Carbon Dosing dos and don'ts

[Dan_P]

When dosing organic carbon (like vodka or biopellets) in a reef tank, does it favor fast-growing heterotrophic bacteria that could outcompete or suppress the slower-growing autotrophic nitrifiers (Nitrosomonas, Nitrospira)?

@Lasse, the answer seems to be yes, right?

In an aquarium with only coral, would it matter if there were no nitrifiers? Even with a modest amount of fish, maybe it still wouldn’t matter.

 

[Lasse]

@Lasse, the answer seems to be yes, right?

Yes if you refer to benthic heterotopic bacteria. Its a competition according space to build biofilm on. The double time (the time it takes ri double the biomass) for heterotrophic bacteria is much lower than for autotrophic (nitrifiers) - there will not be enough of "chairs" for both types if organic carbon is unlimited. The first step microorganisms (NH4->NO2 seems not be affected so much - probably because is mostly driven by archaea in saltwater - a microorganism that´s not a bacteria - however the last step (NO2->NO3) is driven by classic autotrophic bacteria even in saltwater.

In an aquarium with only coral, would it matter if there were no nitrifiers? Even with a modest amount of fish, maybe it still wouldn’t matter.

In general - maybe not but in an old aquarium it could be a lot of N fixation organisms (N2 -> NH3/NH4) that supplies the aquarium with NH3/NH4 outside the classic route - via food

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Dan_P]

Yes if you refer to benthic heterotopic bacteria. Its a competition according space to build biofilm on. The double time (the time it takes ri double the biomass) for heterotrophic bacteria is much lower than for autotrophic (nitrifiers) - there will not be enough of "chairs" for both types if organic carbon is unlimited. The first step microorganisms (NH4->NO2 seems not be affected so much - probably because is mostly driven by archaea in saltwater - a microorganism that´s not a bacteria - however the last step (NO2->NO3) is driven by classic autotrophic bacteria even in saltwater.


In general - maybe not but in an old aquarium it could be a lot of N fixation organisms (N2 -> NH3/NH4) that supplies the aquarium with NH3/NH4 outside the classic route - via food

Sincerely Lasse

Thanks Lasse!

 

[beardown51]

IMO, the slow ramp up in doses that some articles suggest is unnecessarily conservative, and if dosing something like vinegar, I do not see the need for a ramp.

I was gonna say switch from vodka to white vinegar as well. It’s way cheaper than vodka like 3 dollars a gallon same results, saves money and does the job you need it too so if it takes more than it needed before it’s not breaking the bank

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I was gonna say switch from vodka to white vinegar as well. It’s way cheaper than vodka like 3 dollars a gallon same results, saves money and does the job you need it too so if it takes more than it needed before it’s not breaking the bank

It is cheaper, but remember it is also 8 times more dilute, which brings the costs closer. :)

 

[Lasse]

same results

All studies I have seen according denitrification favour ethanol (vodka is pure ethanol > 40 %) Have you seen any studies that favour white vinegar or says that they are equal?

Sincerely Lasse

 

[beardown51]

All studies I have seen according denitrification favour ethanol (vodka is pure ethanol > 40 %) Have you seen any studies that favour white vinegar or says that they are equal?

All studies I have seen according denitrification favour ethanol (vodka is pure ethanol > 40 %) Have you seen any studies that favour white vinegar or says that they are equal?

Sincerely Lasse

Nope there are zero but is apparently safer for beginners as it is less potent so I guess it is not better or cheaper. My apologies and thanks for making me prove myself wrong. I like it when I am humbled, it reminds I am human after all.

 

[Lasse]

I asked because science is not static and I´m keen to know if there is new knowledge out there. Your right - its more potent but I dilute mine 5 times (to 8 %) with RODI waterl

Sincerely Lasse