Such high nitrates.

[schooncw]

I would recommend not to carbon dose until you have a skimmer and a different test kit. A skimmer is needed for export and I would recommend the Hanna high range tester. Need to double check your levels and confirm they are that high before thinking about carbon dosing.

You must not carbon dose without an effective skimmer!

 

[gbroadbridge]

I would use a prepared carbon source from either Red Sea, Fauna Marin or Tropic Marin and not vinegar.

Why?

 

[C_AWOL]

Typically carbon dosing grows bacteria that consumes nitrate and phosphate.
Without a way of exporting them (or enough coral to consume them) the bacteria just dies at some point and releases any bound nutrients.

 

[schooncw]

Prepared formulas are more stable than vinegar and give a constant source of carbon, while vinegar can be unstable and cause fluctuations in ph levels.
Also, prepared formulas are specifically designed to do the job and contain other nutrients, etc., that vinegar does not have. Prepared formulas can also prevent the overgrowth of certain types of bacteria that you don't want and they are also generally inexpensive. Look at YouTube to see the people at Red Sea, Fauna and Tropic Marin give detailed reasoning and sure, they want to sell product but IMO, you will be better off.