gonna try vodka dosing

invert phil, what dosing amounts and time frames do you use for that combination? what size of tank do you use it in?

Have you seen a difference using the mix rather than just vodka?

 

Ok, based on some of the responses so far I want to offer an explanation of why I am vodka dosing.

My water parameters measure almost perfect. Nitrates measure zero (API kit), phosphates measure zero (salifert kit). I run 2 phosban reactors, one with GFO, one with carbon. And yet, in spite of this, I am getting significant film algae growth on my aquarium glass (none on the rocks, though). My water clarity is not stellar, and my SPS frags which were spectacularly colored in the store have dulled significantly upon introduction to my tank (and I have lots of light). So I figured I'd give the vodka a try.

So far I've been going for only one week, and nothing yet to report (as expected. I have heard good things about bacterial strains (such as MB7 - I'll look into getting some).

My skimmer is not a beast, but it is more than adequate for my water volume. I've set it for a wet skim, so hopefully it will do the job well enough.

Will post pics soon of the tank, pre-dosing. That way we can all follow along with whatever progress is made over the next few months.

 

how old are your bulbs?

 

About 3 months old. I am positive it is not the lighting. 8x54W T5 should be PLENTY over a 90g. And the SPS are pretty high up.

 

only 3 months eh? dang, I was hoping they were over a year and shifted on you.

Let us know how it goes.

 

In terms of water quality, I'd like to make a suggestion. About 3 months ago, I picked up some of the Bulk Reef Supply HC GFO and ROX carbon. All I can say is that stuff is amazing!!! I noticed a huge improvement in water clarity after a couple days using the two.. I would say it is the ROX carbon helping with clarity.. The GFO is nice, also. I don't get as much dino on the glass like I used to (when I ran Phosban). All my SPS have amazing color!! It might be mostly because of my lighting (see sig), but I'm sure my excellent water quality has a lot to do with the great color also..

 

I am still experimenting, I dose 2mL combination carbon in the morning and night into the reactor on my 80 gallon system. I started with 0.5mL in morning and same at night and increase the volume the same as if you are dosing vodka (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-08/nftt/index.php) whilst monitoring nutrients. Not dosing bacteria daily has led to cyano appearing recently.

 

update

Ok, an update. I've been dosing vodka on my 90g for about 3 weeks, increasing the dose gradually as prescribed by all the research I've done. I am presently at 2ml per day (1ml in the morning, 1 at night).

Here are the changes I've noticed so far:
1) Significant reduction on film algae that forms on my glass. I used to have to clean lots of it up every day, now I barely have to use my mag wipe except for every couple of days.

2) My brown monticap is beginning to turn slightly pink. This may be a good thing, or it may be due to stress (not sure which). My blue-tipped acro is also a brighter coloration than it was.

No appreciable changes on measurable parameters as yet (although my nitrates and phosphates were pretty much un-measurable before I started dosing). I'll try to post some pics when I can.

 

did you take before and after picks?
would be cool to see the progress

 

I am dosing as well.. One drop in the morning , one drop in the evening.. My acros seem to stay extended longer, my skimmer works better, and algae on the glass is slowly no longer becoming a problem.. lets see how it works..