Converting vinegar dosing to AF

[rockworm]

I currently dose vinegar as a carbon source but will be switching to the AF system. I will be using -NP Pro and ProBioS.

I have started dialing back the vinegar but understand that if I just stop it may harm my SPS.

What is the recommended method to convert from vinegar to AF? Is it best to wait until I bring the vinegar to zero or stop the vinegar and just introduce the AF products?

Thanks,
Ward

 

[Anirban]

You can start gradual move towards using NP Pro as its a carbon source too. When you introduce Pro Bio S slowly those bacteria will take over your current bacteria pool and you will possibly see a small or no algae but it will not harm your SPS. When I shifted I was more skeptical and I actually first added Bio S and then started using Pro bio s so that my whole system has a consistent bacterial pool. You can start it right away and as per my experience it will not atleast effect your SPS if your other major parameters are spot on.

 

[rockworm]

You can start gradual move towards using NP Pro as its a carbon source too. When you introduce Pro Bio S slowly those bacteria will take over your current bacteria pool and you will possibly see a small or no algae but it will not harm your SPS. When I shifted I was more skeptical and I actually first added Bio S and then started using Pro bio s so that my whole system has a consistent bacterial pool. You can start it right away and as per my experience it will not atleast effect your SPS if your other major parameters are spot on.

Thanks Anirban. I appreciate your help. I will continue to reduce the vinegar and will start the NP Pro at a lower dose and build up. I will dose the ProBoS as recommended.

I received the salt today and will be getting the rest of the stuff over the next few days.

I have a 400g SPS tank (plus 75g lps tank) and got 4 of the 200g bags/boxes. lol. Should last me a little while.

 

[Anirban]

Slowly introduce the salt through water changes and introduce the probiotics you will be good. Possibly you will see a positive effect just by introducing the salt. After 4-6 weeks you can completely convert the whole system. Keep us posted for any doubt and take a picture before you start the programme so that you can compare.

 

[rockworm]

Slowly introduce the salt through water changes and introduce the probiotics you will be good. Possibly you will see a positive effect just by introducing the salt. After 4-6 weeks you can completely convert the whole system. Keep us posted for any doubt and take a picture before you start the programme so that you can compare.

I do daily water change of 6g. I may do a few larger water chamges over the next month to convert from the Reef Crystals that I use now. Should add that I got the reef salt so I can continue daily water changes. I may reduce the amount in a couple months, but will maintain the regimen for now.

I plan to take all kinds of pictures this weekend to document the starting point. I am interested to see the results.

 

[Anirban]

I do daily water change of 6g. I may do a few larger water chamges over the next month to convert from the Reef Crystals that I use now. Should add that I got the reef salt so I can continue daily water changes. I may reduce the amount in a couple months, but will maintain the regimen for now.

I plan to take all kinds of pictures this weekend to document the starting point. I am interested to see the results.

If your current alkalinity is higher than 8 then be careful reef salt will give you alkalinity near 8 and that can be a shock to your SPS.

 

[rockworm]

My alk is 8.2 right now, but I am targetting 7 to 7.5. I have been adjusting my calcium reactor so that I can maintain an alk level closer to NSW. I know there will be a drop in alk when comparing Reef Crystals to AF, so will be tuning the CARX. I learned patience in this hobby a few years ago and am in no rush. A reasonably smooth transition will require some changes to my current tank husbandry practices, but I am up to the challenges.

 

[Anirban]

You are good to go...

 

[rockworm]

You are good to go...

Thank you for your help. [emoji106] I have been keeping reefs since 2005 and this is my first venture into a program for coral enhancement. I am looking forward to see what happens and will post results here.