How fast can I decrease Vinegar Dosing?

[Tim Olson]

Is there a common practice for decreasing vinegar dosing, similar to the tables for increasing dosing? I currently dose 0.84ml/gallon in a 40g display and 10g sump.

I'm asking since the higher the dose I run, the more build-up I have of a white slimy substance in my plumbing. This substance then gradually dislodges and clogs my filters and GFO (In about 5-7 days). FYI, I currently run a filter sock (cleaned every 3 days) and an in-line filter right before the GFO reactor.

My Nitrates have been running at 0.0 for a about 2 months (Lamotte). My other parameters are; Salinity 1.025, Alk 164 (9.18 dKH), Phosphate 0.00, Ca 425, Mg 1380. My tank has been up and running since February (~5 months).

I'm concerned since I'm trying to get rid of Green Hair Algae and I think the GHA is eating up the Phosphates, since the GFO isn't working good enough. In addition, I have a Mandarin Dragonet and a Golden Angel, which I'm trying to keep well fed. I know this affects the Phosphates considerably, but I'm hoping I can get the GFO clogging sorted out and the GHA will stop growing.

I hope this makes sense and thanks in advance for any insights.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

There's no special rate to decrease it. You can top cold turkey if you want.

How often do you replace the GFO?

 

[Tim Olson]

Thanks! I'll start slowly dropping the vinegar dose it until nitrates show up, which hopefully won't happen, since I have a lot of Fiji LR in both the tank and sump. Would the nitrates show up quickly or does it take a few days?

On the GFO, I'm currently replacing it every 7 days or so. Also, I use 1 cup of BRS High Capacity GFO in a BRS GFO & GAC reactor.