Vinegar dosing

[juannnn]

I would not say it "will" solve the problem. It may drive a different species of bacteria that "may" grow elsewhere in your system.

So what would be the solution? They're growing all over the sump and the pumps aren't working properly. If I add vodka and the same thing happens, I'll be stuck.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

So what would be the solution? They're growing all over the sump and the pumps aren't working properly. If I add vodka and the same thing happens, I'll be stuck.

You will have to experiment. Only guaranteed solution (assuming the issue relates to the vinegar at all) is not use it.

I used vinegar and had no such issues, even at extremely high doses, so it's not simply an aspect of vinegar. It's a result of the particular species of bacteria in your tank and where they actually grow.

 

[gbroadbridge]

If using vodka solves the problem, I'll try it because when I dose it in the sump, the return pump loses all power. I don't have anywhere else to dose the vinegar.

What is your Nitrate level, what size of tank, and how much vinegar are you dosing per day?

 

[juannnn]

What is your Nitrate level, what size of tank, and how much vinegar are you dosing per day?

My nitrates are currently at 10. My tank is 400 liters total and I am adding 48ml of vinegar.

 

[Reefering1]

My nitrates are currently at 10. My tank is 400 liters total and I am adding 48ml of vinegar.

Post pictures.

 

[gbroadbridge]

My nitrates are currently at 10. My tank is 400 liters total and I am adding 48ml of vinegar.

I don't understand why you are dosing vinegar.

You already have low nitrates.

 

[scotty333]

I had that problem with vodka
If I got a short powerful or shut down my return when it fired up again my take would be a goopy mess

 

[juannnn]

I don't understand why you are dosing vinegar.

You already have low nitrates.

I had low nitrates because I add vinegar

 

[gbroadbridge]

I had low nitrates because I add vinegar

Right, but when you get down below 20 you reduce or stop vinegar dosing.

Why are you still dosing 48ml?

Stop and your problem will stop.