Vodka question

[hredder]

I have a 90 gallon that has been up and running for almost 2 months. I am finally getting my lights on Friday and will slowly add corals...I have just 3 fire fish..and a little CUC. I would like to start dosing my tank with some vodka but whats the rule on adding vodka. How much for a 90 gallon and how often? Should i wait till i add more things to the tank? Please feel free to excersise your freedom of speech!

 

[eisaiasjr]

Hredder:

Follow this article VERY VERY closely, remember that overdosing or ramping up too quickly will most likely cause your tank to crash.

With that warning I must say that vodka dosing has worked out incredibly well for me...

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-08/nftt/index.php

Regards,

Estefano

 

[hredder]

thank you..great article..i have a 90 gallon with 100lbs of LR and 100lbs of LS. i dont know how big my sump is..im assuiming 20 gallons..its not small but its not one of those large ones with the double bags..what should i consider my total water volume to be

 

[madisonrose05]

imo you should let you tank have a good cycle maybe 6mo atleast before you start trying to reduce things with vodka

 

[hredder]

ty for your feedback..im not having nitrate issues now they run about 5ppm and i do weekly water changes..wasnt sure if it would help to do it from the beginning or if i should wait..ty for your feedback

 

[teamdulski]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14419434#post14419434 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by madisonrose05
imo you should let you tank have a good cycle maybe 6mo atleast before you start trying to reduce things with vodka

I strongly agree with this, at 2 months there is really no reason to use vodka.

 

[Jerm77]

what are your reasons against dosing vodka so early in a cycle?

 

[fourzero]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14491133#post14491133 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jerm77
what are your reasons against dosing vodka so early in a cycle?

FUD. Zeovit and Brightwell both recommend STARTING a tank ULNS, not waiting until PO4/NO3 become an issue.

 

[ehutchby]

interesting...

 

[Jerm77]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14510530#post14510530 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fourzero
FUD. Zeovit and Brightwell both recommend STARTING a tank ULNS, not waiting until PO4/NO3 become an issue.

i'm sorry can you decode that? not sure what your acronyms mean.

 

[hredder]

ULNS stands for ULNS = Ultra Low Nutrient System


I did some google and this is what i found. Brightwell manufactures NeoZeo and other products. I think what he is saying is these large brand name companies say to start dosing while Phosphates and Nitrates are low before they become an issue.

 

[Jerm77]

ok. I believe I have also read that several times. even companies that brand name GFO say to use it right away, so why not vodka? if its purpose it to help facilitate bacterial growth that in turn reduce phosphates and nitrates, why is it not a good idea to start during an early stage of tank cycling?

I have seen a lot people post about not doing it, but less reasons for.

 

[nnahler]

If you start dosing early though, the increased bacteria load will not have sufficient organics to feed from..and die..at least that is what I think....I have used this method and it works, but the tank was up and running for several months.