Do i NEED to dose phytoplankton?

[jarviz]

I've been doing a lot of research and understand that Phytoplankton is basically food for copepods filter feeders but is basically an algae that also absorbs N and P... and they can lead to an algae bloom is there is a nutrient overload?

But even with this, I'm still not sure if I have to does them to keep my tank in check. i see copepods in my tank and have never dosed before if this matters.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I add a small amount 2x per week and sufficient for pods and coral

 

[jarviz]

I add a small amount 2x per week and sufficient for pods and coral

can my pods survive if i don't feed phyto?

 

[vetteguy53081]

can my pods survive if i don't feed phyto?

I have one tank where I have no chaeto and add nothing to it with lots of pods. They hide in crevices of rock and feed off algae

 

[CanuckReefer]

can my pods survive if i don't feed phyto?

Yes. Phyto will likely assist that is all....

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

No you dont have to. Someone will chime in and say it adds biodiversity or feeds something. I will argue that your tank produces phyto naturally.
The consumtion rate will balance and such. Hths
D

 

[AlgaeBarn]

While you don't need to as pods will scavenge for nuisance algae and detritus, it can be helpful in boosting the population