Vodka Dosing
Carbon-source nutrient exportWhat does Vodka Dosing mean?
Vodka dosing is a method of feeding sugar-alcohol (ethanol) to bacteria that consume nitrate + phosphate during reproduction. Excess bacteria get skimmed out, exporting both N and P. Combined with biopellets or stand-alone for ULNS (ultra-low-nutrient-system) tanks.
How is Vodka Dosing used in aquariums?
Start at 0.1 mL of plain unflavored vodka per 25 gallons per day; ramp up by 0.1 mL/week until target nitrate/phosphate is reached. Watch for bacterial cloudiness in the water column - normal for first 2-3 weeks. Risks: too-fast dosing causes oxygen depletion + cyano blooms.
How Vodka Dosing fits the bigger picture
Understanding Vodka Dosing matters because it's connected to broader husbandry decisions: water chemistry is the foundation of every other aquarium parameter - chemistry mistakes show up months later as livestock loss.
Browse the Fast Aquatics care library for full husbandry tutorials covering Vodka Dosing in context.
Frequently asked questions
What does Vodka Dosing mean in fishkeeping?
Vodka dosing is a method of feeding sugar-alcohol (ethanol) to bacteria that consume nitrate + phosphate during reproduction. Excess bacteria get skimmed out, exporting both N and P. Combined with biopellets or stand-alone for ULNS (ultra-low-nutrient-system) tanks. Start at 0.1 mL of plain unflavored vodka per 25 gallons per day; ramp up by 0.1 mL/week until target nitrate/phosphate is reached.