Who's dosing vodka? And why?

[Genetics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14740332#post14740332 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by spleify
Mixed carbon sources are more desirable IMO.

I think it depends on one's goals but yes the potential exists that addition of multiple sources could benefit reefs over a single additive. But for that statement to hold water, it needs to be shown that the additives are beneficial to organisms within the reef above only nitrate and phosphate depletion.

 

[melev]

Today has been so distracting, I seriously can't remember if I dosed Vodka. Guess today, the tank is going on the wagon.

 

[reefloverd1]

spleify, So how much could you save from your tank crash? Was real sorry to hear about it

 

[spleify]

I saved a few different Zoas's and a couple crabs.

 

[Aquarist007]

I have undetected measurements of nitrates and phosphates and have two refugiums with chaeto macro alage in them.
I like the idea of dosing with vodka due to the affect on the corals however in my particular system will dosing with vodka destroy the chaeto in the refugiums

 

[NeveSSL]

Someone more knowledgeable than myself will comment after this I'm sure, but I don't think it will destroy it necessarily, but could cause most of its food to be consumed by bacteria instead.

Brandon

 

[Aquarist007]

Thanks Brandon
My concern also having just become interested in this dosing method is that it might not be for all systems.
In the case of mine I have limited the nitrates and phosphates through two refugium---one having a dsb
It is in balance right now using this method-----I believe there can be too much of a good thing---then you cross over to the negative gains.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Capn,
after I got my N03 and P04 down to zero my cheato stopped growing and is turning brownish on the outer layer.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

And to add.... I wonder if the pods that live in there will actually keep it going and eventually balance out???? No idea though.

 

[spleify]

Well to be honest Capn, in your case I think you might want to stick with the old "if it aint broke don't fix it" mentality and leave well enough alone. While I am a huge advocate of VSV dosing, you are 100% correct it is NOT for all systems. You may benefit from it, you may not see much of any change. How long has you system been set up? IME, yes your chaeto will likely stall out in terms of growth, and depending on how long you end up running a ULNS you may end up not needing it at all.

HTH

Spleify

 

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14885388#post14885388 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sisterlimonpot
And to add.... I wonder if the pods that live in there will actually keep it going and eventually balance out???? No idea though.

you can keep a population of pods growing by feeding them phytoplankon once or twice a week. Right now they are feeding the lps corals and I would not want to tamper with that cycle

 

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14886079#post14886079 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by spleify
Well to be honest Capn, in your case I think you might want to stick with the old "if it aint broke don't fix it" mentality and leave well enough alone. While I am a huge advocate of VSV dosing, you are 100% correct it is NOT for all systems. You may benefit from it, you may not see much of any change. How long has you system been set up? IME, yes your chaeto will likely stall out in terms of growth, and depending on how long you end up running a ULNS you may end up not needing it at all.

HTH

Spleify

I agree with you "if it ain't broke it don't need fixen"

One of the best concepts one learns on here is that all reefs are different functioning ecosystem. What works for one person might not work for another. I think when you first join here you get bombarded by all these neat ideas and want to rush out and try them on your tank.

After awhile you get to know your system and what works best for it---this is why I asked the question and thanks for your answer

 

[spleify]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14886412#post14886412 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
.

After awhile you get to know your system and what works best for it

This says it all and says it well. Every system is DEFINITELY different, and requires different attention.

 

[jtc3]

interesting thread

 

[DheereCrossing]

Do you all see it as a problem that the figures in the charts for starting doses are rounded to the nearest ml? Basically saying your dose is 0 for the first two weeks - then how do you even start?

 

[spleify]

The smallest amount for the smallest tank is 0.2

How do you figure you are dosing 0???? You need an accurate medical grade syringe that measures in small initial increments.

 

[DheereCrossing]

I'm reading off the charts in this article, Tables 1-4

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

However, point 3 under dosing schedule reads like this: (I missed it the first few times through it.)

3. The starting dosage is 0.1ml of vodka per 25 gallons (~100 liters) NWV daily continued for three days. For 100 Net Gallons, your dosage would be 0.4ml daily during this period. It has been suggested to cut the daily dosage in half and dose twice daily for more consistency.

Where it talks about dose per week for various vodka proofs. Even with the lowest proof, the first two weeks are 0ml, (in the tables that have been rounded) not 0.xxml. Yes, a good medical dosing syringe/graduate is marked in tenths of a ml and easy to use as well as an old salifert test kit syringe but I'm hesitant to just start with a 1 drop dose (maybe 1/10ml), proof not mentioned in the text, without the expert's opinions.

 

[spleify]

Sorry you lost me I'll let someone who has been up longer answer your question, or I'll check back later and see if I can decifer what you are saying.

Maybe I am missing it but all the starting doses(that I see anyway) is 0.XX There is not 0 anywhere,do you think you would dose 0???

Yes a Salifert test syringe works great, that is what I use.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

DheereCrossing,
that was unclear to me as well I had to re-read the article 3 times and it never explained that chart. Until.... I moved the mouse over one of the charts.... and realized you can click on them... once you do that it opens up and everything made sinse. hope that helped. Good luck. I have been 0 N03 and P04 for about 2 weeks now, just on vodka alone.

 

[melev]

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