Beneficial Bacteria Replenishment?

[Ron Reefman]

I thought vodka dosing was to export nitrate and phosphate, not replenish bacteria? How or why do you think you need to replenish the bacteria?

[jimsflies]

I thought vodka dosing was to export nitrate and phosphate, not replenish bacteria? How or why do you think you need to replenish the bacteria?

Vodka dosing helps increase the bacteria levels in a tank beyond what would be achieved "normally"...which then helps remove nitrate/phosphates because there are more bacteria.

[MizTanks]

Here's what I gleaned from an article I read about our LR and the beneficial bacteria that live within it. Note: The way I understand it

Our live rock gets old and should on occasion be replaced with newer more lively live rock. Well I don't want to replace *any* of my LR so I was looking for a way to replenish the bacteria. Note: I'm not having an issue with nitrates at all. I do now understand more why peoples dose Vodka or Mb7. For the beneficial bacteria. So I guess my questions been answered

[schminksbro]

Actually in a healthy reef system your rock gets more "mature". The bacteria populations increase as a tank ages. The result is typically a much more stable tank that is able to process more nutrients than a younger tank. I have found that systems seem to hit their stride at around 1 year.

Here's what I gleaned from an article I read about our LR and the beneficial bacteria that live within it. Note: The way I understand it

Our live rock gets old and should on occasion be replaced with newer more lively live rock. Well I don't want to replace *any* of my LR so I was looking for a way to replenish the bacteria. Note: I'm not having an issue with nitrates at all. I do now understand more why peoples dose Vodka or Mb7. For the beneficial bacteria. So I guess my questions been answered

[larryandlaura]

Thanks for chiming in Andy!

[MizTanks]

Thank you Andy

[larryandlaura]

What are your plans now Jamie?

[MizTanks]

What are your plans now Jamie?

To keep doing what I'm doing as its working

[binford4000]

Actually in a healthy reef system your rock gets more "mature". The bacteria populations increase as a tank ages. The result is typically a much more stable tank that is able to process more nutrients than a younger tank. I have found that systems seem to hit their stride at around 1 year.

This is a great statement and so true,Your tank is fairly young and it has been my experience that rock replacement is not needed tell around eight to nine years and then it is only a matter of exchangeing a few large rocks a year.I find vodka is benifical for sure in sevral aspect's but a healthy fish population pooping around the ol reef will do wonders too LOL Consider it organic fertilzer for your corals