Help optimizing acetic acid dosing

[cb684]

How long after changing the dosage would you consider the system stable for further adjustment? I usually increase or decrease 10 - 20% of the previous volume.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

IMO, a 10% change is pretty conservative. In an aquarium with established vinegar dosing, I think one can raise it much faster. I actually find that in my system, the exact dose is not very important. I've changed it up and down quite rapidly (a doubling or halving, say) and have often not seen any difference. IMO, a week is enough time at a given dose to adjust again if needed.

FWIW, I think many different organisms, all he way up to corals, can take up acetate, so it is not reliant on bacteria to consume it all.

 

[cb684]

Thank you, Randy. The 10-20% rule is part of my learning process on how to be less reactive and impulsive. I've caused big losses reacting to problems that were minor and then making them major. It is more about finding an equilibrium between dealing with the worst problem in my tank, that more frequently than not is myself intervening when is really not necessary, and real problems that usually involves changes in husbandry.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

There is certainly no problem with going slow, and often it is better in many contexts.