Qustion on Vodka, salt, and levels

Vauche · 05/17/2009, 01:49 AM

Considering dosing vodka and I've read when dosing vodka you want NSW levels or at least an ALK about 7-8dkh.

I'm wondering:

1) Would a dkh of 9 be a big issue as this is what I've been shooting for currently not using any carbon source?

2) What is the most convienent salt mix for vodka dosing? I currently use Oceanic and it runs really high in both Ca (500+) and Mg (1500 +/-). I've also had levels of change water for ALK at 9-11dkh although the salt-mix thread had ALK at 8.5 +/-.

3) Could the high Ca and Mg cause a problem or is it just ALK that I should worry about in a salt mix?

Any help as always is greatly appreciated!

Reeferhead · 05/17/2009, 04:11 AM

I think you'll get more responses in the Chemistry Forum

cham · 05/17/2009, 06:09 AM

The salt mixes have not been much of the discussion on dosing carbon. The suggested alk levels are to prevent burnt tips that have been seen with higher alk levels. There isn't anything to say that you will get burnt tips, but if you start dosing and notice it you'll know the culprit.

Changing over to a bacterial driven system is a big step, make sure you go very very slow and your equipment is up to the job.

Vauche · 05/17/2009, 09:16 PM

I figure my skimmer is pretty good it is a MRC-2 and is listed for up to about 300G system, which is a little over double my volume. If this isn't good enough I suppose I will rethink things.

Sisterlimonpot · 05/26/2009, 06:02 PM

The skimmer will work fine. Like said take it slow and follow the guidelines in the RK article and you'll be happy with the results.

05/17/2009, 01:49 AM	#1
Vauche Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 340	Qustion on Vodka, salt, and levels Considering dosing vodka and I've read when dosing vodka you want NSW levels or at least an ALK about 7-8dkh. I'm wondering: 1) Would a dkh of 9 be a big issue as this is what I've been shooting for currently not using any carbon source? 2) What is the most convienent salt mix for vodka dosing? I currently use Oceanic and it runs really high in both Ca (500+) and Mg (1500 +/-). I've also had levels of change water for ALK at 9-11dkh although the salt-mix thread had ALK at 8.5 +/-. 3) Could the high Ca and Mg cause a problem or is it just ALK that I should worry about in a salt mix? Any help as always is greatly appreciated!

05/17/2009, 04:11 AM	#2
Reeferhead Recovering Reef Addict Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii Posts: 4,856	I think you'll get more responses in the Chemistry Forum __________________ Nick St. Louis Area Saltwater Hobbyists' (SLASH) Coral Donor Program (CDP) Because, "Friends don't let friends pay $50 a polyp!" Over 200 different corals and counting... Current Tank Info: 352 Quintillion Gallon

05/26/2009, 06:02 PM	#5
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	The skimmer will work fine. Like said take it slow and follow the guidelines in the RK article and you'll be happy with the results. __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

05/17/2009, 06:09 AM	#3
cham Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Winter Garden, FL Posts: 3,632	The salt mixes have not been much of the discussion on dosing carbon. The suggested alk levels are to prevent burnt tips that have been seen with higher alk levels. There isn't anything to say that you will get burnt tips, but if you start dosing and notice it you'll know the culprit. Changing over to a bacterial driven system is a big step, make sure you go very very slow and your equipment is up to the job.

05/17/2009, 09:16 PM	#4
Vauche Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 340	I figure my skimmer is pretty good it is a MRC-2 and is listed for up to about 300G system, which is a little over double my volume. If this isn't good enough I suppose I will rethink things.