Questions for the seasoned reefers

[rjd0521]

Hi,
I started a thread about my 185 gallon and lighting problems not long ago but I have a couple more questions about a more delicate subject. I started Vodka dosing about 2 months ago. I am currently at 7.2 ml of vodka per day on the tank which I dose half in the morning and half when I get home from work which is about 10-12 hours later. My sand bed is spotless and have less algae growth on the glass since the start of the vodka. I am using a API test kit for Nitrate which is showing me results of 80ppm. Everything looks fine in my tank ( no stress ).
My questions:
Is API a trusted Nitrate test kit or if not, what brand would you recommend? (I can't see the vodka not working since I have not had algae on my sandbed for the past few weeks and I don't have to clean the glass for days).
For the reefers who are dosing vodka, do you dose vodka along with a bacterial additive or not? I have heard people dose vodka with MB7 or Microbelift Special Blend. (currently, I am dosing vodka with no additive).
And the million dollar question, I am planning on going from the vodka dosing to Biopellets as it is more of a set and forget type of thing. To all that have tried both methods, which one is better at reducing nitrates and which would you recommend? Please answer from personal experience with the methods.

 

[snakeblitz33]

All I can answer for here is that API does not make good nitrate and phosphate test kits. They are consistant about giving inaccurate readings. I prefer salifert or Seachem tests for nitrate and phosphate. With calcium, alkalinity and pH, I do use API. Magnesium, however, I use seachem.
I hope you can get some answers that you are looking for!

 

[1guydude]

+1
might wanna check the date on ur API tests...simple google search of the API test date will tell u everything. A lot of people find in accurate readings from api...personally ive never had a prob with the tests or something i didnt catch on the test, like a step i missed.
Ive only used api's...i havent tested though since i thought my cal was off a bit a couple months ago. Im not a fan of dosing either or anything.
Everyone everywhere is looking for a set and forget method with tanks and this hobby. All in all there isnt one or prob wont be one, it will come down to a point where u have to get ur hands wet....even cleaning out some detritus from the sump with a turkey baster.... just sayin.
I have a friend who has been in the hobby for about as long as ive been alive and he is going to start up a store soon. He has done a lot of research in led and biopellets...he will be selling both and his own designs for decent price supposodly lol..., (<sp)
anyways he does appove of the biopellets and most are the same tumbling rate with the air intake and such. I personally will be running a bio pellet reactor on my next tank.
How long have u been in this hobby? Maybe dose with a two parter or something.
HTHs