Question on maintenance dose

71xlch · Mar 29, 2017

I was pointed here from the SPS forum. I asked the following:

"I currently have been dosing pro bio s and vinegar combined with about a cup of zeomix in a tank with 55gal total. I have reached 0 nitrates now for a month and things are understandable getting pale. My question is, as I lower my vinegar dosing to reach a point where I am able to keep ~1-3ppm nitrate. Should I be backing off the dose of pro bio s?
I'm dosing two drops a day and 24ml of vinegar."

It was mentioned aquaforest doesn't recommend vinegar. The guide mentions vodka and vsv. Nothing about straight vinegar. I'm not adverse to using -np pro but for the time being I have vinegar.

Anirban · Mar 29, 2017

Great you are here.....

In case you need more suggestion let me call some other people for you
@jsker @120reefkeeper

From the product guide it says...

VSV (Vodka, Sugar, Vinegar)
Not recommended while using probiotic method.

Vodka method:
Not recommended while using probiotic method.

120reefkeeper · Mar 29, 2017

71xlch said:
I was pointed here from the SPS forum. I asked the following:

"I currently have been dosing pro bio s and vinegar combined with about a cup of zeomix in a tank with 55gal total. I have reached 0 nitrates now for a month and things are understandable getting pale. My question is, as I lower my vinegar dosing to reach a point where I am able to keep ~1-3ppm nitrate. Should I be backing off the dose of pro bio s?
I'm dosing two drops a day and 24ml of vinegar."

It was mentioned aquaforest doesn't recommend vinegar. The guide mentions vodka and vsv. Nothing about straight vinegar. I'm not adverse to using -np pro but for the time being I have vinegar.

I agree fully with what @Anirban has just said. I would not back off on the Pro bio s as you cut back on the vinegar. The Pro bio s is the bacteria portion of the dosing and right now the vinegar is serving to fuel the bacteria. Np pro allows the Pro bio s to grow rapidly. So it serves the purpose of fuel for the bacteria "Pro bio s" . When you cut back on the vinegar you will be in a sense taking away some of the fuel to the bacteria. So you will see your nutrients start to climb accordingly. The trick will be to allow the nutrients to climb up while you switch over to the NP pro. [emoji4]

jsker · Mar 29, 2017

120reefkeeper said:
I agree fully with what @Anirban has just said. I would not back off on the Pro bio s as you cut back on the vinegar. The Pro bio s is the bacteria portion of the dosing and right now the vinegar is serving to fuel the bacteria. Np pro allows the Pro bio s to grow rapidly. So it serves the purpose of fuel for the bacteria "Pro bio s" . When you cut back on the vinegar you will be in a sense taking away some of the fuel to the bacteria. So you will see your nutrients start to climb accordingly. The trick will be to allow the nutrients to climb up while you switch over to the NP pro. [emoji4]

+1

jsker · Mar 29, 2017

I would also suggest pulling 1/2 the Zeo mix to help with raising the nutrients along with what is recommend above. were are your phosphates at?

71xlch · Mar 30, 2017

I have never tested phosphates. After seeing a few videos by well respected individuals on phosphate I have never purchased a new kit when my old one ran out. Not adverse to the idea I just don't think phosphate is an issue if stuff is growing and there aren't any raging algae issue's. I believe zeo is due for a change next week so I may pull a bit now. I will have to start looking for some -np. Anyone know how to convert from vinegar to -np dose wise?