Cyano and Carbon Dosing

[rowdyreefing]

Hi Guys,

I recently started dosing vodka in my tank after noticing a slight rise in nitrates, even with regular water changes. My system is about 400 gallons, with nitrates averaging 15-20 ppm and phosphates at 0.1-0.2—both higher than I’d like. I’m currently in the second week of dosing and still ramping up.

A few weeks before starting carbon dosing, I had a small cyano (red algae) bloom. However, it hasn’t improved and may have even gotten slightly worse.

I have plenty of flow—2 MP60s, 4 MP40s, and 4 returns.

Would it be safe to dose Chemi-Clean now, or should I wait it out? Large water changes aren’t practical with my tank size.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Pistondog]

Try vinegar instead of vodka. Some claim more cyano with vodka dosing.

 

[Dan_P]

Hi Guys,

I recently started dosing vodka in my tank after noticing a slight rise in nitrates, even with regular water changes. My system is about 400 gallons, with nitrates averaging 15-20 ppm and phosphates at 0.1-0.2—both higher than I’d like. I’m currently in the second week of dosing and still ramping up.

A few weeks before starting carbon dosing, I had a small cyano (red algae) bloom. However, it hasn’t improved and may have even gotten slightly worse.

I have plenty of flow—2 MP60s, 4 MP40s, and 4 returns.

Would it be safe to dose Chemi-Clean now, or should I wait it out? Large water changes aren’t practical with my tank size.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

Has the nitrate and phosphate started to come down? Or has it stopped? I have come across situations where carbon dosing might stall and wondering if that is coincidental with cyanobacteria growing.

 

[rowdyreefing]

Has the nitrate and phosphate started to come down? Or has it stopped? I have come across situations where carbon dosing might stall and wondering if that is coincidental with cyanobacteria growing.

After first week there was a slight increase in nitrate and phosphate but I was only dosing 10ml per day. I am currently at 20ML per day. Will test at end of the week.

 

[rowdyreefing]

Try vinegar instead of vodka. Some claim more cyano with vodka dosing.

I have not seen this. I will read more and look at making the switch