Vodka

[LBC]

Do you dose? Why and how much?

 

[fishman77]

It helps lower my nitrates and phosphate. I use 10 ml a day for the past 2 years.

 

[NJMcGruff]

I use vinegar, pretty much watered down vodka. I use 19.8ml a day spread out with lights are high and ph is at its max. both help to grow bacteria that will consume nitrate and phosphate. Vodka has more carbon then vinegar, vodka is 8 times stronger then vinegar. both have ups and downs. each system is different one thing works for me might not workas well for you.


here is some reading on vinegar http://reefkeeping.com/joomla/index...ar-dosing-methodology-for-the-marine-aquarium


here is vodka http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-08/nftt/

 

[jerl77]

dosed vinegar for years went to warner marine bio pellets will never look back

 

[NJMcGruff]

dosed vinegar for years went to warner marine bio pellets will never look back

the main problem I found with bio pellets is that you cant control the amount of carbon dosed to the system. maybe that's why they want the output to go into your skimmer? I know many people have used pellets without problems but I found they just aren't for me. With vinegar I found that sweet spot for my tank that keeps things in line without making my sps look pale. on top of everything its so cheap. People are always fast to change systems to the new trend that is going on at the time.

 

[jerl77]

Adjust the flow in the reactor
Warner marine are the best out there

 

[Dtech07]

There are also Recirculating Reactors out now and you can always add a valve on the end of your output to control your effluent out to the skimmer. This is measurable ans controllable to prevent excessive carbon dosing from the reactor .

 

[Zuska]

Adjust the flow in the reactor
Warner marine are the best out there

which reactor you use for those bio pellets? I used to dose vodka for 2 years and had amazing results!

 

[Dtech07]

There are several very good manufacturer out there. Here is one that's had great write ups
http://www.aqualund.net/?page_id=23

And even with a Bio-Pellet Reactor you can still dose Vodka (your choose) because it promotes a different strain of bacteria that's positive compared to Pellets, Sugar, or Vinegar.
There's a Coral Magazine Article Sept/Oct 2011 that covers this point in detail.

Also this is a informative Videos on Recirculating Reactors and how they work and why:
(Google this)
episode 107 LA Fishguys Bio-Pellet Reactors

 

[ijvasquetelles]

what kind of vodka is good to use

 

[Dtech07]

I buy cheap but go for the triple or four times charcoal filtered vodka.

 

[NJMcGruff]

well as normal looks like there is only one way to keep a reef tank. its so hard to keep the fan boys from saying this is the best

 

[ijvasquetelles]

what brand u use

 

[jerl77]

which reactor you use for those bio pellets? I used to dose vodka for 2 years and had amazing results!

Made my own
I will never look back
Love the pellets
Warine marine work great

 

[Dtech07]

Yes My Bio Pellet reactor is one of the best investments I've gotten. I did a DIY but cracked the tube and could never get it to stay sealed.

How do you have it plumb into your system because I don't see the pump?