Vodka dosing question (#2)

[jgvergo]

I am starting my vodka dosing regime. At some point I will settle on a regular daily dosage. I have two dosing pumps that dose Alk and Ca. I'm wondering if I can add vodka to either the Alk or the Ca (in the right amount, of course) so it gets dosed automatically.

Good or bad idea?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Vodka will reduce the solubility of the additives to some extent. Do you know the amounts you would want to mix? The more vodka per additive volume, the worse the issue, and I’d expect it to be worst in the alk part.

 

[jgvergo]

Vodka will reduce the solubility of the additives to some extent. Do you know the amounts you would want to mix? The more vodka per additive volume, the worse the issue, and I’d expect it to be worst in the alk part.

Randy, I don't know the amount yet because it is determined empirically. Once I know, I'll get you an answer. It might take a few weeks. In the mean time, I'll be dosing the vodka manually. Thanks!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Randy, I don't know the amount yet because it is determined empirically. Once I know, I'll get you an answer. It might take a few weeks. In the mean time, I'll be dosing the vodka manually. Thanks!

If you diluted them both, you'd almost certainly be successful, but even straight mixed may be OK. The way to tell would be to take the expected ratio and mix them, and just watch it for a few days to see if any solid precipitates out.

 

[jgvergo]

Thanks everyone. I came up with an easier solution...I am adding the vodka to my RO/DI ATO top off reservoir every time I refill it.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks everyone. I came up with an easier solution...I am adding the vodka to my RO/DI ATO top off reservoir every time I refill it.

The possible concern with that is bacteria growing in the top off water, consuming the vodka and producing CO2.

 

[jgvergo]

The possible concern with that is bacteria growing in the top off water, consuming the vodka and producing CO2.

Hmmmm, good point. Maybe manual dosing directly into the DT is the best approach then...

 

[jgvergo]

The possible concern with that is bacteria growing in the top off water, consuming the vodka and producing CO2.

Been thinking about this Randy. Since I'm adding vodka to RO/DI water, I'd guess that there are no other nutrients that bacteria need to growth and propagate and if the bacteria did manage to grow, when it gets added to my tank it should start consuming nitrates and phosphates, which is the goal. In any case, my DT PH is holding steady between 8.1 and 8.3, so acidity does not seem to be an issue.