90 Gallon Reef Setup... Update April 22, 2009...Oceanic Corals with Pics!

bignose · #1 02-02-2009, 05:30 PM

any pics of the new coral?

Rbacchiega · #2 02-09-2009, 08:14 AM

So I've decided to take the plunge and vodka dose the tank.

A quick recap of how vodka dosing works (for those who don't already know)

* Main purpose is to reduce Nitrate (NO3) and Phosphate (PO4). The reduction of phosphate not only leads to the reduction of problem algae, but it also leads to the enhanced calcification and growth of corals. Also, there is supposed to be a noticable increase in skimate.

How I will be dosing, based on 80 Proof (40% Ethanol by volume)

My estimated net water volume (nwv) is 85 gallons. RC reccomends that you estimate on the low side, just to be safe. If you're not sure how to ncalculate NWV, take display tank volume, plus sump/refuge and less 30%

Starting dose is 0.1ml of vodka per 25 gallons continued daily for 3 days. So: 0.3-0.4ml a day for my tank

Day 4-7, double daily dosage

Each subsequent week add an additional 0.5ml of vodka regardless of aquarium volume (1.1-1.3ml/day) When NO3 and PO4 levels drop near undetectable, cut vodka dose in half. IE if levels drop in week 2, then dose after reaching levels would be 0.55 - 0.65ml a day.

I'll continue to test regularly. If levels become detectable, I'm supposed to increase daily dose by 0.1ml per week until levels decrease. If you maintain that dose, the levels will eventually drop back down, and this would become the new maintenance level.

I'm also going to be starting to add Amino Acids to the tank...which I've never done. So far I feed Coral Frenzy every 2nd or 3rd day (when I remember really) and I usually mix in some Rotifers every now and then as well.

Apparently with a lower nutrient system you can increase the ammount of feeding, which also leads to better colours in the corals.

I'm pretty freakin excited

bignose · #3 02-09-2009, 05:22 PM

I'm interested in vodka dosing. I'll tag with you on this one.

Rbacchiega · #4 02-09-2009, 07:41 PM

Threads on RC suggest to split the dosing during the day. But for the little ammount that I'll be doing I don't think its worth it. Will start tonight, as soon as I go get a little syringe thingy..

bignose · #5 02-09-2009, 08:16 PM

I remember going to the vet supply store to buy a needle and "syringe thingy" after I got off work. I was dressed in my holy sweats and t-shirt with holes burned throughout. They kinda looked at me like a junkie! Man talk about embarrasing

Rbacchiega · #6 02-09-2009, 08:36 PM

LOL. I think I'll just hit shoppers drug mart or something like that and see if I can grab them there. I'm only dosing .3 ml...so I need a tiny one LOL

Rbacchiega · #7 02-11-2009, 07:30 PM

still no syringe, because, well...I'm lazy. But I picked up a little clam from Lorenzo, some nice Orange Centered Zoas from Underwater and stunning Rodactus from Snappy. This tank is actually starting to look like something!

I've also increased the ammount of time the MH's are on. I was running them for 6 hours but over the last week have increased that up to 8 hours a day.

Tomorrow a friend of mine is giving me a male Mandarin. Woooopa! I have loads of copepods (before you guys even ask) and have had lots of experience with these little gaffers.