Long-Chain Polymer Carbon Dosing for Reef Aquariums

[LeadHead83]

Introduction​

Carbon dosing has long been a staple method for reducing nitrate and phosphate levels in reef aquariums. Traditional approaches often utilize sources such as vodka, vinegar, or sugar. These methods have proven effective but can sometimes lead to challenges, including bacterial blooms or inconsistent results.

Inspired by insights from Tropic Marin's NP Elim and NP Bacto-Balance products, I conducted research into long-chain polymer carbon sources and reef-safe ingredients. This effort led to the creation of a custom solution for carbon dosing, designed to provide steady nutrient reduction while supporting coral health.

Ingredients and Their Roles​

The following ingredients were selected based on their effectiveness and compatibility with reef aquariums:

1. Vegetable Glycerin (VG): 40 mL​

• Function: A slow-release carbon source that promotes steady bacterial growth.

2. Propylene Glycol (PG): 40 mL​

• Function: A fast-acting carbon source to quickly initiate bacterial activity.

3. Marine Collagen Powder: 5 g​

• Function: A protein-based supplement that serves as an additional food source for corals, enhancing tissue growth and overall health.

4. Amino Acids: 5 mL​

• Function: Supports coral metabolism and helps prevent coral starvation during nutrient reduction.
• Example Products: MicrobeLift Amino Acids or any reef-safe amino acid supplement.

5. Trace Elements: 3 mL​

• Function: Supplies essential nutrients (e.g., iron, manganese, zinc) for both bacterial activity and coral health.
• Example Products: Tropic Marin Pro-Trace or equivalent reef-safe trace element mixes.

6. Sodium Alginate: 1 g​

• Function: Acts as a polymer to stabilize the release of carbon, reducing the risk of sudden bacterial blooms.
• Note: Dissolve sodium alginate in water first to prevent clumping.

7. Distilled Water:​

• Function: Used to dilute the mixture to a total volume of 100 mL.

Preparation Instructions​

1. Measure all ingredients precisely to ensure proper functionality and reef safety.
2. Dissolve sodium alginate in a small amount of distilled water to form a smooth solution.
3. Gradually mix the remaining ingredients in a sterile container.
4. Add distilled water to bring the total volume to 100 mL.
5. Store the mixture in a cool, dark place to maintain stability.

Dosing Instructions​

Initial Dose:​

• Start with 0.1 mL per 100 liters (26 gallons) of tank water daily.

Gradual Increase:​

• Every two weeks, increase the dosage by 0.1 mL per 100 liters, depending on your aquarium's nitrate and phosphate levels.

Maximum Dose:​

• Do not exceed 0.5 mL per 100 liters daily to prevent overloading the system.

Application:​

• Dose into a high-flow area of the tank to ensure even distribution throughout the water column.

Key Advantages​

• Steady Nutrient Reduction: The combination of slow- and fast-acting carbon sources ensures controlled bacterial growth and nutrient consumption.
• Reef-Safe Ingredients: All components are carefully selected to avoid harm to corals and other marine life.
• Reduced Risk of Bacterial Blooms: The use of long-chain polymers stabilizes carbon release, preventing sudden spikes in bacterial activity.
• Coral Health Benefits: The inclusion of marine collagen, amino acids, and trace elements supports coral metabolism, tissue growth, and overall vitality.

Conclusion​

This custom long-chain polymer carbon dosing formula offers a reef-safe and effective solution for maintaining low nutrient levels while promoting coral health. With careful dosing and gradual adjustments, aquarists can achieve consistent results without the risks commonly associated with traditional carbon sources.

 

[Garf]

Introduction​

Carbon dosing has long been a staple method for reducing nitrate and phosphate levels in reef aquariums. Traditional approaches often utilize sources such as vodka, vinegar, or sugar. These methods have proven effective but can sometimes lead to challenges, including bacterial blooms or inconsistent results.

Inspired by insights from Tropic Marin's NP Elim and NP Bacto-Balance products, I conducted research into long-chain polymer carbon sources and reef-safe ingredients. This effort led to the creation of a custom solution for carbon dosing, designed to provide steady nutrient reduction while supporting coral health.

Ingredients and Their Roles​

The following ingredients were selected based on their effectiveness and compatibility with reef aquariums:

1. Vegetable Glycerin (VG): 40 mL​

• Function: A slow-release carbon source that promotes steady bacterial growth.

2. Propylene Glycol (PG): 40 mL​

• Function: A fast-acting carbon source to quickly initiate bacterial activity.

3. Marine Collagen Powder: 5 g​

• Function: A protein-based supplement that serves as an additional food source for corals, enhancing tissue growth and overall health.

4. Amino Acids: 5 mL​

• Function: Supports coral metabolism and helps prevent coral starvation during nutrient reduction.
• Example Products: MicrobeLift Amino Acids or any reef-safe amino acid supplement.

5. Trace Elements: 3 mL​

• Function: Supplies essential nutrients (e.g., iron, manganese, zinc) for both bacterial activity and coral health.
• Example Products: Tropic Marin Pro-Trace or equivalent reef-safe trace element mixes.

6. Sodium Alginate: 1 g​

• Function: Acts as a polymer to stabilize the release of carbon, reducing the risk of sudden bacterial blooms.
• Note: Dissolve sodium alginate in water first to prevent clumping.

7. Distilled Water:​

• Function: Used to dilute the mixture to a total volume of 100 mL.

Preparation Instructions​

1. Measure all ingredients precisely to ensure proper functionality and reef safety.
2. Dissolve sodium alginate in a small amount of distilled water to form a smooth solution.
3. Gradually mix the remaining ingredients in a sterile container.
4. Add distilled water to bring the total volume to 100 mL.
5. Store the mixture in a cool, dark place to maintain stability.

Dosing Instructions​

Initial Dose:​

• Start with 0.1 mL per 100 liters (26 gallons) of tank water daily.

Gradual Increase:​

• Every two weeks, increase the dosage by 0.1 mL per 100 liters, depending on your aquarium's nitrate and phosphate levels.

Maximum Dose:​

• Do not exceed 0.5 mL per 100 liters daily to prevent overloading the system.

Application:​

• Dose into a high-flow area of the tank to ensure even distribution throughout the water column.

Key Advantages​

• Steady Nutrient Reduction: The combination of slow- and fast-acting carbon sources ensures controlled bacterial growth and nutrient consumption.
• Reef-Safe Ingredients: All components are carefully selected to avoid harm to corals and other marine life.
• Reduced Risk of Bacterial Blooms: The use of long-chain polymers stabilizes carbon release, preventing sudden spikes in bacterial activity.
• Coral Health Benefits: The inclusion of marine collagen, amino acids, and trace elements supports coral metabolism, tissue growth, and overall vitality.

Conclusion​

This custom long-chain polymer carbon dosing formula offers a reef-safe and effective solution for maintaining low nutrient levels while promoting coral health. With careful dosing and gradual adjustments, aquarists can achieve consistent results without the risks commonly associated with traditional carbon sources.

Vape juice plus?

 

[LeadHead83]

Vape juice plus?

findings suggested that a simple 50/50 mixture of Vegetable Glycerin (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG) -- commonly found in vape juice -- can serve as an effective carbon source for nutrient reduction in reef aquariums. This method offers an alternative to traditional carbon sources such as vodka or vinegar, with the added benefit of larger organic molecules, potentially allowing for more controlled bacterial growth.

Characteristics of VG/PG Mix​

• Larger Organic Molecules: VG and PG consist of larger organic compounds compared to ethanol in traditional carbon sources, which may enable a slower and steadier release of carbon into the system.
• Metabolizable Carbon Source: These compounds serve as an energy source for denitrifying bacteria, promoting nutrient reduction.

Cost-Effective Solution​

• Food-grade VG and PG are readily available online for approximately $10. These materials are both safe for human consumption and cost-effective for reef applications when used appropriately.

While a basic 50/50 VG/PG mix is a viable standalone carbon source, optimizing the formula with supplemental ingredients can enhance its performance in reef aquariums. This approach provides a cost-effective, scientifically plausible alternative to traditional methods for nutrient reduction. However, due to limited direct evidence of its long-term impact on reef ecosystems, further experimental validation and cautious application are recommended.

 

[Dan_P]

findings suggested that a simple 50/50 mixture of Vegetable Glycerin (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG) -- commonly found in vape juice -- can serve as an effective carbon source for nutrient reduction in reef aquariums. This method offers an alternative to traditional carbon sources such as vodka or vinegar, with the added benefit of larger organic molecules, potentially allowing for more controlled bacterial growth.

Characteristics of VG/PG Mix​

• Larger Organic Molecules: VG and PG consist of larger organic compounds compared to ethanol in traditional carbon sources, which may enable a slower and steadier release of carbon into the system.
• Metabolizable Carbon Source: These compounds serve as an energy source for denitrifying bacteria, promoting nutrient reduction.

Cost-Effective Solution​

• Food-grade VG and PG are readily available online for approximately $10. These materials are both safe for human consumption and cost-effective for reef applications when used appropriately.

While a basic 50/50 VG/PG mix is a viable standalone carbon source, optimizing the formula with supplemental ingredients can enhance its performance in reef aquariums. This approach provides a cost-effective, scientifically plausible alternative to traditional methods for nutrient reduction. However, due to limited direct evidence of its long-term impact on reef ecosystems, further experimental validation and cautious application are recommended.

Glycerine and propylene glycol contain only one carbon more than ethanol and acetic acid. Nor really large molecules. Not sure I follow the claim about slower and steadier release.

 

[Isaac Alves]

Hmmmmmmmmm.

 

[sixty_reefer]

Have you tried this recipe yourself?

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

Are we back on the ChatGPT train?

 

[ElementReefer]

Are you running an experiment here?

I agree that the benefit of one more carbon is debatable. Would need to see test tank vs control tank. Especially oxygen availability / ph impact.

I’m no chemist, but generally the longer the molecular chain, the weirder things get. Simple sources work because they are simple.

 

[LeadHead83]

Glycerine and propylene glycol contain only one carbon more than ethanol and acetic acid. Nor really large molecules. Not sure I follow the claim about slower and steadier release.

Hey Dan you correct

but by taking the VG and the PG mixing it with Alginate and adding some calcium ions in the of re-mineralized distilled water the calcium ion will alter the Polymer chain and make it network structure.

Have you tried this recipe yourself?

Yes I've been using it now for 2 months and result so far are positive

Are you running an experiment here?

I agree that the benefit of one more carbon is debatable. Would need to see test tank vs control tank. Especially oxygen availability / ph impact.

I’m no chemist, but generally the longer the molecular chain, the weirder things get. Simple sources work because they are simple.

The crosslinked polymer formed by calcium ions will have a network structure rather than a single linear chain. However, if we were to assume that the chains remained linear (without crosslinking), the length would be related to the total number of monomers, which is estimated at 3.04 × 10²¹ monomers.

This means, in a simplified form, the combined carbon polymer length in terms of monomers would be approximately 3.04 × 10²¹ monomers, primarily contributed by the sodium alginate polymer

Oxygen: If used properly and in moderation, the mixture should not have a large impact on oxygen levels, though excessive bacterial growth could lead to oxygen depletion.

pH: There could be a slight drop in pH due to the bacterial metabolism of carbon sources, but if the system is properly buffered and the doses are controlled, this should not be a major concern.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Just so people can see this is not some CHATGPT Train

Ill be showing my testing equipment this includes the O2 meter, PH tester I'm using, my weekly Spin test results, all Ingredients I'm using. ill also be sharing some of the before and after photos and some of my test results to backup my findings

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Are you comparing it to anything else?

What are the risks of other carbon sources are you claiming to avoid?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

1. Vegetable Glycerin (VG): 40 mL​

• Function: A slow-release carbon source that promotes steady bacterial growth.

​

Why do you think glycerin will be metabolized more slowly than propylene glycol?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The crosslinked polymer formed by calcium ions will have a network structure rather than a single linear chain. However, if we were to assume that the chains remained linear (without crosslinking), the length would be related to the total number of monomers, which is estimated at 3.04 × 10²¹ monomers.

This means, in a simplified form, the combined carbon polymer length in terms of monomers would be approximately 3.04 × 10²¹ monomers, primarily contributed by the sodium alginate polymer

What functionality do you think this imparts even if it was true?

Each of the two main monomers in alginate weigh about 193 grams per mole. Your number of monomers corresponds to about a gram of alginate.

Are you claiming you dose a full gram of alginate and is coalesces into a giant swollen glob of crosslinked alginate?

Assuming not, (I hope not), what’s the points of this section?