Carbon dosing to refugium

rayn · Jan 26, 2015

Hoping this is in the right spot, as it does have to do with tank chemistry.

When I set up my 120 I added a 40 with a dsb and it was added to be used as a refugium. The tank itself was planned to be a sps dominant, but I believed that has changed. Once the cycle finished and I began to see nitrate show, I started vodka dosing. As a result my nitrate levels are now basically 0. I obtained the macro algae I was wanting and have it growing in a separate tank, but I would like it to move into the refugium. How long should I wait till I do this, or can I add it now and quit dosing all together?

nanolax · Jan 27, 2015

Honestly, I'd just add the macro now. I doubt it would harm anything, especially with your nitrates already at zero. What livestock do you plan to add?

rayn · Jan 27, 2015

I haven't fully decided on livestock yet. I m leaning towards a anemone tank with a couple carpets and some clowns. I need a cleaner tank for them as well and a stable one.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jan 27, 2015

It might need more in the way of nutrients to thrive, so I might back off on the vodka when you add the macroalgae. But the macro may not be able to shoulder all the load, so you may need to wait and see what happens.

rayn · Jan 27, 2015

Thanks. I wondered if th macro could handle it all. There are at least three kinds I want to put in there.

Won't continuing the vodka dosing effect the macro growth though?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jan 28, 2015

Yes, it will reduce the macroalgae growth.

IME, macroalgae alone is often not adequate to maintain adequately low nutrients.

But it is fine to try the macroalgae alone without organic carbon dosing and see what you get.