Vodka Dosing

Definition

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.

Practical use 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.