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Does Flourish Excel Kill Algae?

When it comes to the health of your aquarium, it’s important to ask the right questions. One of the most common questions aquarium owners have is: Does Flourish Excel Kill Algae? Algae can be a nuisance in any aquarium, and many people turn to Flourish Excel to help control it. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Does Flourish Excel Kill or Reduce Algae Growth?

Algae can be a nuisance in aquariums, but thankfully, there are products to help reduce and control it. Flourish Excel is a carbon-based liquid fertilizer from Seachem that can help reduce algae growth in aquariums. But does it actually work? In this article, we’ll look at what Flourish Excel is, how it works, and the pros and cons of using it to control algae.

What is Flourish Excel?

Flourish Excel is a liquid carbon supplement produced by Seachem Laboratories, Inc. It is used as a carbon source for aquatic plants and is said to reduce the growth of algae in aquariums. It helps promote healthy plant growth and is also said to reduce the need for frequent water changes.

How Does Flourish Excel Work?

Flourish Excel works by providing an additional source of carbon for aquatic plants. Carbon is an essential macronutrient that is used by plants for photosynthesis, respiration, and other metabolic processes. By providing an additional source of carbon, Flourish Excel helps aquatic plants to grow faster, thus out-competing the algae for resources and limiting its growth.

Pros and Cons of Using Flourish Excel to Control Algae

Pros

One of the main benefits of using Flourish Excel to control algae is that it is easy to use and can be added directly to the aquarium without the need for additional equipment. It is also said to promote healthy plant growth, which can help to keep algae in check.

Cons

One of the drawbacks of using Flourish Excel is that it doesn’t address the underlying cause of algae growth. If the aquarium has an excess of nutrients or is not being properly filtered, then the algae will continue to grow regardless of how much Flourish Excel is added. Additionally, it can be expensive to use, depending on the size of the aquarium.

Does Flourish Excel Kill Algae?

The short answer is no, Flourish Excel does not directly kill algae. However, it can help reduce algae growth by providing an additional source of carbon for aquatic plants, thus out-competing the algae for resources. It can also help promote healthy plant growth, which can help to keep algae in check.

What Other Methods Can Be Used to Control Algae?

There are a variety of methods that can be used to control algae, depending on the type of algae present in the aquarium. Regular water changes, using chemical treatments, and using UV sterilizers are all methods that can be used to reduce algae growth. Additionally, adding live plants can help to keep algae in check by competing for nutrients and light.

Does Flourish Excel Help Control Algae?

Overall, Flourish Excel can help to reduce algae growth in aquariums by providing an additional source of carbon for aquatic plants. However, it should not be used as a substitute for other methods of algae control, such as regular water changes and the use of chemical treatments. Additionally, it is important to address the underlying cause of the algae growth in order to keep it in check.

Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions

Does Flourish Excel Kill Algae?

Answer: Yes, Flourish Excel is an effective algaecide that can be used to control certain types of algae, such as green spot and string algae, in freshwater aquariums. It is a liquid carbon source that is easy to use and provides a number of benefits to aquariums and their inhabitants.

How does Flourish Excel work?

Answer: Flourish Excel works by providing an easily accessible carbon source for aquarium plants, which in turn helps to reduce algae growth. It also works to reduce the amount of phosphates in the aquarium, which can help to reduce the amount of algae present. Additionally, Flourish Excel contains an active ingredient called chelated iron which helps to control and kill algae growth.

What types of algae will Flourish Excel kill?

Answer: Flourish Excel is effective in controlling and killing certain types of algae, including green spot and string algae. It is not effective against all types of algae, such as blue-green, black brush, and red slime algae, and so it is important to identify the type of algae present in the aquarium before using Flourish Excel.

What are the benefits of using Flourish Excel?

Answer: Flourish Excel provides a number of benefits to aquariums and their inhabitants. It helps to reduce algae growth, lowers phosphates, and helps to promote healthy aquatic plants. It also helps to improve water clarity and can be used both as a preventative measure and to control existing algae growth.

How often should Flourish Excel be used?

Answer: Flourish Excel should be used as directed on the product label. Generally, it is recommended to dose the aquarium once a week, though additional doses may be necessary for heavily planted tanks or tanks with high levels of organic waste.

Are there any safety concerns when using Flourish Excel?

Answer: Flourish Excel is a safe product to use in freshwater aquariums, provided it is used as directed. It is important to keep in mind that it is a concentrated liquid, and so it is important to be careful when measuring and dosing the aquarium. Additionally, Flourish Excel should not be used in combination with other algaecides or aquatic treatments.

In conclusion, while Flourish Excel has been known to reduce algae in tanks, it is not effective in completely eliminating it. To ensure that algae is entirely eradicated, it is best to use a combination of different methods, including Flourish Excel, to ensure healthy and clear water.