This blog is about biotopes - natural habitats - in and around the water. It shows natural environments that are an inspiration for biotope aquariums. The idea of a biotope aquarium is not only to make it look like nature, but it to be nature. It involves all kind of macro and micro organisms, not only selected ones. The difference is visible and this kind of aquariums open up opportunities for different species - those who need specific care or food...
In the first place the 'Vodka Method' is used to control the growth of algae in your aquarium. But the way it works is very fascinating and has some interesting 'side-effects'. To apply this method successfully requires understanding of biological processes in an aquatic biotope.
The idea is that bacteria are competitors of algae, since they consume the same nutrients. But besides nitrates and phosphates bacteria need something else to multiply: carbohydrates. These can be provided in high concentration through alcohol, thus high concentrated alcohol i.e. ethanol. Ethanol is a natural product and quite cheap available in pharmacies.
A dosage that works fine for me is: 100 ml of ethanol with 400 ml of water. From this mixture I add daily in the morning (important!) 10 - 20 ml per 100 l aquarium. This dosage must be achieved gradually, starting from 1 - 2 ml, because the bacteria consuming this alcohol must multiply in a controlled way. This means they establish themselves on surfaces, such as stones, sand, plants, glass, filter material. On this surfaces other forms of life can feed on them or water currents carry them to anemones and coral who highly appreciate this extra food. Even more, filter feeders like sponges, sea squirts, gorgonians, tube worms... feed mainly on infusorians. I had a good multiplication of zooplankton.
Overdosing would cause bacterial bloom, i.e. bacteria don't multiply on surfaces, but in the water itself. The water gets cloudy. This condition must be avoided, because - other from algae - bacteria produce co2. A bacterial bloom can consume oxygen to a life threatening degree and is difficult to get under control.
This is also the reason why ethanol must be added in the morning, because in the night co2 levels rise anyway, you would not double this effect by fueling bacterial metabolism through ethanol dosage. During the day co2 can be consumed by plants and could provide even an additional fertilizer - especially in planted aquariums, both salt and fresh water.
All of this may sound very complicated and dangerous, but actually it is quite safe, when applied carefully and with understanding for the biological processes. I am very satisfied with the results, because it was the only way to safe a stone coral from being totally overgrown by algae.
I hope you will achieve good results with this cheap yet natural way of algae control...
Besides the fact that it is a unique experience to collect and catch the species in your aquarium from the wild on your own, it is also a good opportunity to study the needs of the animals and plants you care for. Once you have examined the natural environment it is much easier to understand how do treat them.
It also helps to rebuilt a biotope at home, because you have seen it in real. For me this is much more exciting than to go to a shop and to purchase whatever catches your eye and to put it in your tank...
Of course this must happen in a way respecting and protecting nature. But I think people who collect species and take personally care of them are no harm. Those who do this to sell them for money are the actual danger for nature...
This is a list of species I collected in the wild and care for successfully:
Since most aquariums in our homes house species from tropical parts of the earth they do fine with the same temperatures throughout the year, while species from the subtropics and temperate zones need lower temperatures during winter. Seasonal changes are part of their natural environment and cause changes in behavior. For example mating is often triggered by seasonal changes.
But these are not only changes in temperature and not only important for species from temperate zones. Seasonal changes include water conditions and changes in daylight hours. Even species from tropical climate zones are effected by seasonal changes and in my opinion a biotope aquarium should include this factor at least to a certain degree. For example changes in daylight hours may trigger a certain behavior as well as changes in temperatures.
For example: One night I decided to keep the "moonlight" (= only the blue LED) switched on for some more hours because I was up late. And all of a sudden a coral started spawning. I remembered, that most species of coral spawn at full moon. Obviously this change in lighting triggered the corals spawning.
Usually aquarists don't take into account such factors except if they want to breed a certain species. Even if I can't maintain temperature changes as full as in the natural environment of mediterranean species I will include at least changes in lighting according to the real day and night cycles. Lets see what will happen...
