Vodka dosing

[JustinC]

Anyone around here do this? And what success? I've used pellets before and i wasn't really sold on them and I hate dealing with gfo

 

[Reefing Madness]

Well, Im not from around there, but I do it.

 

[JustinC]

How's it work for you? Any recommendations for someone wanting to try it?

 

[Reefing Madness]

Ive been doint it for a couple years now. I've got no troubles with it. I'd recommend it if you don't like doing a truck load of water changes or buying a $1000 skimmer to keep your water parameters in check.

 

[Reefing Madness]

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/general-sps-discussion/148905-vodka.html

 

[NeveSSL]

I think most everyone around here uses bio pellets, but vodka should work well, also.

Brandon

 

[JustinC]

I was using pellets on my old tank, just never could seem to get the results I was hoping from them. I did have beneficial results just not to the extent I think I should have. I think I'll try the vodka die a while and see how it goes. Worse case is I go back to pellets someday if it doesn't work. Also found this write up about VD, gots some good info http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-08/nftt/index.php

 

[Reefing Madness]

I was using pellets on my old tank, just never could seem to get the results I was hoping from them. I did have beneficial results just not to the extent I think I should have. I think I'll try the vodka die a while and see how it goes. Worse case is I go back to pellets someday if it doesn't work. Also found this write up about VD, gots some good info Vodka Dosing by 'Genetics' and 'Stony_Corals' - Reefkeeping.com

Step by step instructions. But this step by step takes months. I recommend bumping up 5mls a week instead of just one. This will make the process go a bit faster.
Melevsreef.com - Dosing Vodka to Lower Nitrate & Phosphate

 

[NeveSSL]

He actually only bumped .5ml per week. :)

Brandon

 

[Reefing Madness]

Right, and it took, what, 9 months. Thats why I advise bumping 5mls a week.

 

[Osteoclast]

Biopellets seem to be the number one choice of people in this Nashville area--I suspect due to their experience and history. While pellets can give excellent results, vodka and vinegar are easier to dose and control in my view and the view of others I know and respect. I personally like the control factor with a titratable liquid and a timer. I use vinegar but vodka is fine as well. All you need is a dosing pump. Randy Farley noted chemist and reef guru is a proponent of these two carbon choices over the other options. But it is a comfort factor and personal: to each his own.

 

[JustinC]

Alright, I'm starting today, starting with 4ml on an 80gal system. What is the norm for the amount ill end up dosing daily? I do like to feed.

 

[JustinC]

.4ml sorry

 

[Reefing Madness]

You may end up around 8-10. So figure your going to get up to 16-20 before your trates start to come down.

 

[JOKER]

It cleared my tank up, then I went to pellets. Should have stayed with the vodka. Tank looks terrible right now. Thinking of getting back to it. Could one use the pellets and vodka for a short time??

 

[Reefing Madness]

I wouldn't use them both at the same time.

 

[JOKER]

Ok.

 

[JustinC]

After a few days of vd I'm not adding enough daily to see a drop yet but all my corals are responding nicely to it so far. things are looking good.

 

[NeveSSL]

You may want to get your vd checked out by a doctor, man. :D

Brandon

 

[condiman]

I was using it but I have not noticed much of a change so I am currently looking into other methods of nutrient export that will be more benificial