why add vodka to tank?

jaggy · 01/02/2007, 01:47 PM

sorry maybe a dump question but why do some of you add vodka to your reef , and at what ratio?

twon8 · 01/02/2007, 01:53 PM

to provide a carbon source for bacteria

i imagine very small amounts but i have no firsthand experience

jaggy · 01/02/2007, 02:04 PM

is this nitrate reducing bacteria were talking about?

lvreefer · 01/02/2007, 02:07 PM

Used for nitrate reduction. I don't recall the amount, but it needs to be added in small amounts not to cause an algae bloom.

jaggy · 01/02/2007, 02:32 PM

cheers!

Aquatic Island · 01/02/2007, 02:39 PM

I read oni here that people add sugar (yes your regular sugar that you use with coffee). The dose is 1/8 tsp (teaspoon) per 25 gal. start out slow at first.

Randall_James · 01/02/2007, 03:07 PM

Adding the alcohol can seriously reduce oxygen levels, research carefully and fully before adding.... there is more than 1 thread where someone has wiped out their tank doing this

raddogz · 01/02/2007, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lvreefer
Used for nitrate reduction. I don't recall the amount, but it needs to be added in small amounts not to cause an algae bloom.

I think you meant to say bacterial bloom.

When you cause a massive bacterial bloom it consumes large amounts of oxygen which can thereby starves out the rest of the inhabitants of oxygen.

When you start having oxygen depletion it starts to stress the fish out which can lead to an ich breakout.

I have yet to try vodka, but have used plain old granulated sugar. The bacteria just needs a carbon source whether it be sugar or vodka. It can work well, but you have to be patient and not overdose as it can have disastrous results.

01/02/2007, 01:47 PM	#1
jaggy Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: scotland Posts: 234	why add vodka to tank? sorry maybe a dump question but why do some of you add vodka to your reef , and at what ratio?

01/02/2007, 01:53 PM	#2
twon8 Formally registered membe Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: slightly sw of richmond, va Posts: 5,920	to provide a carbon source for bacteria i imagine very small amounts but i have no firsthand experience __________________ Anthony Richmond Reef Club "and as things fell apart, nobody paid much attention." Not building a wall but making a brick Current Tank Info: 300g DD display, 60g frag tank

01/02/2007, 03:07 PM	#7
Randall_James Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,727	Adding the alcohol can seriously reduce oxygen levels, research carefully and fully before adding.... there is more than 1 thread where someone has wiped out their tank doing this __________________ "It's a dog eat dog world and I feel like I am wearing milkbone underwear"

01/02/2007, 02:04 PM	#3
jaggy Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: scotland Posts: 234	is this nitrate reducing bacteria were talking about?

01/02/2007, 02:07 PM	#4
lvreefer Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sin City Posts: 1,163	Used for nitrate reduction. I don't recall the amount, but it needs to be added in small amounts not to cause an algae bloom.

01/02/2007, 02:32 PM	#5
jaggy Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: scotland Posts: 234	cheers!

01/02/2007, 02:39 PM	#6
Aquatic Island Moved On Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Huntington Beach, California Posts: 50	I read oni here that people add sugar (yes your regular sugar that you use with coffee). The dose is 1/8 tsp (teaspoon) per 25 gal. start out slow at first.