Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Welcome to Marine Aquarium Co-Op. We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
Too time consuming?
Topic Started: Jan 16 2010, 10:28:41 AM (109 Views)
Post #1 Jan 16 2010, 10:28:41 AM Suzy
Hey, Guys! We all know the benefits of growing live phytoplankton. Nutrition, of course, live food for corals, antibiotic properties, nutrient removal in reef systems, but I am looking to explore the reasons people don't do it.

Space? Not everyone has a fish room!

Time consuming? I am leaning towards this. We can just buy phyto paste and keep it in the fridge. We do lose the live aspect but still get the nutrition? But, do we? Take tetraselmis, for example. It is a motile algae, able to keep itself in the water column, but does it fall from suspension when it is dead? I also wonder about the other non motile algae. If they are dead, do they lose their buoyancy? Are corals still able to catch them? I wonder if dead phyto only feeds scavenger critters?

But, I am thinking of an easier less time consuming way to grow it....
Member Avatar
Seahorse Whisperer
[ * * * ]
"i was informed of some dolphin related testing going on up there"
Too Funny!
Quote Post Goto Top Offline Profile
Post #2 Jan 16 2010, 11:56:43 AM Clint
It really isn't time consuming though. My issue is not wanting to dump tons of phyto into my reef but it does not take long to have more phyto than I can use so it end up pushing how often I cut it in half and add more water. This sometimes results in a crash. My fault I know, but it has happened more than once.
breeding stock
[ * * * ]
Midvale (435) 213-6215
Quote Post Goto Top Offline Profile
Post #3 Jan 16 2010, 04:51:45 PM Suzy
So, what if in my new Phyto Bag Kit I added a small bottle to keep in the fridge for a new start up? Then, the person could grow a bag full, then use it as needed, then start a new bag when the old was emptied. Has anyone saved phyto in the fridge then started it later?

I actually put some in my fridge this week, when the color of my phyto was puke green, so I will try it out....
Member Avatar
Seahorse Whisperer
[ * * * ]
"i was informed of some dolphin related testing going on up there"
Too Funny!
Quote Post Goto Top Offline Profile
Post #4 Jan 16 2010, 08:55:11 PM Clint
That sounds like a good idea.
breeding stock
[ * * * ]
Midvale (435) 213-6215
Quote Post Goto Top Offline Profile
Post #5 Jan 19 2010, 06:47:33 PM Suzy
OK, check this out. If this works, how much easier could it be? I put some sw and some fertilizer in a bag, with a small powerhead. When it blooms, it can be harvested then trown away! No washing car boys!

Posted Image
Member Avatar
Seahorse Whisperer
[ * * * ]
"i was informed of some dolphin related testing going on up there"
Too Funny!
Quote Post Goto Top Offline Profile
Post #6 Jan 20 2010, 11:55:44 AM Amie
Yes, I have put it in the fridge and started it again. I've kept it a long time in the fridge. I add a few drops fertilizer to it about once a month and shake it up, it last a long time. Actually, I think I have some pure nanno in the fridge right now, I'll have to check to see if it starts up again.
Member Avatar
stormy, stormy nights
[ * * * ]
http://www.spawar.navy.mil/sandiego/technology/mammals/interns.html
Tell them Adam sent you.
Quote Post Goto Top Offline Profile
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
« Previous Topic · Nutrition: The Most Important Thing? · Next Topic »
Add Reply