Vodka Dosing and Skimmer Reaction

[lordofthereef]

So I got on the vodka bandwagon now that I am adding far more nutrients to the system than I used to (FOWLR instead of reef). Things seem to be going ok (perhaps too soon to tell, I am about a week in) minus the skimmer reaction. A few minutes after dosing the vodka, the skimmer goes nuts. With this method, will I be required to turn the skimmer off for a few hours after dosing? At first things seemed fine, but the last two days the skimmer waste cup fills to the brim with water. I am at a maintenance dose of 1.6ml per day for ~200g total water volume. I went the vodka route since I figured it was cheap and not a huge deal to do a quick dose every morning along with feedings, but if I need to take the skimmer off line I think the biopellets, although extremely spendy, would be the better way to go for me.

 

[DustinB]

Where are you adding the vodka? I'm dosing 1mL into 90g and my skimmer does not react at all.

 

[mike_cmu04]

I also dose 1ml a day and notice no differece in my skimmer

 

[lordofthereef]

The vodka is being added into the sump on the other end of the baffles (after the skimmer). I am already skimming wet, but it will literally overflow the skimmer about 1-2 minutes later.

 

[DustinB]

So in the same chamber as your return pump separated from the skimmer? That's strange if so. Just out of curiosity, what brand and proof are you dosing?

 

[lordofthereef]

Dustin, that is correct. I am dosing a local brand called Hawkeye and it is 80 proof distilled.

 

[DustinB]

I've never heard of this happening, maybe your brand has some impurities. FWIW, I'm using McCormick 80 proof.

You might post this in the reef chemistry forum. Randy Holmes-Farley & HighlandReefer have extensive experience with vodka dosing.

 

[lordofthereef]

Alright, Thanks for the input!