Vodka / Vinegar dosing

[orthokardia]

I am dosing with vodka AM and Vinegar PM. I have no detectable nitrates or phosphates by my seachem test. any suggestions on how to dial in the proper level? the bump it up each week until no nitrates really will not work. i am still getting a algae skimm on the glass and my hair algae is doing quite well under my shifted MH bulb.

BTW how can i distinguish between hair algae and cyano bacteria???

-bart

 

[andywe]

cyano is red and slimey..hair algae looks very different.

Residual sugars from vodka dosing can do this...with vinegar you need to be very careful....most times I hear of vodka-sugar-vinergar mix..so not sure about it seperate liek that.

 

[luckyfish]

Have you come across this article:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-08/nftt/index.php

 

[orthokardia]

that was the article that sold me on the idea. I think my hair algae is in equilibrium with the addition of phosphates/nitrates and that is why they are not mesureable. I am just hesitant to bump the dose until the algae dies. I worry that the lag between the visual signs of the algae death and the neutrient spike.

cyano was not the correct bacteria, but i can not remember the name. it looked like hair algae, but does not respond to algae fix.

 

[AdrianBryce]

Bryopsis?

 

[poolkeeper1]

I would try the Tech-M to raise your Mag high enough to kill the Bryopis off and then find the source of the No3 & Po4 and eliminate the source. VV Dosing Is really not meant for a new tank and the above may be a better approach to getting the Algae under control. JMO
Bill

 

[Mikeyjer]

I would cross my fingers for it not to be bryopsis. Even raising the magnesium, it CAN come back!!!! Why do I know this? I've done it all...lol.... Through my own personal research against bryopsis....What works for me? My fish!!!! Top main bryopsis eater was my Regal tang. IF it is bryopsis, I would take out whatever it's on and just take a loss if it's on a piece of coral. Or if it's on your rocks, take it out and dry it up to crisp. I leave those rocks out for a good 6 months baking under the sun on a daily basis before I ever use them again....