Linkia and Vodka dosing

Dizzle63 · 05/10/2009, 01:13 PM

Is it possible that vodka dosing will help to supplement the food source for starfish species such as Linkia sp. since it is theorized that they eat bacterial films? I just read a thought thread about vodka dosing and I had this thought pop into my head. It may be that the bacteria are different than those that the starfish prefer or that they eat something other than bacterial films, but I think that this is a valid question.

Dizzle63 · 05/10/2009, 04:18 PM

No one?

ktweddle · 05/10/2009, 04:35 PM

I agree its a valid question. But it is not a simple topic.

I use something like the Vodka method and it exports bacteria through protein skimming. I don't notice any more sliminess of films in my tank, but that is pretty hard to gage too. Id say it is planktonic bacteria benefiting most from the dosing but I also have to admit I'm pulling that out of my neither regions and that's why I didn't reply earlier

Dizzle63 · 05/11/2009, 12:10 PM

Any more input from anyone?

gabbagabbawill · 05/11/2009, 12:21 PM

I think the short answer is yes, it is possible...

Since noone is exactly sure what a linckia really eats other than qualifying it as "bacterial film" it will be difficult to tell if vodka dosing will/not aide in producing the "correct" type of bacterium that the linckia will eat.

I know that there are a few out there that have kept them for 2+ years... However, it seems that all we have is anecdotal evidence of what the linckia requires to stay alive, which is unfortunate. They are so beautiful, but it is sad to watch them deteriorate.

05/10/2009, 01:13 PM	#1
Dizzle63 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 665	Linkia and Vodka dosing Is it possible that vodka dosing will help to supplement the food source for starfish species such as Linkia sp. since it is theorized that they eat bacterial films? I just read a thought thread about vodka dosing and I had this thought pop into my head. It may be that the bacteria are different than those that the starfish prefer or that they eat something other than bacterial films, but I think that this is a valid question.

05/10/2009, 04:18 PM	#2
Dizzle63 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 665	No one?

05/10/2009, 04:35 PM	#3
ktweddle Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 20	I agree its a valid question. But it is not a simple topic. I use something like the Vodka method and it exports bacteria through protein skimming. I don't notice any more sliminess of films in my tank, but that is pretty hard to gage too. Id say it is planktonic bacteria benefiting most from the dosing but I also have to admit I'm pulling that out of my neither regions and that's why I didn't reply earlier

05/11/2009, 12:10 PM	#4
Dizzle63 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 665	Any more input from anyone?

05/11/2009, 12:21 PM	#5
gabbagabbawill Moved On Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 251	I think the short answer is yes, it is possible... Since noone is exactly sure what a linckia really eats other than qualifying it as "bacterial film" it will be difficult to tell if vodka dosing will/not aide in producing the "correct" type of bacterium that the linckia will eat. I know that there are a few out there that have kept them for 2+ years... However, it seems that all we have is anecdotal evidence of what the linckia requires to stay alive, which is unfortunate. They are so beautiful, but it is sad to watch them deteriorate.