Does vodka really remove Cyano?

[snaza]

does dosing vodka really remove cyano? how much do i dose, how often and for how long?

thanks

Aaron

[rbursek]

Vodka is for drikling while you watch the tank!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bob

[brians4671]

vodca for cyano sigh.....a NO....

[rlm2005]

Vodka can be used to lower nitrates but I don't know the effect on cyano if any. There are threads on using it but I would be really cautious. Do a search and do not dose vodka until you have read up on it.

[Aquarist007]

there are many more natural ways to bring down nitrates like a refugium rather then wasting good vodka

[demonsp]

If it does then its not a cure only a patch. You need to learn to control the cyno.Not let it control you.This can be achieved from the basics in most cases.

I sound like a brocken record.I swear its a thread cycle casue i see many the same month by month or i mean every month they seem to stay consistant.Its wierd.

Anyway a total tank break down from SB to equipment to age to size to stock would really help.

[snaza]

i've managed to control my cyano and nitrate the natural way. i was just curous cuz someone said i should try vodka. i never did i was just interested in how it could possibly work

thanks

[demonsp]

Ive heard it can help while you control the problem.Only weekly water readings can tell you if you have a problem.And in all cases can be controlled from proven methods from water source to flow to stocking.

It may be a similar alternitive to another proven method but not sure if its worth the try.If so just get TOP SHELF heeh.GL

[cabbage0709]

Ill tell ya this, apple juice sure doesnt. That what happens when you dose yourself too much vodka...

[drillsar]

Cyano is caused by usually low flow in the area, Nitrates and/or phosphates in your water. Like others said you have to find out why your getting this. I would check flow as usually this is the main reason

[bertoni]

The vodka can provide a carbon source for bacteria, which then grow and consume other nutrients. A skimmer can then remove the bacteria, and export the nutrients. That's the theory, and some people seem to get it to work. It can cause problems, too, like oxygen depletion.

[ljosh]

Do not do it unless you have a well functioning skimmer.

[papagimp]

And done plenty of prior research before hand.

[gws76]

Sounds like we need to get the Myth Busters/Discovery to do their vodka episode again.

[papagimp]

it's not a myth though, just takes knowledge to do it correctly. Not as easy as "dumpin' vodka into a tank"

[seapug]

The Reef Aquarium Vol. 3 book goes into detail about it.

If I remember correctly, the idea is the Vodka is a carbon source to cause a bloom of anaerobic bacteria that will consume nitrate, then die and get pulled into the skimmer. There was a thread a couple months back called "Vodka Shots" where someone did it and had good results, but his tank went funky for a while.

Bottom line is it's not something to do haphazardly. It can be messy when done correctly and a complete disaster if done carelessly.

Cyano is easier to get rid of by dripping Kalk at night and reducing feedings a bit.

[scotmc]

I like my vodka on the rocks with three olives

[baldomero]

if ya use vodka use the goose thats the very best.

[Aquarist007]

drink the vodka it will numb the pain of having to deal with the cyano

[baldomero]

i left my tank under the supervision of a person who knew nothing about tanks(it was an emergency)and when i got back cyano was all on my back glass i syphoned it off