Rjohn Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 I keep seeing ads on Craig's List for bottles of live phytoplankton. However, I don't see them on here. Is this a desirable product? In a 72 gal tank with small corals, how much would I use? Does anyone know anything about this? I hate being first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brooks Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 I'm not entirely sure about buying on eBay, however I do add a phytoplankton supplement at least 3 times weekly. It's very beneficial when your corals are in heterotrophic (Obtain food from the water; not self-made) mode. Phytoplankton is very useful for many soft corals as well... I know my Goniopora is enjoying it. The brand I'm using is Kent's Marine PhtyoPlex. I add it about 3 - 4 times per week. Spot feeding usually isn't necessary, just add somewhere close to the coral itself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewT Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 Ive heard to only dose phyto once a month. It can lead to large algae outbreaks. If you have any tangs a lot of the corals will consume their waste. I dosed phyto when i first set my tank up. Havent used it in months everything has been great. From what i was told it can actually cause more harm to a tank than benefit the tank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GKarshens Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 I would only dose it if you have non-photosynthetic corals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brooks Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 Yeah... don't dose it unless you have non-photosynthetic corals. Though a lot of corals can switch between autotrophic and heterotrophic, unless you have quite a few that are known to consume phytoplankton, I wouldn't dose it too often. Although, it might cause excessive algae growth, if you have a good clean up crew, that shouldn't be too much of a problem. Sorry if I was off on the first post.. Must have read wrong. :\ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rjohn Posted March 4, 2009 Author Share Posted March 4, 2009 I think all of mine are photosynthetic. Please correct me if I am wrong: mushrooms, zoanthids, star-polyps, frogspawn, and gorgonian Briareum (encrusting gorgonian). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brooks Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 Most mushroom species are photosynthetic; pretty easy to take care of as far as feeding goes. Frogspawn is photosynthetic as well, I believe. Zoanthid's accept target feeding, however, they are photosynthetic as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Capt. Obvious Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 besides....grow your own photo...it is pretty easy...and sell the excess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rjohn Posted March 4, 2009 Author Share Posted March 4, 2009 I'll look into it. Thanks Capn O. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Capt. Obvious Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 I'll look into it. Thanks Capn O. I'll make it easy on ya! http://www.melevsreef.com/phytoplankton.html http://www.melevsreef.com/phytosteps.html It is only 10 steps....easier than those 12 step programs you may (or may not ) be used to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+ACampbell Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 I've tried before. It's harder than it looks. Mine crashed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Capt. Obvious Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 I've tried before. It's harder than it looks. Mine crashed. I have heard that at times getting it started is hit or miss. there are a few different ways to do it. some work better than others. bottom line it is a cheap little experiment that can have a decent return. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClearAquarium Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 (edited) Hi everyone, i am one of the culprites advertising Live Phyto on Craigs List. I use it on my 210 reef and my corals love it. [information redacted] Edited March 4, 2009 by StarFire Commercial sales prohibited. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Capt. Obvious Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 tell ya what...anyone gives me the stuff to make it and I'll do it....and provide said supplier with a (virtually) endless source of phyto... any takers same offer goes for rotifers. and brine. and copeapod farming. .....no takers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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