158, Jul 12, 2017
  2. burr740

    burr740 ~~ Lover of Micros ~~
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    If you're battling BBA it could be useful. That's the only benefit I can see from the large post water change dose.
     
    #2 burr740, Jul 12, 2017
    slipfinger likes this.
  3. Frank158

    Frank158 New Member

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    So in other words your saying that the 5x initial dose is kinda of a waste of Excel
     
    #3 Frank158, Jul 12, 2017
  4. rajkm

    rajkm Lifetime Members
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    I think there is more to it.
    One thing for sure is that it reacts with iron to convert Fe3 to Fe2. So I am sure there are more ionic reactions which could result in wastage.. that's just a guess.
     
    #4 rajkm, Jul 13, 2017
  5. VaughnH

    VaughnH Lifetime Charter Member
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    The 5 ml/10 gallons dosage is very hard on certain plants, setting them back considerably (vals, for example). I stopped doing that dosage a few years ago, and have never regretted it.
     
    #5 VaughnH, Jul 15, 2017
  6. Frank158

    Frank158 New Member

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    Yes I agree. I'm just curious about why the initial 5x dose in the first place.
     
    #6 Frank158, Jul 17, 2017
  7. Seattle_Aquarist

    Seattle_Aquarist Guru Class Expert

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    Hi Frank158,

    I asked Seachem the exact same question, the answer was appropriate. If we are trying to attain a certain ppm of available carbon molecules then when we do a significant water change we have reduced the available carbon molecules in the tank. The higher 'Initial Dose' amount is how the carbon molecule ppm is brought back to the ppm level before the water change.
     
    #7 Seattle_Aquarist, Jul 17, 2017
  8. Frank158

    Frank158 New Member

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    Thanks for that. I'm an accountant not a chemist so will have to take Seachem's answer at their word.
     
    #8 Frank158, Jul 17, 2017
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