Vodka Dosing, White Flakes, Strange Smell ... Help ?

[tmz]

Don't know what level is harmful to humans but some do develop an insensitivity to the odor. Likely not a concern with small amounts from a reef but nonetheless it's harmful and should be avoided.

It develops as a by product of sulfate reducing bacterial activity. This occurs when organics are present and the oxygen including the oxygen in nitrate are exhausted in a particular location. Then bacteria seek oxygen for energy from SO4, sulfate which is present at 2700ppm in salt water. As they reduce it H2S ,hydrogen sufide gas, is a by product. This article by Randy Farely has more detail:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-12/rhf/index.php

 

[jdg]

Don't know what level is harmful to humans but some do develop an insensitivity to the odor. Likely not a concern with small amounts from a reef but nonetheless it's harmful and should be avoided.

It develops as a by product of sulfate reducing bacterial activity. This occurs when organics are present and the oxygen including the oxygen in nitrate are exhausted in a particular location. Then bacteria seek oxygen for energy from SO4, sulfate which is present at 2700ppm in salt water. As they reduce it H2S ,hydrogen sufide gas, is a by product. This article by Randy Farely has more detail:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-12/rhf/index.php

Thank you for the info and the link! Much appreciated.

I can barely see across the tank now. I can barely make out the power-heads across the long side. I'm thinking about throwing in some filter socks to try and clear things up, but I don't want to do anything to impede the progress.

 

[125G Reefer]

Not for nothing but we can determine if its the dosing or not. Your supposed to cut your dosing by half once you see a bacteria bloom. Leave at that level for a week, then drop by half again if its not gone in that weeks time. Once its gone your to start the normal routine again.