Does Vodka do the same as Biodigest and Bioptim?

[snaza]

Hi guys,

my N and P are both undetectable on salifert test kits but im sure there are some. i want to get very low nutrient levels so i can start dosing a few zeo products, aminos, coral vitalizer. i notice quite a few of the TOTM use Biodigest and Bioptim. would vodka do the same thing?

Cheers

Aaron

 

[Peter Eichler]

Bioptim is a carbon source much like vodka, though I'm guessing it's more along the lines of the sugar/vodka/vinegar mixtures people use. Biodigest is a bacterial supplement, which may or may not be a waste of money depending on who you ask/believe.

 

[snaza]

interesting thanks.

 

[snaza]

i found lots of info on vodka but cant find anything about sugar/vodka/vinegar mixtures.

 

[mflamb]

In one of the vodka threads there is a link posted by a gentleman who has studied the mix on his tanks and published details.

 

[Aqua Keepers]

http://glassbox-design.com/2008/achieved-through-observation-and-experimentation/

 

[snaza]

.

 

[bertoni]

I don't think there's enough data to be sure about the effects of one type of carbon source over another, but bacterial populations do seem to change, based on the food on hand. Whether that corresponds to a better tank or just a different view under the microscope is hard to say.