Reef Aquarium Fact #139 Dosing of bacteria along with a carbon source such as vodka has been shown t

[revhtree]

We are going to continue discussing the reef aquarium facts submitted by our members. Do you agree or disagree? What are your thoughts?

Fact #139

The dosing of bacteria along with a carbon source such as vodka has been shown to increase water clarity and overall system health.

Truth or False? What else might we need to learn on this subject? Please also share any pictures that may pertain to the subject.

 

[robert]

On the face of it - I would have to say false.
From reading various water treatment studies where heterotrophic bacteria can be successfully employed to clear nitrate from drinking water - the issue of turbidity remains a substantial issue with this technique.
Now with caveat of sufficient skimming and/or (sub) micron filtration - the statement could be made true - but as it stands - nope - IMHO.

 

[revhtree]

Nice point and well said.

Any more opinion?

 

[Craig Borowski]

In my personal and purely anecdotal experience, I've had the best results using a carbon source along with a bacterial additive. Using the two together, consistently, has resulted in my tanks looking cleaner, clearer and with more brightly colored corals. When I've had long periods (months) of just dosing a carbon source without daily bacterial additions, the results were never as good.

 

[beaslbob]

As stated this has to be true.

at least one aquarium owner is absolutely convienced his tank is clearer.

but in my experience my tanks look much better when i'm getting the vodka dose.

my .02

 

[REEFKEEPER10]

Yeah my tank looks blurry with I dose vodka too. One for you, one for me, one for you, two for me. :bigsmile:
On a side note. My tank does look a lot better but I use biopellets.

 

[Razor]

Yeah my tank looks blurry with I dose vodka too. One for you, one for me, one for you, two for me. :bigsmile:
On a side note. My tank does look a lot better but I use biopellets.

You can try vinegar..The Acetic Acid in vinegar is a ready source for bacterias to consume and also a very good source of carbon..