Brightwell's Neo Zeo vs. Vodka

[sedor]

Interested in a comparison of the two in respect to:

Ease of Use
Cost Over Time
Effectiveness
Growth and Coloration
Compatibility with Equipment

And anything else you can think up to say about the two products. My LFS is confident in a Brightwell startup kit that contains a reactor, Neo Zoa, Microbacter, and Biofuel. Its an all in one for around $100. Its my understanding that with Brightwell's system you spend a period of time dosing, and then back off and don't have to think to much about it. I also understand that vodka merely strips the water column of trace elements and the addition of AA is left to the reefers discretion.

I am looking forward to hearing some input.

 

[sedor]

Anyone out there used both these methods before?

 

[Faisal1976us]

I just using Microbacter and Biofuel with better color and growth

 

[tonyf]

I wasn't aware that VSV system strips out "trace elements". In simple terms, the enhanced carbon source encourages bacterial growth which in turn 'eats' the nutrients reducing both phosphate and nitrate. The skimmer is the important mechanical intervention that extracts the 'processed nutrients'.

The addition of 'commercially' prepared bacteria merely enhances or broadens the strains of bacteria so that there is a better equilibrium in bacteria.

Tone

 

[crsaz]

I plan on converting to the neo zeo system. I currently dose biofuel. I havn't noticed much change other than I can feed ALOT every day and still keep near 0 nitrates/phos.

 

[Oshkosh]

I've tried both. Vodka dosing for about 6 months than switched to BW's Microbacter and Biofuel. Haven't noticed any difference but I still haven't found the appropriate dose of Biofuel yet.

 

[stony_corals]

Vodka does not strip the water column of trace elements, that a bunch of BS. I've been using BW NEO ZEO since its come out, and I'd say that 1) it doesn't work as well as vodka or ZEOvit, and 2) given the amounts you dose, and the number of supplements, NEOZEO is more expensive than ZEOvit.

 

[tmz]

Vodka, vinegar ,or sugar or other carbon sources like biofuel wouldn't strip trace elements. Some metals might be metabolized into a bound organic form by the extra bacteria. which might make them biologicaly available or exportable by gac or skimming. Salt mixes add trace elements and minor elements ( largely as impourities)which for the most part exceed nsw levels.
Carbon dosing may strip most inorganic phosphate and nitrogen in some tanks at certain doses though. in some case ammino acids and other supplements such as potassium are used . If you are feeding the tank an have fish you probably don't need to worry much about it.