New to this dosing stuff some advise plz

[MrBanGa]

Does carbon dosing make the water more clear ? I run GFO & a carbon reactor should I change my carbon reactor & add bio pellets to the reactor ? What wil be the outcome ? Thanks in advance p

 

[KathyC]

How often are you changing your carbon? It should be helping to keep the water clear.

 

[TommyP]

Where do you get the mesh bag/sock thingy to throw carbon in the sump?

 

[KathyC]

Where do you get the mesh bag/sock thingy to throw carbon in the sump?

Using a bag to run carbon is not very effective as most of the water will bypass the bag. Carbon is best run in a reactor to benefit the tank.

 

[tomtoothdoc]

the purpose of carbon dosing/biopellet is to "raise" the bacteria that will help control the phosphate and nitrate. it won't directly make the tank clearer.
properly sized and maintained carbon reactor will make the water clearer.

 

[reefer4eva]

Does carbon dosing make the water more clear ? I run GFO & a carbon reactor should I change my carbon reactor & add bio pellets to the reactor ? What wil be the outcome ? Thanks in advance p

Carbon dosing meaning vodka/vinegar dosing? What is it that you are trying to accomplish?lower your nitrates and boost you bacteria population?or make your water clean and clear?

 

[MrBanGa]

Ok thanks for the advise I have a carbon reactor
But I'm not sure how much carbon to put do I fill it up ? Half way ? Less then half ? & not sure how often to change

 

[lnevo]

I usually change my carbon every two weeks. The amount will vary between brands and your water volume. For example I use BRS Rox carbon which calls for 1 Tbsp per 10 gallons.

 

[edd]

brs has a carbon and gfo calculator on their site. very handy.

 

[MrBanGa]

My nitrates & pho. Are almost at zero I thought the dosing was for clear water in the tank but by the looks of it I was very wrong .. So if I wanna bring the bacteria up what is the best way to do so ?

 

[MrBanGa]

Thanks edd

 

[prattreef]

Just for clarification for the OP and for others, you seem to be getting confused with using GAC ( Granular activated carbon) -- the black stuff we put in mesh bags or in reactors that is used to absorb impurities and toxins and keep the water clear, and Carbon dosing which is adding Vodka, or vinegar etc. or bio-pellets the purpose of which is to feed bacteria that in turn metabolize PO4 and NO3.

When we commonly ask someone if they run carbon we mean GAC -- something nearly all hobbyists do.

Carbon dosing is a more advanced technique that should be fully understood before implementing.

 

[Vigilente]

Is there a Web Site that better explains carbon dosing?

 

[reefer4eva]

just for clarification for the op and for others, you seem to be getting confused with using gac ( granular activated carbon) -- the black stuff we put in mesh bags or in reactors that is used to absorb impurities and toxins and keep the water clear, and carbon dosing which is adding vodka, or vinegar etc. Or bio-pellets the purpose of which is to feed bacteria that in turn metabolize po4 and no3.

When we commonly ask someone if they run carbon we mean gac -- something nearly all hobbyists do.

Carbon dosing is a more advanced technique that should be fully understood before implementing.

+1.... Before you take it to the next level do ALOT of research and how a FULL understanding on how vodka dosing actually works before you dive right in and kill everything...you have to be very careful with vodka dosing....
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-08/nftt/

 

[Sandyp1]

I say keep it stupid simple and do regular water changes with good salt and change your carbon every 2 or 3 weeks. I tried vodka dosing and its more complicated and dangerous for what it's worth.

 

[MrBanGa]

I'm just gonna keep it simple thanks fellow MR