Lets talk about Vodka/sugar dosing
- Thread starter JohnL
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Paul_PSU
In Memoriam
Marc,
I have been considering that. I need a better PO4 test also. I use API and it always shows zero (almost clear). I purchased the Seaklear sp? phosphate remover from the lanthanum chloride thread. I used it once and it worked as far as my filter sock clogged in about an hour and overflowed. I really do need a better test or a hanna meter. I know my nitrates are zero cause I use 3 different tests.
Paul
I have been considering that. I need a better PO4 test also. I use API and it always shows zero (almost clear). I purchased the Seaklear sp? phosphate remover from the lanthanum chloride thread. I used it once and it worked as far as my filter sock clogged in about an hour and overflowed. I really do need a better test or a hanna meter. I know my nitrates are zero cause I use 3 different tests.
Paul
melev
Well-known member
For Phosphate testing, I have Salifert, Elos, and D&D kits. The good news is they all test the same value, so it really is just a preference when it comes time to test.
In 2005, the test would turn blue instantly as the grains dropped from the little spoon, before I could even begin to stir it.
That was a really bad time, and it measured 3.0ppm
I'm very happy that I was able to get that number down, but it took a long time (six months to hit 0 and stay near it).
The two products I mentioned have been used a number of times over the years, which worked out fine. I probably dosed it five times a year. Since using vodka, I've had to use it three times in 8 months, but I was just bringing it from a small number to 0. It never gets over .5ppm, that's for sure.
Last night, Salifert tested .03. Elos tested .05. Neither were .1, so all is good. If only the caulerpa in my angled tank would figure that out and die, I'd be happier.
In 2005, the test would turn blue instantly as the grains dropped from the little spoon, before I could even begin to stir it.
That was a really bad time, and it measured 3.0ppm I'm very happy that I was able to get that number down, but it took a long time (six months to hit 0 and stay near it).
The two products I mentioned have been used a number of times over the years, which worked out fine. I probably dosed it five times a year. Since using vodka, I've had to use it three times in 8 months, but I was just bringing it from a small number to 0. It never gets over .5ppm, that's for sure.
Last night, Salifert tested .03. Elos tested .05. Neither were .1, so all is good. If only the caulerpa in my angled tank would figure that out and die, I'd be happier.
macreefster
New member
for this vodka dosing newbie.... what else should i be adding now that i've removed my GFO and have started dosing vodka? bacteria? coral food or increased fish feeding? something else? thanks
melev
Well-known member
If NO3 and PO4 are down, you can feed more heavily and not worry about pollution (as much). Try it and see how the tank does for a week, testing to see if the numbers rose or not. If not, you can continue at that rate.
Some guys are dosing Amino Acids. I haven't in a long time, when I ran out of yet another bottle of Salifert's AA.
Some guys are dosing Amino Acids. I haven't in a long time, when I ran out of yet another bottle of Salifert's AA.
macreefster
New member
my NO3 was 2ppm (salifert) and my phosphate .03 (salifert) before starting vodka dosing today, so i don't to down too far. hopefully i'll get them both down to 0 and be able to maintain that with increased feedings down the road.....thanks for the help marc
macreefster
New member
question for the vodka dosing guru's.
i've only been dosing for three days now. when i started my NO3 was at 2ppm (salifert) and while i didnt know what my PO4 i figured it was quite low as i was running a phosphate reactor. i got my elos PO4 test kit today and as i suspect PO4 tested 0, didn't get a hint of blue color in the test.
my question is.... i am only dosing .4ml a day, should i continue at that rate until i see an increase in either NO3 or PO4? i already feed the fish 5-6 times a day. is this a reason to get more fish? that would be cool!
thanks for your help.
i've only been dosing for three days now. when i started my NO3 was at 2ppm (salifert) and while i didnt know what my PO4 i figured it was quite low as i was running a phosphate reactor. i got my elos PO4 test kit today and as i suspect PO4 tested 0, didn't get a hint of blue color in the test.
my question is.... i am only dosing .4ml a day, should i continue at that rate until i see an increase in either NO3 or PO4? i already feed the fish 5-6 times a day. is this a reason to get more fish? that would be cool!
thanks for your help.
graveyardworm
Premium Member
Why are you dosing Vodka? With such low nutrient levels already, and feeding fish 5-6 times a day without problems I dont see why you need it.
graveyardworm
Premium Member
The white on the tips could be either new growth or burnt tips. Are you sure its burnt tips?
I've read that you need to maintin a lower alk level to avoid tip burn when dosing carbon, what is your alk at?
macreefster
New member
i started dosing vodka because i had a bit of a bryopsis outbreak and i hear some had success eradicating it with vodka dosing. also....while i thought my water was very clear, it's crystal clear since dosing, that alone would be enough of a reason for me. i removed running GFO, so maybe vodka dosing will takes its place and give me crystal clear water at the same time. it will also give me the chance to experiment with a high fish/feed load. i was hesitant to try vodka dosing as i really didnt need it and i can always go back to running GFO instead, but am hoping i can increase my fish load, possibly acheive even better coral coloration and achieve ultra clear water while doing so. it's worth a try at least!
Husky_1
Premium Member
I am considering dropping zeovit and going straight to vodka.
I have a couple of question I was hoping someone could answer, the thread is very long and i have read some of it, but wanted to get the current consensus:
Are any of you guys dosing any additional bacteria sources, or just vodka?
How about GFO with vodka dosing? in zeoworld this is a no-no
Where can i find what GBD is currently dosing for VSV?
Anyone running seachem matrix?
Thanks,
Dale
I have a couple of question I was hoping someone could answer, the thread is very long and i have read some of it, but wanted to get the current consensus:
Are any of you guys dosing any additional bacteria sources, or just vodka?
How about GFO with vodka dosing? in zeoworld this is a no-no
Where can i find what GBD is currently dosing for VSV?
Anyone running seachem matrix?
Thanks,
Dale
IPT
Active member
Hey, I of course have test kits (new ones, API) that read zero PO4 and NO3 but I have hair algae and brown corals (well, most of them). I am thinking about trying this method.
So I think I am a good candidate for it. My question is what happens if you miss several days like from being on a Vacation or something. Will this cause any "Crash"? Second, how many people are adding bacteria at the same time they does the Vodka?
So I think I am a good candidate for it. My question is what happens if you miss several days like from being on a Vacation or something. Will this cause any "Crash"? Second, how many people are adding bacteria at the same time they does the Vodka?
melev
Well-known member
Dale, have you read this article yet? It covers the majority of the thoughts we often see in this thread:
Notes from the Trenches - Vodka Dosing... Distilled!
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-08/nftt/index.php
I've not used GFO at all, since I started dosing vodka, and I've been dosing for 8 months and 3 weeks.
melev
Well-known member
No, I don't think the tank will crash, but Nathan may chime in soon. The bacterial population would take a hit, because the carbon food source wouldn't be there and thus limit how many bacteria could survive.
When you get back, you'd want to restart gradually, don't just pick up where you left off.
Or get someone to dose it while you are away, just like they feed the tank or top off with more RO/DI water. You need to be specific, of course.
Speckled Grouper
Sticks Suck!
I have been dosing Vodka for 2.5 month. Nitrates are barely detectable but Phosphates have remained 0.045.
I just started getting diatoms on the sand and the cyano is getting progressively worse. Can't be due to low flow or old bulbs.
Should I stop the Vodka completely or gradually? I got a bunch of Prodibio for free from a friend, start dosing that maybe?
I just started getting diatoms on the sand and the cyano is getting progressively worse. Can't be due to low flow or old bulbs.
Should I stop the Vodka completely or gradually? I got a bunch of Prodibio for free from a friend, start dosing that maybe?
Vodka, Prodibio, and Zeozym
Vodka, Prodibio, and Zeozym
When I started using the Prodibio system last summer I had an outbreak of cyano and hair algae. By dosing Vodka (currently 8ml am & pm) my Nitrates have gone to 0, stayed there since last August. Watching my hair algae is how I judge how much Vodka to add. When I only have a little in the tank and it is faded in color, I know the vodka is keeping it in check.
I started adding Zeozym to combat the cyano and it has kept that at bay.
Since moving to my 120 gal tank, I have had high alkalinity and just recently got it back down to 9. Thanks to Gettanked salt! I have just started using Puraloc (GFO) because I think my phospates are high. I don't have any coralline algae and everything else tests fine (1.025, 8.3, 9 Alk, 450 CA, 1450 Mg). A new Salifert test kit registered 0 on the PO4 but???
Vodka, Prodibio, and Zeozym
When I started using the Prodibio system last summer I had an outbreak of cyano and hair algae. By dosing Vodka (currently 8ml am & pm) my Nitrates have gone to 0, stayed there since last August. Watching my hair algae is how I judge how much Vodka to add. When I only have a little in the tank and it is faded in color, I know the vodka is keeping it in check.
I started adding Zeozym to combat the cyano and it has kept that at bay.
Since moving to my 120 gal tank, I have had high alkalinity and just recently got it back down to 9. Thanks to Gettanked salt! I have just started using Puraloc (GFO) because I think my phospates are high. I don't have any coralline algae and everything else tests fine (1.025, 8.3, 9 Alk, 450 CA, 1450 Mg). A new Salifert test kit registered 0 on the PO4 but???
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