florida joe
Well-Known Member
I am sure that the people that are vodka dosing as a way of reducing phosphate and nitrate know this but I thought I would share some information I have learned as I continue to research the subject. Please remember that this is what I HAVE LEARNED every one considering this need do their own research
This is the principal behind Vodka dosing.
All living creatures need phosphate to survive. So the growth of organisms in our tanks that consumes them as well as nitrates and then are harvested through protein skimming is a very powerful tool.
To stimulate the growth of these bacteria a source of carbon is used. Vodka supplies this carbon in the form of ethanol. The vodka is added directly into our aquariums. The ethanol stimulates the growth of hydrotropic bacteria. Which feeds on phosphates and nitrates in their bacteria bloom. A protein skimmer then removes the bacteria bloom. A 2004 study showed a dosage rate of between 5 and 10 ml per day of vodka per 260 gallons of aquarium water.
The vodka dosage has to be made regularly and increased in very small dosages. and testing must be undertaken until nitrates are undetectable then the dosage reduced until a balance is found over dosing can cause algal blooms. The protein skimmer will remove large amounts of organic matter and must be cleaned frequently as well as your mechanical filters.
It has also been noted that vodka dosing has stimulated polyp expansion in soft corals. But what is not known is if this is due to the bio mass being consumed by the corals or the ethanol.
This is the principal behind Vodka dosing.
All living creatures need phosphate to survive. So the growth of organisms in our tanks that consumes them as well as nitrates and then are harvested through protein skimming is a very powerful tool.
To stimulate the growth of these bacteria a source of carbon is used. Vodka supplies this carbon in the form of ethanol. The vodka is added directly into our aquariums. The ethanol stimulates the growth of hydrotropic bacteria. Which feeds on phosphates and nitrates in their bacteria bloom. A protein skimmer then removes the bacteria bloom. A 2004 study showed a dosage rate of between 5 and 10 ml per day of vodka per 260 gallons of aquarium water.
The vodka dosage has to be made regularly and increased in very small dosages. and testing must be undertaken until nitrates are undetectable then the dosage reduced until a balance is found over dosing can cause algal blooms. The protein skimmer will remove large amounts of organic matter and must be cleaned frequently as well as your mechanical filters.
It has also been noted that vodka dosing has stimulated polyp expansion in soft corals. But what is not known is if this is due to the bio mass being consumed by the corals or the ethanol.