Carbon Dosing question

[reefstarter]

So here it is , .... Can I switch from using vinegar to Vodka by just starting with the appropriate dose of Vodka VS vinegar ? IE 48 ML per day vinegar should translate to about 6 ML of Vodka daily . I want to switch to a more pure source of carbon and I am seeing some drop in PH of my system . Not drastic mind you , but enough to raise an eyebrow . especially since with all this sytem has gone through I never saw any change in PH , its always held at 8.2 regardless of alk or calcium levels . Anyone who has done this please chime in

 

[drsalomon]

Vodka can definitely lower ph. So not sure that problem would be solved by the switch. Make sure nitrates are not zeroed out. I carefully titrate dosing through brs doser so that i always maintain nitrate levels of 5 ppm. This also helps raise ph compared to overdosing vodka to maintain 0 ppm. I noticed that corals are much more prone to stn at 0 ppm nitrate in respons to alk swings or gfo changes.

 

[reefstarter]

Thanks , I am not at 0 nitrates and was aiming for 5-10 , I am at about 20 now which isn't terrible I suppose . Hoping for better color really . I also started putting in pottassium to help that hopefully . Mag is still kind of up and down . hard to nail down a dosing regiment for the mag as some days it uses more than others . not sure why

 

[drsalomon]

If you are using instant ocean or reef crystals, your potassiumbis probably okay. The test kit would be helpful. I get best color at 5 ppm nitrate and 0.04 ppm phosphate. I also feed oyster roti and mysis feast daily and liberally through sutomated refrigerated system to enhance color