Lately there has been an unusual amount of questions regarding the carbon dosing method I created called VSV for its three ingredients–Vodka, Sugar, and Vinegar. Carbon dosing works, and for the first time it is gaining acceptance. However, across the internet I am seeing carbon dosing becoming a band aid or used without fully understanding what [...]
Lately there has been an unusual amount of questions regarding the carbon dosing method I created called VSV for its three ingredients–Vodka, Sugar, and Vinegar. Carbon dosing works, and for the first time it is gaining acceptance. However, across the internet I am seeing carbon dosing becoming a band aid or used without fully understanding what they’ve gotten into.
This should not be your only resource before diving into a carbon source, but to make it easier for us all I have compiled a frequently asked questions (FAQ) list for the VSV method.
Before jumping into the FAQ I’d like to make some notes that seemed to be forgotten all to often:
- There is no replacement for regular maintenance and water changes.
- Carbon dosing should not be in any aquarist’s arsenal to fix a problem aquarium. Yes it can help reduce nitrates and algae, but without finding the root of these problems a carbon source will only mask the issue and complicate it further.
VSV can be used by advanced aquarists to maintain low nutrients with heavy feedings and stocking levels. There are no test kits or concrete guidelines to follow when adding a carbon source to a system; it takes a dedicated user that knows their animals well enough to recognize changes and then adjust doses accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any additional questions, feel free to shoot us an e-mail or leave it in the comments section below. I will update the actual post as more come about.
- Why VSV over just Vodka? Simply said, by mixing carbon sources you are promoting diversity–a good thing. (Gary White says it well here.)
- When do I dose? During the day is best. Bacteria will utilize oxygen and for safety it is best to do it while the lights, and skimmer, are on.
- Do I need a skimmer? Yes. Do not add a carbon source without an effective protein skimmer.
- Why is my cyano growing? Cyano “algae” is actually a bacteria that can utilize the carbon source. Vacuum out as much as possible and stop or reduce dosing. In some cases adding bacteria strains can help out compete cyano for the carbon source. Others have had good luck by changing the ratio of V, S & V. So far the evidence in conflicting and appears to be system dependent.
- Do I need to knead my carbon? In my opinion Carbon dosing or not you should knead carbon to remove bio film deposits.
- What alkalinity level is acceptable? Aim for natural saltwater parameters. An alkalinity of 6.5-8dkh is ideal. Higher or lower can cause basal STN and burnt tips.
