Carbon and amino acids

[DeepThought]

Carbon as in vinegar, sugar, vodka.

Do salt mixes contain usable carbon?

What are the detriments of running a carbon limited system? Are carbon atoms added in other forms besides vsv dosing? Do amino acids form with vsv dosing?

Does anyone know anything about carbon limited systems?

 

[tmz]

Aquariums tend to have higher than natural levels of inorganic phosphate and nitrogen( generally evident as PO4 and nitrate). Unfortunately, hobbysist can't measure organic carbon the other critical nutrient. Analyzers are in teh $50,000 plus range.
If the 3 ( C,N, P) were balanced bacteria would use them up as the facultative heterotrophic bacteria involved in dentrification need all 3. Thus, a rise in inorganic phosphate and nitrate is seen as an indicator of an imbalance / shortage of organic carbon, ie, low C is seen as a limiting factor. Adding it enocurages higher levels of bacterial growth and the consumption of more inorganic phosphate and nitrate by these bacteria.

However, too much organic carbon can be harmful to corals so balance is an issue.

Many amino acids and other organics incorporate carbon for bonds so they can also be a carbon source.Foods add them too. Marine life in the oceans has an en masse average mix of 116C to 16N to 1P( Redfield ratio).

This thread may be of interest:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2134105&highlight=organic+carbon+dosing