Single Bacterial Strains From Vodka Dosing?

Myka · #1 02-15-2012, 02:26 AM

You're just dosing too much. That's the classic sign to cut back a bit. Using multiple carbon sources never hurts.

ashr · #2 02-15-2012, 03:55 AM

Can you show us some pictures?

rastaangel · #3 02-15-2012, 05:32 PM

I have been dosing for almost a year now and been at the same dose for over 6 months and this only recently came up so I dont think its from over dosing. I am currently dosing 5ml/daily

spawn · #4 02-15-2012, 06:51 PM

You could also use biomate from zeo for that stuff, even if not on full zeo. I had it & it worked for me as I dose vodka & zeobak, & used the BM when that stuff showed up. Also IME Red legged hermits love to eat that ****. I just noticed in your pic that there is a red legged guy in there, put some more in. JMO

Myka · #5 02-15-2012, 11:32 PM

Corey, as time goes on you should have to use less and less vodka. You're over-dosing. Trying a product made for reefs might be a better idea. The Brightwell Aquatics Microbacter7 (MB7) is quite reasonably priced. I just started using it in my reef along with their BioFuel to see what happens.

Looks like you could use a bit more flow in your tank too...or adjust the powerheads.

rastaangel · #6 02-16-2012, 12:31 AM

I thought once I found my proper dose to keep 0 nitrates and phophates thats what I stayed at?
LOL Im at over 70% turn around on my tank... Ill gladly takea pair of MP40s from you mindy if you think I need more

Myka · #7 02-16-2012, 12:36 AM

Do you mean 70 times turnover? Or 70% of the volume turnover? I have 60x turnover in my tank, and I would have a lot more if it wasn't for the LPS that don't like it. Meh, Vortech Shmortech...I like my Tunzes, and I actually don't mind the new Koralias either...they are tiny.

Just creep your dose down a bit lower. You should be able to find a balance between maintaining 0 nitrate and having no fuzz. Essentially, you should be able to quit dosing vodka at some point, but if you overfeed or have poor maintenance habits then you will will have to continue dosing to keep nitrate at 0. Imo any type of carbon dosing should not need to be maintained forever. I see it more as a fix than a maintenance.