Use of Seachem Flourish Excel in aquaria containing fish dangerous?

[Fanie Jordaan]

I recently read the following statement made by a highly respected individual with much experience in the keeping of freshwater fish and who's opinion I certainly value, and I quote "Seachem Excel contains glutaraldehyde or cyclized glutaraldehyde. This is an aldehyde which binds to proteins. Formalin, which is a severe tissue toxin and is used for specimen preservation is also an aldehyde, such as glutaraldehyde, so I find its use in aquaria dangerous to say the least."

Could you please clarify the matter?

[Tech Support LK]

Glutaraldehyde and Formaldehyde are both from the chemical family classified as aldahydes, but their toxicological characteristics are very different from one another. Flourish Excel has been on the market for many years and many hobbyists use this product successfully. We have no knowledge that the components of Flourish Excel cause toxic effects on the animals or we simply would not continue to market the product.

[Fanie Jordaan]

Thank you for your reply.

[Tech Support DD]

You are welcome.