Is Vodka really necessary to dose with vinegar?

[windemerejack]

When i had my reef tank set up i started to dose vinegar/vodka, as i no longer have a tank i still have 2 bottles of vodka left, should i save them for a possible future set up or is vodka not really necessary to dose with vinegar, in which case i can happily drink it.

 

[ScottR]

When i had my reef tank set up i started to dose vinegar/vodka, as i no longer have a tank i still have 2 bottles of vodka left, should i save them for a possible future set up or is vodka not really necessary to dose with vinegar, in which case i can happily drink it.

They’re both a source of carbon. I avoid using vinegar as it lowers pH. I’d stick with vodka.

 

[anth]

Be careful though, vodka is a more concentrated carbon source so dont just continue to dose your old dosing amount with vodka only, you may over do it.

 

[ReefStable]

You only need one or the other. Usually, vodka is the preferred source as it doesn't have the effect on pH that vinegar does.

Article on Vodka Dosing

 

[windemerejack]

Thanks everybody. I'll keep the Vodka then for the (hopeful) future and use the vinegar on my chips.