Mixing Excel with no filter

farmhand · #1 02-01-2011, 10:32

Starting a 1 gal. glass bowl with 1" of ADA Aqua Soil for substrate. Placed Sea-Life plant bulbs in bowl. It has no filter system. I believe .1 mL per day is the correct dosage of Excel. Since there is no filter system to mix the Excel, should I try to mix it? Or since it is such a small amount, just add it without mixing?

Tech Support MS · #2 02-01-2011, 11:12

Hello Farmhand,

Thanks for the post. Mixing might not be necessary in such a small amount of water but it wouldn't be a bad idea. It would just ensure that it diluted properly. Really just a little swirl would be plenty.

farmhand · #3 02-01-2011, 11:51

Is Excel heaver than water and will sink?

Tech Support MS · #4 02-01-2011, 12:10

It is a little heavier than water and you will initially be able to see it fall through the water column but it should disperse fairly quickly and agitating it slightly will help quicken this process.

farmhand · #5 02-02-2011, 12:58

Would it be ok to dilute it 10 to 1 or 20 to 1 and store so that I can add 1 or 2 mL rather than trying to measure out .1 mL?

Tech Support MS · #6 02-02-2011, 13:49

It is best to keep it in its current state as there is a risk of reducing its effectiveness if you dilute it. This risk would grow the longer it was stored in the diluted state.

farmhand · #7 02-02-2011, 14:37

So do you have any good ideas how to measure out .1 mL of Excel?

Tech Support MS · #8 02-03-2011, 09:33

The easiest way to do so would be with some sort of syringe. There are many that measure in 0.1ml increments. Even the type used for administering oral medications to children and pets will have hash marks for smaller measurements. You may be able to get one for free at your local pharmacy. If not, I am sure they are inexpensive.