Want to start carbon dosing

[paradizecityz]

I want to start carbon dosing with either vinegar or vodka but I run a skimmerless system with only a refugium. Is that ok?

Last time I checked, Phosphates were at 0.01 and Nitrates were 18 ppm

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

I want to start carbon dosing with either vinegar or vodka but I run a skimmerless system with only a refugium. Is that ok?

Last time I checked, Phosphates were at 0.01 and Nitrates were 18 ppm

Your nutrients are already low...what's your motivation for carbon dosing?

 

[paradizecityz]

Your nutrients are already low...what's your motivation for carbon dosing?

Want more fish and feed more lol

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

Want more fish and feed more lol

You should buy the fish first and let your nutrients slowly rise before carbon dosing

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

You should buy the fish first and let your nutrients slowly rise before carbon dosing

What size is your tank?

 

[Jekyl]

Want more fish and feed more lol

Dosing things like NoPox can help with a slight reduction and to stabilize. It won't help in your situation the way you want it to. Sump with chaeto or a skimmer would be a better option.

 

[paradizecityz]

You should buy the fish first and let your nutrients slowly rise before carbon dosing

What size is your tank?

Very true, just thinking ahead. 120 gallon tank...also, want to try to lower nitrates a bit as well.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Simple answer....NO. You need a skimmer to carbon dose. What actually happens is that the carbon is used to complete the carbon/nitrogen/phospate combo to grow bacteria....in the process, consuming the nitrates and phosphates in your tank. Those bacteria are then removed (exported) by your skimmer. No skimmer, it all still stays within your tank.

 

[paradizecityz]

Dosing things like NoPox can help with a slight reduction and to stabilize. It won't help in your situation the way you want it to. Sump with chaeto or a skimmer would be a better option.

Thank you! My sump is small and only running a refugium, no room for a skimmer

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

Very true, just thinking ahead. 120 gallon tank...also, want to try to lower nitrates a bit as well.

18 isn't high...btw, have you considered other methods of nutrient reduction?

 

[paradizecityz]

Simple answer....NO. You need a skimmer to carbon dose. What actually happens is that the carbon is used to complete the carbon/nitrogen/phospate combo to grow bacteria....in the process, consuming the nitrates and phosphates in your tank. Those bacteria are then removed (exported) by your skimmer. No skimmer, it all still stays within your tank.

Thank you for the explanation!

 

[Jekyl]

Thank you! My sump is small and only running a refugium, no room for a skimmer

I use a HoB skimmer for my 90g and love it. Usually can find a way to make them work regardless of setup.

 

[paradizecityz]

18 isn't high...btw, have you considered other methods of nutrient reduction?

I didn't think it was high. Talked to lfs and they told me that's high

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

Simple answer....NO. You need a skimmer to carbon dose. What actually happens is that the carbon is used to complete the carbon/nitrogen/phospate combo to grow bacteria....in the process, consuming the nitrates and phosphates in your tank. Those bacteria are then removed (exported) by your skimmer. No skimmer, it all still stays within your tank.

Ive been carbon dosing without a skimmer for a good while now and never had a problem...it's actually a good thing to have those bacteria in your tank

 

[paradizecityz]

I use a HoB skimmer for my 90g and love it. Usually can find a way to make them work regardless of setup.

I've thought about using a HOB skimmer in the sump but IDK yet. Might have to go back to look at those again

 

[Jekyl]

I use the reef octo classic and have nothing but positive things to say about it.

 

[paradizecityz]

I use the reef octo classic and have nothing but positive things to say about it.

You have it on back of your tank or in the sump?

 

[flyingscampi]

I just read this thread about carbon dosing, really helpful:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/bacterial-driven-system-a-recipe-for-success.918102/

 

[Jekyl]

You have it on back of your tank or in the sump?

I don't use a sump, so back of tank.

 

[BanjoBandito]

Don’t carbon dose without a skimmer, you have no way to export the bacterial buildup that will consume nitrates and phosphates. You’ll cause all sorts of issues. I’m a big fan of bare bones filtration but a skimmer is a must with carbon dosing. You won’t have an export method if not.