Carbon Dosing

[Cichlid Dad]

Yes I know this is a sales pitch, but it is full of nuggets of information and helps explain why we carbon dose. Also talks about different carbon sources. I'm curious and would like to hear @Randy Holmes-Farley opinion on this.

Steve

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Yes I know this is a sales pitch, but it is full of nuggets of information and helps explain why we carbon dose. Also talks about different carbon sources. I'm curious and would like to hear @Randy Holmes-Farley opinion on this.

Steve

I don’t generally watch long videos, but I am a proponent of carbon dosing in many aquaria using products such as vodka or vinegar. Both the organic itself and the bacteria that grow can be food for corals and filter feeders.

That said, I’m not a fan of using secret concoctions for this purpose (or most any purpose, for that matter).

The only downsides, IMO, are that pH lowers slightly and in a few cases, bacteria species that are a problem for corals can arise. If that seems to happen, I certainly recommend stopping.

 

[UMALUM]

I don’t generally watch long videos, but I am a proponent of carbon dosing in many aquaria using products such as vodka or vinegar. Both the organic itself and the bacteria that grow can be food for corals and filter feeders.

That said, I’m not a fan of using secret concoctions for this purpose (or most any purpose, for that matter).

The only downsides, IMO, are that pH lowers slightly and in a few cases, bacteria species that are a problem for corals can arise. If that seems to happen, I certainly recommend stopping.

Would nopox fall into the concoction category? I just started it last week and would gladly pour it out if not recommended.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Would nopox fall into the concoction category? I just started it last week and would gladly pour it out if not recommended.

Well, it would have except folks could determine what it was by NmR and we now know (ethanol, acetic acid, methanol, and isopropanol). I suspect the low levels of the last two are to make the ethanol used undrinkable and hence less taxed and regulated.

It’s fine to use, IMO.

 

[UtahReefer]

Years ago I used the Zeovit system and had great results. These days I use the Aquaforest system. My NO3 sits between 5-8ppm and PO4 .01-.04. I can feed a lot (have Anthias so four times a day for fish) and my corals nightly 6 days a week. Part of this is the daily dosing of Amino Acids. Corals are happy, no out of control algaes and the corals get great nutrition. Yeah.. I'm a fan of carbon dosing.