BioPellets with Vodka Dosing - Your Thoughts

[globaldesigns]

Well, as you all know, this hobby never stops.

I am now intertaining the thought of using a bit of Vodka with the BioPellets. Just want to see if maybe the 2 together and take things even farther. But won't/don't want to do anything without research and others thoughts.

Reason for this thought is because I have a large bioload, now my water is really clear, no algae of any sort. So things are good. But some corals just don't color up, so this the reason for this thread.

Anyone jusing BioPellets and still dosing Vodka? If so, what type of vodka, what type of dosages in regards to volume of pellets and total water volume of the system.

Other reefers input is much appreciated and I look forward to hearing them.

Rick

[Myka]

What are your parameters before Biopellets and currently?

[lorenz0]

Whats the point? why not cut the bio-pellets and just go to vodka dosing?

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by lorenz0

Whats the point? why not cut the bio-pellets and just go to vodka dosing?

That is the reason I am asking, maybe no point.

Reason I am thinking is because my bioload is very large, and I don't have enough room to add more pellets. The advantage of pellets over vodka, is that when in reactors, you don't have to add everyday. Basically with vodka, you have to be very regimated with it and can't miss dosages.

Don't get me wrong here, I am an advocate for the NP BioPellets, and if you saw my system before them, you would to. They have had a very positive impact to my system, and if I could add even more I would, just no room in my sump, unless you have ideas there instead.

Now in saying this, since I can't add more reactors, I was thinking will a 2-4 drops/daily of vodka aid the pellets and give more for the system to use? This is why I am asking.

This is just a thought, could be nonsense, the reason I am posting. I have also heard many doing both with great results also, but trying to find articles to base this on.

[globaldesigns]

Another idea I had:

In order to run more pellets, I am also maybe thinking of removing the 2 reactors and somehow using a salt pail to keep the pellets in. Research has shown that if you can run more in a bigger container (larger surface area) the bacterial growth is significant.

So in saying this, anyone have any ideas on how I could do this instead? I would rather just use the pellets. But need to figure out how to do it. A salt pail won't fit in my refuge, so maybe an external unit needs to be created. If something can be created here, I would entertain this thought over adding vodka.

I guess, what I am trying to say here, I want more carbon!!!! I prefer pellets, as they do have many more benefits to vodka, but room is a factor!

Any ideas?

[emerald crab]

I use pellets and keep dosing some sugar, that allows me fine tunnig.

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by emerald crab

I use pellets and keep dosing some sugar, that allows me fine tunnig.

I had my reactors out to clean, so I added another 1L of pellets between the 2 reactors. Lets see if that helps more.

Also, thanks for the comment... What kind of dosage do you give in relation to water volume? Is the sugar granular or made into a liquid?

[emerald crab]

I use a solution 50% by weight. I dose 1ml/day in 3 portions (1/3ml each) for a 90 gal system.

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by emerald crab

I use a solution 50% by weight. I dose 1ml/day in 3 portions (1/3ml each) for a 90 gal system.

May I ask why you choose sugar over vodka or vinegar? Just wondering as I no nothing about this form of dosing. thanks.

[emerald crab]

Sugar, vodka, vinegar or a mixture of them all work. When I first started dosing carbon, I did it with vodka. It didn't work right for me, I got lots of red slime so I switched to sugar and it worked for me.