Vodka dosing with and without uv

[Barks]

Hi Randy.
I know your really busy but if you could find time to answer a quick question for me.
I’ve tried vodka dosing for months with no results. Also tried nopox for months just globs of pink slime and no results.
I tried both of these whilst running a 36w uv on a 425l tank.
I’ve just changed tanks same rock. New sand and half new water on a 434l tank.
Started vodka at 15ml per day and in 2 weeks my nitrate has dropped from 15 to 8.
I haven’t got my uv stop yet.
Can the uv in anyway stop/ alter the carbon source or denitrifying bacteria which should be deep in the rock.
I would have said no but it’s a bit of a coincidence.
Many thanks
Barks

 

[killer2001]

I have my UV to shut off for 6 hours after I carbon dose. Not sure if it matters or not but I like to think it does. My nitrates have been steady at 10-15 ppm at my current dose.

 

[Miami Reef]

When you stop the vodka, does the cyano go away?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I’ve avoided a uv to avoid killing bacteria that the organic dosing spurred to grow, but I would not assume that is the difference.

I’d not start the uv unless and until you find you need it, or as an experiment, turn it on after a while and see what happens to nitrate.

 

[Barks]

Thanks all.
The pink slime I mentioned wasn’t cyano it was biological matter growing in the sump.

That’s interesting Randy. That was the conclusion I came too. I only ran the uv because it prevented ich. I think I will plumb it in and if I ever need it it’s there.
I might try an experiment once my nitrate is where I want it and I’ve adjusted the dose.

Many thanks
Barks