Bacterial Driven System: A Recipe for Success.

[schooncw]

I’m no scientist so I can’t answer your question with the result you’re looking for.. maybe @Randy Holmes-Farley can? I can say just dosing bac and carbon I’ve gotten a significant reduction in no3 and it keeps my po4 low also.. I have close to 30 fish in my system,7 of them large tangs and I struggle to keep nutrients up with nothing more than a skimmer for filtration.. as for coral growth? Idk I’ve never tried growing coral without it to compare..

Corals have a hard time utilizing phosphate and carbon dosing helps with that problem, as the "commercial" video explains. Bacterial driven systems are the way to go!

 

[John K]

I’m no scientist so I can’t answer your question with the result you’re looking for.. maybe @Randy Holmes-Farley can? I can say just dosing bac and carbon I’ve gotten a significant reduction in no3 and it keeps my po4 low also.. I have close to 30 fish in my system,7 of them large tangs and I struggle to keep nutrients up with nothing more than a skimmer for filtration.. as for coral growth? Idk I’ve never tried growing coral without it to compare..

I said I would move on, and I will.

That said, a lot of why I am (was trying to) asking about this is that I'm seeing similar results but not dosing bacteria or organic carbon. In the past, for me, carbon dosing brought less satisfying results (which I'm leaning toward being due to driving testable numbers down, and that discouraging bacterial growth as being discussed here.)
I agree that Encouraging bacterial growth probably does help to feed corals, encourage coral growth, AND effectively helps to manage excessive nutrients. I was wondering if all the components being discussed here are really necessary to achieve that.

"video explains-in his view-why it is beneficial to carbon dose and what the bacteria accomplishes. Did you watch the segment on carbon dosing?"

I did watch that video, was already familiar with the discussion, and I remain skeptical about parts of it. Hence my questions, and also why I realized this isn't the place. (my skepticism doesn't seem to be welcome here)

Thanks for responding to my questions, and sorry for muddying an established discussion.

 

[schooncw]

I said I would move on, and I will.

That said, a lot of why I am (was trying to) asking about this is that I'm seeing similar results but not dosing bacteria or organic carbon. In the past, for me, carbon dosing brought less satisfying results (which I'm leaning toward being due to driving testable numbers down, and that discouraging bacterial growth as being discussed here.)
I agree that Encouraging bacterial growth probably does help to feed corals, encourage coral growth, AND effectively helps to manage excessive nutrients. I was wondering if all the components being discussed here are really necessary to achieve that.

"video explains-in his view-why it is beneficial to carbon dose and what the bacteria accomplishes. Did you watch the segment on carbon dosing?"

I did watch that video, was already familiar with the discussion, and I remain skeptical about parts of it. Hence my questions, and also why I realized this isn't the place. (my skepticism doesn't seem to be welcome here)

Thanks for responding to my questions, and sorry for muddying an established discussion.

Skepticism is not a bad thing. If you search R2R or reefcentral or do a general google, you will get a plethora of information.
As a lifelong hobbyist and someone who has been in the aquatic industry for many years, I believe in the bacterial driven system and I favour the Fauna Marin and Tropic Marin products.
I will not bore you with a link to another video but if you are so inclined, take a look at Dr. Tim Hovanec on YouTube.

 

[Unstoppable algae!]

Does anyone like the idea of adding a zeovit reactor with KZ zeolites to feed corals the mulm daily?

Or can anybody using a zeolite reactor chime in with their opinion?

 

[Troylee]

Does anyone like the idea of adding a zeovit reactor with KZ zeolites to feed corals the mulm daily?

Or can anybody using a zeolite reactor chime in with their opinion?

I’ve been running mine for about 4 months now.. haven’t noticed a huge difference.

 

[sghera64]

Is anyone using molasses as a carbon source?

I read a relatively recent article that indicated molasses as a carbon source tends to tip the bacteria population to types of bacteria that are well suited to breaking down fish feces particularly well.

 

[ChadmRoman]

This is amazing, I just setup something similar using Brightwell MB7 and Clean, Vinegar, TM Trace A and K, and ME coral amino. I really hate when I come across these articles, never knew about the TM bacterial product, will def remember this article when the time comes to purchase bacteria. I would've changed the entire way I was dosing bacteria if I had known. Thank you for posting.

 

[Unstoppable algae!]

I’ve been running mine for about 4 months now.. haven’t noticed a huge difference.

Wow! 4 months is a good test run also, is the PE any better & did it effect your nutrients? Thanks for the info

 

[Troylee]

Wow! 4 months is a good test run also, is the PE any better & did it effect your nutrients? Thanks for the info

Pe is slightly better.. I’m not sure if it’s the zeo bac or the stones or the combo of both but yes my nutrients are very low.. no3 stays 4-8 and my po4 is normally bottomed out unless I feed reef roids twice a week to keep it near .1…. I went from mb7/vodka into the zeolites and zeo bac so I figured I wouldn’t see a huge change and I didn’t… I can say I use a lot less zeo stuff to get the same results I was having with mb7/vodka. As in qty I’m dosing I should say..

 

[FrugalReefer]

But what does the bottled bacteria actually accomplish?

I am skeptical. I also practice “heavy in, heavy out”, but don’t supplement OC or bacteria. I seem to be seeing similar results. Trying to understand what’s actually different here?

 

[John K]

Hi,
Can't a reefer move on? I attempted to ask / challenge a bit, but then realized this isn't the place and now intend to leave this thread alone.

I understand the points made in that video. I am skeptical of at least some, hence my questioning. Nothing new to me here...

Thanks and
Happy reefing

 

[Miami Reef]

Pe is slightly better.. I’m not sure if it’s the zeo bac or the stones or the combo of both but yes my nutrients are very low.. no3 stays 4-8 and my po4 is normally bottomed out unless I feed reef roids twice a week to keep it near .1…. I went from mb7/vodka into the zeolites and zeo bac so I figured I wouldn’t see a huge change and I didn’t… I can say I use a lot less zeo stuff to get the same results I was having with mb7/vodka. As in qty I’m dosing I should say..

Did your phosphates normally bottom out before doing zeovit, or did it start happening during zeovit?

 

[N.Kaos]

Excellent write up. I just started vodka dosing a few months ago - I hesitated for years because I have undetectable nutrient levels, but algae nonetheless. I finally did it and not only is my algae entirely gone, but my corals are obviously benefiting. I actually don't pull much skimmate, probably because my nutrients were so low to begin with. I wish I'd done it years ago, your write up might have convinced me!

I definitely agree with the care required in the beginning. As we all know, nothing good in this hobby happens quickly. I settled on about half a ml per day of vodka (highly diluted) for a 55 gallon system and the results are honestly mind-blowing.

 

[Kayvon]

Corals cannot utilize nitrate without phosphates present. This fact, amongst others has made me switch from vodka to a more balanced approach, one that will help maintain the balance

What are some of the other reasons you switched off of vodka dosing?

 

[Troylee]

Did your phosphates normally bottom out before doing zeovit, or did it start happening during zeovit?

They did not… I put the zeolites online at the same time I switched to zeobac and bacto balance… had I got the same results without the stones??? I don’t know and can’t answer that lol.. I went full zeo when I made the switch.

 

[Belgian Anthias]

EDIT 10/20/2023

Well, the system has preformed beyond expectations and grown corals quicker than what I would have imagined.

You can read about the "Bacteria-Powered Reef" in the latest issue of Reef Hobbyist Magazine.

Original article: http://reefsite.com/bacterial-driven-system-a-recipe-for-success/

It’s no secret that I am a big fan of carbon dosing. I believe that it has played a large part in my success over the years. No other method that I have employed has produced the results exhibited via carbon dosing and bacterial additions to the system. The one two punch of nutrient export and coral nourishing properties is very hard to beat. Yes, there are other system that work but, in my experience, they require too much work for less than desirable outcomes. That is, when stacked against my experiences with carbon dosing. I have run the gamut of nutrient control from chemical (GFO) to natural (Refugium) and while they all lowered my nutrients not a single one fed my corals. Yes, the system in comparison to one carbon dosed was just as clean but the corals did not exhibit the same amount of growth as measured in a carbon dosed system.

I paint a rosy picture here but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Carbon dosing requires a good understanding of your system, and should be left to intermediate and experienced reefers. This method can quickly reduce your nutrients, shocking corals into a rapid tissue necrosis event. I have never suffered such an issue but it is important to point it out. As with any new method or change, one must start slow, observe, and gradually increase dosage. As we dig into the system, I will lay out some of the benefits and issues with dosing carbon and bacteria. I will also share my opinion on the matter and why I believe that even after all these years since I first started using and recommending it, carbon dosing is still my preferred method of reefing.

I will preface what follows by stating that I am not a scientist. Everything I write is based on personal experience. I have setup and maintained a number of award winning and successful reef aquariums but am by no way an expert on the matter. If the science looks funny to you or have a better method please by all means chime in or reach out directly to me. I am simply passing down my methods as I believe that replication is often the best course of action when attempting to build success. You take the best practices of those whom you would like to emulate and make it your own, adding and subtracting along the way. There have been many articles written on the subject, quite a few with much more detail and science. This is simply my take and philosophy on the matter. In this hobby and as in life, we are all students and constantly learning.


The Basics and Benefits

So, you’ve read this far so its safe to assume that I have peaked your interest. No doubt it was likely the images of my aquariums that led you in on this endeavor. Fundamentally, I believe that carbon dosing has helped me immensely and allowed for much success with SPS ushering in unprecedented growth and coloration. This is not a new system though. I have been leveraging bacteria and carbon dosing for 17+ years now, and I believe that KZ Zeovit has been doing it for even longer. Provided that you are careful and fully commit to the aquariums success, carbon dosing with be one of the greatest of tools in your arsenal.

I believe that carbon dosing is misunderstood. Far too many assume that it is simply a method of reducing nutrients. While this system of dosing will reduce nutrients, its primary benefit is the nutritional component and what it can do for your corals. Many are often shocked when told that I generally only feed flakes and pellets into my system. I do not add any of the myriad of coral food options. I feel that feeding these foods is a waste of time and money when you already have everything you need present in the system. You simply need to key in on that component and leverage it for maximum success. The component I am speaking of is bacteria.

The way the cycle works

carbon is dosed>bacteria multiply>nutrients are consumed>corals feed on bacteria>remaining bacteria is exported via a protein skimmer.

Nutrition in, nutrients out. That is what we are trying to accomplish here. Corals can derive 100% of their nutritional requirements through the absorption of Nitrate and phosphate, of which most systems have plenty of to go around. The key here is to get it into a form that the corals can absorb. By carbon and bacteria dosing we are increasing the number of bacteria in the system, which in turn will feed on the nutrients allowing for the corals to consume the bacteria. The final step in the process is for the skimmer to export the remaining bacteria. This final step is key. I would not recommend carbon dosing without a skimmer. Multiplying bacteria will reduce oxygen levels in an aquarium and a skimmer is a good way to offset this reduction. Secondly, the excess bacteria much be removed from the system, lest it be allowed to complete its lifecycle a, releasing stored nutrients back into the system.

The dosing itself it fairly straight forward. Simply follow the instructions on the bottle(s) and dose accordingly. I dose bacteria and carbon at first light, just as soon as the lights have turned on. This ensures that I am hitting the photosynthetic process in stride, reducing the likelihood that I will run into an issue due to a limitation of oxygen. I also want to have the least impact on Ph as possible. During daylight, organisms in the aquarium absorb C02 while at the same time increasing PH. Dosing late in the day is not recommended simply due to the decreased amount of oxygen in the aquarium available at that time. I do not turn off my skimmer or adjust any of my filtration systems when dosing. I will generally dose all of my supplements during this same time period without issue. The fish are also fed at this time of day as part of their twice daily feeding schedule.

It cannot be overstated that you must start out slowly with this system. I would recommend that you dose 25% of the recommended dosages as instructed on the bottle(s), moving up 5% daily until you have reached 100% of the recommended dosages. At first, you will not see a major change and that may be discouraging but give it time. Soon enough, you will start to see increased and/or darker skimmate, increased polyp extension on corals, increase in days required before cleaning the aquarium viewing panes, and possibly having to change the filter socks (if used) on a more frequent basis. At around the 3-4 week mark you should notice a quantifiable difference in the nutrients and coral growth and appearance.

During this initial phase, and at the one-month mark, care must be taken to observe the corals and overall system. Any changes in coral coloration should be noted and adjustments should be made based on your observations and Nitrate/phosphate tests. If corals have not lightened up in appearance and nutrients are still at a higher than expected level you will need to continue increasing the dose until the desired parameters are reached.

Overdosing is common and care must be taken here.

Some telltale sign that you are dosing too much carbon:

• Corals(SPS) exhibiting extremely light and pastel coloration.
• Red slime making an appearance and growing*. (SEE NOTE BELOW)
• Nutrient levels completely bottoming out to zero.
• Complete slowdown or sudden halt of growth on corals, especially SPS, evident with a lack of white growth tips.

While we do want nutrients to be low, we never want them so low that they are undetectable. Nutrients are an important component in any reef system and a balance must be maintained. If not, you will run into issues such as starving corals and opportunistic algae’s and slimes taking hold. Concerning red slime, in carbon dosed systems with will make an appearance when there is an imbalance in the ratio of nitrate to phosphate.

Corals cannot utilize nitrate without phosphates present. This fact, amongst others has made me switch from vodka to a more balanced approach, one that will help maintain the balance. To help achieve this balance I dose Tropic Marin NP Bacto Balance as a carbon source. This source of carbon helps the bacteria to reproduce while ensuring that the correct ratio of nutrients is added to the aquarium. NP-Bacto is a mixture of carbon, nitrates and phosphates. If you are starting out with higher than desirable levels then I would start off with the Elimi-Bacto and once nutrient levels have reached the desired level, switch over to NP-Bacto to retain the balance.

This is the simplest method that I have found for maintaining the correct ration of nitrate and phosphate as you can quickly deplete a system of the aforementioned nutrients, which can and will result in undesirable outcomes. Vodka, sugar and even vinegar will work as carbon source but all eventually gave me cyanobacteria at some point in time. However, With Bacto-Balance, in two years of use I have yet to encounter a major issue with cyanobacteria or the sprouting of other undesirable algae. The second benefit of using Bacto-balance versus a DIY mixture is that I have been able to maintain an equilibrium of nutrients in the system without encountering issues such as the lighting of corals or reduced growth due to a lack of nutrients.


Toss Out the Coral Food?

Out of all of the benefits of carbon dosing, the feeding of the corals is my favorite feature. No other system I have used has provided this amount of growth and at such a cost-effective basis. Just think of how much money is spent on foods designed to feed corals. Many of which were never even designed for consumption by the corals. Here you have bacteria, something that is cheap and easy to reproduce, that will be readily eaten by the corals and is in lock step with their evolution and biology. Throw in the nutrient reduction component of dosing and you have a one two punch that is unmatched in the hobby. If you have fish in the aquarium and are already feeding them a balanced diet then you should have no need for coral specific food. The great thing about carbon dosing is that it will allow for you to feed much more food to the fish without impacting your overall system stability. The additional food will in turn fuel more rapid growth in the coral and likely the fish.

I know, it may run counter to everything reefers are told these days but I am proof that you do not need a steady stream of coral food(s) to grow corals and have success in the hobby. Save the money that would have gone towards coral food and invest in an ATO system, Kalk reactor, better skimmer or a higher quality fish food. But hey, if you are happy with the coral foods then by all means continue using them as this system here will only serve to compliment it as you will now be able to feed even more food. The coral food comments here are not scripture, and are simply my opinion and experience with them.



Considerations

Above all else, ensure that you have a properly sized skimmer. Without one, you not succeed with this method, or worse yet, may crash your system. Concerning media and other filtration I would only use carbon. Keep GFO and any other phosphate binding media out of your system as it will only lead to instability as it competes with the bacteria for nutrients.

I have already mentioned it but must state it again for emphasis: you MUST FEED YOUR SYSTEM PROPERLY! I can’t tell you how much food to feed your fish, it must come from your own observations and best judgement. If your corals are too light in coloration and/or lacking polyp extension; feed the system.

Who is this system designed for?

Depending on how its dosed and the amount of carbon and food inputted into the system this method can be applicable across all setups. LPS, Softy and SPS systems will derive benefit from carbon dosing. The caveat here is that you would be dosing less than recommended on LPS and softy setups as they generally tend to enjoy a bit more nutrients in the water. SPS on the other hand will thrive under this system at the recommended dosages.

There is a fine line of balance that must be followed. To cross that line of having too much or too little nutrients would invite trouble into your system. If I had to choose a side of the scale to fall on it would be the higher nutrients. While higher nutrients can bring about nuisance algae and if high enough, inhibit coral growth, too low of a nutrient level can absolutely crash a system. Care must be taken to properly feed the fish and system. Often times people who fail with this method do so because they have not properly feed the system and have bottomed out phosphate and nitrate.

Overall, I do not see much harm in trying this method out so long as you are conscientious and start up slowly. Keep an eye on your nutrients, corals and adjust from there. For those who have long struggled with nutrients and a lack of coral growth, this may very well be the missing piece of the puzzle.

.



Updated image 03/11/2023

It has been shown dozing carbon in the form of carbohydrates is not reef safe. A simple question. How much carbon, in the form of a carbohydrate, may be added daily and what parameter is used to determine a safe dose, knowing fast growing bacteria do not use nitrate-nitrogen for growth but ammonia-nitrogen? All the above can be avoided because nitrate production depends on the C:N ratio of the feed, this if the 3 pillars of the carrying capacity are maintained. Good nitrate management starts with the protein content of food added not with adding bacteria which already should be present. Each organism introduced carries its own holobiont of bacteria. What bacteria can be added which not have been introduced? Once bacteria are present they grow if the circumstances are good for them. Once present one can not introduce them a second time. Or something is very wrong.

 

[SunnyX]

What are some of the other reasons you switched off of vodka dosing?

Cyano slime and it being too harsh for the system. The vodka would bottom out my nutrients to the point that the corals would go pale.

The NP Bacto Balance has well, kept things in balance, not allowing for red slime or zero nutrient levels.

It has been shown dozing carbon in the form of carbohydrates is not reef safe. A simple question. How much carbon, in the form of a carbohydrate, may be added daily and what parameter is used to determine a safe dose, knowing fast growing bacteria do not use nitrate-nitrogen for growth but ammonia-nitrogen? All the above can be avoided because nitrate production depends on the C:N ratio of the feed, this if the 3 pillars of the carrying capacity are maintained. Good nitrate management starts with the protein content of food added not with adding bacteria which already should be present. Each organism introduced carries its own holobiont of bacteria. What bacteria can be added which not have been introduced? Once bacteria are present they grow if the circumstances are good for them. Once present one can not introduce them a second time. Or something is very wrong.

You're going to have to ask a scientist.

All I can tell you is I have been safely carbon dosing for almost 20 years and that my systems, corals health and growth is top tier. Some people are in it for the science, I am in it to create beautiful reef habitats. This is a simple hobby yet too many people complicate it.

Caveat emptor

 

[Miami Reef]

It has been shown dozing carbon in the form of carbohydrates is not reef safe. A simple question. How much carbon, in the form of a carbohydrate, may be added daily and what parameter is used to determine a safe dose, knowing fast growing bacteria do not use nitrate-nitrogen for growth but ammonia-nitrogen? All the above can be avoided because nitrate production depends on the C:N ratio of the feed, this if the 3 pillars of the carrying capacity are maintained. Good nitrate management starts with the protein content of food added not with adding bacteria which already should be present. Each organism introduced carries its own holobiont of bacteria. What bacteria can be added which not have been introduced? Once bacteria are present they grow if the circumstances are good for them. Once present one can not introduce them a second time. Or something is very wrong.

The only thing wrong with your post is everything. How many times does Randy need to tell you that organic carbon is not a carbohydrate?

I will, one again, point out your terminology misunderstanding that seems to call any organic molecule that has C, H and O a carbohydrate. I cannot ignore this issue and let you continually corrupt this forum with incorrect information. Making up your own definitions of words is not helpful to readers.

@Belgian Anthias You need to stop spreading misinformation.

 

[LOVEROCK]

Hi Sunny, hey my nutrients stay in good ranges with my current import export process including skimmer and refugium. Corals seem to be flourishing also. Do you see any further benefit afforded to me by trying carbon dosing?

Has this been answered ? I’m in the same boat

 

[Miami Reef]

Has this been answered ? I’m in the same boat

Carbon dosing can spur bacteria that can feed corals and filter feeders such as sponges.

Corals and sponges can directly consume acetate (from vinegar), which is another perceived benefit of selecting vinegar as the carbon source:

Acetate has many uses in organisms.

It can be oxidized with O2 to give energy plus CO2 and bicarbonate.

it can also be used as a building block to make larger biomolecules. Fatty acids are made from acetate as a building block, for example.

Here’s a typical paper that shows corals can directly consume acetate:

Lipogenesis in the intact coral Pocillopora capitata and its isolated zooxanthellae: Evidence for a light-driven carbon cycle between symbiont and host - Marine Biology

Surface tissue of the reef coral Pocillopora capitata contained approximately 34% lipid on a dry weight basis. Of this, 75% was storage lipid (wax ester and triglyceride) and 25% structural (phospholipid, galactolipid, etc.). Based on chlorophyll a: lipid ratios of intact coral and isolated...

link.springer.com

If you are happy with your nutrients and coral growth, you do not have to dose organic carbon. However, if you wanted to experiment with it, I’d personally suggest using vinegar for the benefits outlined above.

I personally am a big advocate in carbon dosing. That being said, it is not a requirement; it’s a tool.

NP bacto balance can work, too.