co2 question

andysutt

Im on a budget, but want to try Co2.

I was recommended Seachem Excel (http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...uctId=2753921) by a member here but I am also interested in Jungle Co2 Fizz Factory (http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...53406#prodTab1)

Which do you guys think would be better?

I know that either of these arent the "ultimate" thing to use but they are within what I want so spend right now on a Co2 setup. I dont have $250 to spend just on co2 setup

Anything to keep my plants healthy would be great, so other options are open. I dont care if they shoot up and grow a ton, just stay healthy is all.

Paser00

Excel is great product and will work well instead of CO2. As far as money is concerned, with a 55 gallon tank you may go through a small bottle rather quickly (about $4.99 online w/o shipping) even a the largest bottle can go fast depending on tank size and how heavily planted the tank is (19.99 w/o shipping). It may end up costing you the same amount in one year to dose with excel rather than spending the $250 on the C02 system.

andysutt

True, it may cost as much, but with 3 kids that are under age 4... its easier to buy the 5 dollar thing occasionally. lol

I can get the Excel at petsmart for around 8 bucks, so thats not to bad.

So nobody is fond of the fizzfactory?

Jay

Hey Andy..

Excel is NOT CO2, it is a chemical compound that is absorbed into the plant cell. The cell then converts the Excel into CO2. It is highly recommended by planted tank folks, and is even used in conjunction with CO2 injection

IMO the fizz factory is a gimmicky and waste of money.

That leaves you with DIY...which is high maintenance and messy to say nothing of its inconsistency.

Regards,
Jay

andysutt

Yea, I was aware Excel wasnt Co2.
I will go that route

Im assuming DIY is do it yourself?

My concern w/ the Excel was the mess it makes (read on reviews)

E46er

i used excel for a while it works but my problem was i had my lights on at 130-930 ans i wasnt ohme from work until about 445 so they were really only getting the excel half the light time which was the main reason i went co2 but i dont really know what 'mess' your talknig about with excel its a clear liquid you dose daily?.........

i think the fizz factory tablets are yeast and sugar in tablet form and once dissolved releases co2 its the same as a do it yourself style co2.

comparison

both my friend and i have moderatly planted tanks same size probably approaching heavily planted but he went with a DIY co2 and i used excel i had no algae he had TONES and we had the same plant mass his plants grew a lilttle bit faster but even he said he would give up the faster growth for no algae..
go excel if your on a budget just my opinion
the inconsistant levels of co2 (ie DIY ) im assuming the fizz tablets are the same thing but inconsistant co2 grows algae

Jay

DIY = Mess
Excel = a great no hasle product.

Jay

andysutt

Thanks again.

I only read "mess" from some customer reviews. I guess they don't know what they were talking about. lol That or they were reviewing the other Seachem product that shared a page with it.

I will be buying some Excel as soon as I can hobble to the pet store (major mower accident yesterday. Mowed a bucket handle up, went thru my shoe and lodged into my ankle 1 1/2 inches)

E46er

ouch i bet that even hurt right away

andysutt

Definately.... instantly couldnt move.

Went to ER to have it removed... got on antibiotics. Went to Dr today cuz could nto bear weight on it. On stronger antibiotics and got a anitbiotic shot also... and some pain pills! I feel good but still cant bump it or put weight on it for a bit.

Thanks again for info, now im searching for 4 pin straight blue lights for my 48'' dual bulb CFL lights