Re-culturing of phytoplankton

Does anyone have any info on the re-culturing of phytoplankton? I remember reading somewhere about people using the same cup of DT's by placing it in a sunny window and toping off with tap water. Also, what are the different species that would benefit from phytoplankton?

 

If its easy enough to reculture phytoplankton I would like to do it. From my LFS , DT is very expensive and we only have the one store.

Hi mike b!

I spot feed all of my corals with phytoplankton. I was doing it every other day but since my phosphates are so high it was suggested that I eliminate it totally . They said it was all phosphate so I didn't need to be adding it. However, I still spot feed everything once per week.I even squirt a little around my brains and to my tube worm. I don't know if I need to be spot feeding everything or not but I didn't know any better, so I also would like to know what all really needs the phytoplankton.

Cindy

 

The best pages with pics I've found on this subject are:

Flame Angel's Reef

(click on navigation on the right)

And

Melev's Reef

 

Most corals do not eat phyto but they feed on the micro fauna that does (copepods and such=zooplankton).  Because I keep clams and anemones, I feed my tank phyto every other day (no target feeding needed).

As for culturing the stuff, from what I understand, it's not easy...but then again, some folks have more patience than I do

 

Hi amcarrig!

When you feed the phytoplankton do you turn off the pump and PH's? I was told that this was not necessary by the guy that set up my tank but it seems like it would need a chance to settle once fed to the tank. I don't turn them off at this time when feeding. I still get nervous every time I turn my pump off for water changes and watch the sump as the water gets higer and higher. [smiley=shocked2.gif] I know its not going to over flow but it still makes me pretty nervous.

Thanks, Cindy

 

Nope, I leave everything running. You really don't want the phyto to settle. When phyto is not kept "moving" it clumps together and settles to the bottom of whatever container it's in (if your DT's bottle was clear, you'd be able to see what I mean). So that being said, the more water movement, the better. On the days that I don't feed phyto, I make sure to shake the bottle anyhow to prevent settling.

I know what you mean about the sump.....it sometimes keeps me up at night even though I know it's not going to overflow

 

I see what you mean, I have to shake the DT's up real good. Have just started using the brand DT this month. Do you think its really any better than say Kents phytoplankton. ONe very small btl at my LFS of the DT was $8.00 or so. Seems kind of high to me. I'll keep the pump on when feeding. It will help my nerves too. ;D.

I know what you mean about  the tank keeping you up at night. I've had my tank since April and its only been this last mo. or so that I haven't worried so much about it.

Cindy

 

DT's=live phyto
Kent's=dead phyto

No comparison if you ask me...live is the way to go.

hehehe....I haven't slept in over 3 years! I've lost power twice this year and thankfully, I was home both times. I was in serious need of Valium afterwards!

 

amcarrig, why are you feeling "blah" today?

Concerning the DT, I really didn't know if live over dead made any difference. All of the other foods that I feed are dead.

So you haven't slept in over 3 years?  I have to admit that the first few months of worry over my tank, especially with everyone saying my tank would die because of the high chemistry, caused me to loose about 15 pounds. Some weight that needed to be shed! I guess you could call it a "fish diet".   ;D I calmed down after our first power outage. I ran out and bought a generator. The power had been out about 8-10 hrs before I got it hooked up.  Afterwards I learned the tank could have gone 24-48 hrs with no power and would have been fine. Those that were out 3-4 days definately had problems. A Power outage had been my biggest fear. Next would be the house flooding-so far so good!

Cindy

 

Matt, thanks for the two sites on the phytoplankton. It might be kind of fun to try growing my own.

Cindy