As an experienced aquarium keeper, I’ve seen lots of debates about using Flourish Excel with shrimp. Let me break down everything you need to know about using this popular carbon supplement safely with your delicate shrimp friends
Quick Answer
Flourish Excel can be safe for shrimp when used properly according to dosing instructions However, overdosing risks harming or killing shrimp Many shrimp keepers, including myself, have had mixed experiences – some report thriving colonies while others saw negative effects.
What is Flourish Excel?
Flourish Excel is a liquid carbon supplement that:
- Provides bioavailable carbon for aquarium plants
- Helps control algae growth
- Offers an alternative to pressurized CO2 systems
- Contains glutaraldehyde as the active ingredient
Safety Guidelines for Using Excel with Shrimp
Dosing Recommendations
- Always follow manufacturer’s instructions exactly
- Start with half the recommended dose
- Observe shrimp behavior after dosing
- Never exceed recommended amounts
- Consider dosing every other day initially
Signs of Excel Stress in Shrimp
Watch for these warning signs:
- Unusual swimming patterns
- Lethargy or hiding
- Difficulty molting
- Loss of appetite
- Erratic behavior
- Death within 24-48 hours of dosing
Pros and Cons of Using Excel with Shrimp
Benefits
- Promotes healthy plant growth
- Helps control nuisance algae
- More affordable than CO2 systems
- Easy to dose and maintain
- Can improve overall water quality
Risks
- Potential toxicity if overdosed
- Some shrimp species more sensitive
- May stress molting process
- Can harm beneficial bacteria
- Requires careful monitoring
Alternative Options
If you’re worried about Excel. consider these alternatives
- Low-tech planted setup without carbon supplements
- Pressurized CO2 system
- Other liquid carbon products
- Focus on easy, slow-growing plants
Tips for Success
Here’s what I’ve learned works best:
Tank Management
- Regular water changes (10-20% weekly)
- Test parameters frequently
- Maintain stable conditions
- Good filtration and water movement
- Dense plant growth
Shrimp Care
- Feed appropriately
- Provide hiding spots
- Use mineral supplements
- Maintain proper GH/KH
- Monitor molting
Different Shrimp Species Sensitivity
From my experience and community reports:
More Hardy:
- Red Cherry Shrimp
- Amano Shrimp
- Ghost Shrimp
More Sensitive:
- Crystal Red Shrimp
- Tiger Shrimp
- Bee Shrimp
Common Questions Answered
Q: Can I use Excel in a breeding tank?
A: I’d recommend avoiding Excel in breeding tanks as babies are more sensitive.
Q: How long should I wait after water changes to dose Excel?
A: Wait at least 24 hours after water changes before dosing.
Q: What if I accidentally overdose?
A: Do an immediate 50% water change and stop dosing for several days.
My Personal Experience
In my tanks, I’ve used Excel with mixed results. While my cherry shrimp colony seemed fine with regular dosing, I noticed my crystal reds became less active. Now, I only use Excel in tanks without sensitive shrimp species.
Final Thoughts
Using Flourish Excel with shrimp isn’t a simple yes/no answer. Success depends on:
- Proper dosing
- Shrimp species
- Tank conditions
- Overall maintenance
If you decide to use Excel, start slow and watch your shrimp carefully. There’s no shame in choosing not to use it – many beautiful planted tanks thrive without additional carbon supplementation.
Remember, every tank is unique, and what works in one setup might not work in another. Trust your observations and adjust accordingly. Happy shrimp keeping!
Have you used Flourish Excel with shrimp? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Complete water mass treatment
The complete treatment is recommended when the aquarium is heavily infested with algae or when the aquatic plants are mainly infested with algae. Seachem Flourish Excel is simply added to the water, preferably in an area of strong water flow. It can be well distributed throughout the tank that way. Generally, a slightly higher dose of Seachem Flourish Excel is required for this type of application than for local treatment. This procedure is performed once a day and continuously for several days.
Seachem Flourish Excel is already very effective against all red and black algae in the usual or double dosage (1-2 ml / 40 liters) in local treatment. It is essential to know that several manufacturers produce similar products. When using one of these products (e.g., Easy Carbo, Seachem Exel, Dennerle Carbo Booster Max), use the maximum dose specified by the manufacturer first and increase the dosage slowly and carefully if necessary. During the treatment, analytically observe your aquarium daily. As soon as negative changes are observed, especially in the livestock, increase the oxygen level and reduce the dose the next day. If the above aeration does not bring results, perform a water change of 30-50%.
Red and black algae usually turn white or pink after a few days of Seachem Flourish Excel treatment. This reaction is an indication that the algae are dying. Algae-eating fish and shrimp can eat dying algae very reliably.
Local treatment of green algae with Seachem Flourish Excel generally takes longer than that of red and black algae. After about a week, their green color fades visibly. Again, the algae eaters will eat the dead algae remains with relish.
Always read the manufacturers safety instructions for the product before use. Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes, clothing, animals, or aquatic plants. The statements mentioned in this article are based on our own experience and may serve as a reference for you.
At his own risk, the user always bears the risk of using Seachem Flourish Excel or similar products! No liability for possible damages!