Should I try vodka dosing?

[cfgenesis]

My PO4 is at 0.02 according to my Hanna checker and my NO3 is at 2 ppm with a Salifert test. Both seem pretty low but they are not zero, and my SPS growth is a little slow.

Would vodka dosing improve things or should I not be considering it unless my levels are higher?

 

[bertoni]

Those levels are low enough that corals should do well, but vodka dosing can change the coloration. It's probably an esthetic issue for you. Some people do have problems (lose corals) with vodka dosing, so that might be worth considering, too.

 

[lisafoster]

I have also been told that stopping can be difficult and people's tanks have crashed. I have known people who started and it negatively affected their lps.

 

[celamb89]

I dose vodka daily and Im pretty happy with it! I always recommend to help with params, but if ur params are in check I would avoid it since its a hassle dosing daily...

 

[nanotank]

a shot for you and a shot for the tank LOL.. seriously run gfo for po4 and hit it with a little vodka, vinegar or Vit C to help with no3. Personally over the yrs I have found sps to like some no3 also under 5ppm. Best colors I have ever achieved with some no3 present and po4 under .03. I use a doser so daily dosing is not a problem for me.

 

[Genetics]

With those values I would not bother with vodka dosing. If your coral growth is slow, I would look at other factors. Could your lighting be getting old? Are you feeding your tank with enough nutrients for growth? Is your pH stable and calcium/alk maximized?

 

[cfgenesis]

Thanks for the input. I guess I will hold off for now. My bulbs got replaced last month, parameters have been stable and sps color and growth is improving, I have just seen so many rave about vodka dosing I thought I would investigate.

 

[twon8]

what kind of flow do you have?

 

[cfgenesis]

what kind of flow do you have?

I have a Vortech MP40 on one end and a Koralia 1400 on the other.