Cultivating phyto inside our DT

[cjpitt80]

Somewhat off topic here but been wondering what about STARTING a new tank with Phyto? Is this possible? Basically using dry sand/reef rock or whatever. Having a sterile environment, filling with saltwater then dumping a whole bunch of phyto. Letting them establish, then adding zooplankton. I guess the idea is starting from the bottom of the food web and moving up. I'm sure I'm missing something and oversimplifying, but since the phyto is autotrophic, shouldn't it be able to establish a large self sustaining population inside the tank PRIOR to adding zooplankton predators? I'm just free thinking here....