How Much Phyto Do You Feed?

[sundog101]

How much phytoplankton to do feed your tank? I add about 60 mL daily for my 120 gallon system. However, I’ve heard of some people adding a lot more.

 

[keddre]

Depends on what you are using it for, In my tank I need around a gallon/week

 

[Reef Nutrition]

Also depends on the concentration of phytoplankton; the more concentrated, the less you use.

 

[sundog101]

I’m using it mainly to boost pod populations and support filter feeders (to some extent).

Depends on what you are using it for, In my tank I need around a gallon/week

How big is your tank?

 

[keddre]

I’m using it mainly to boost pod populations and support filter feeders (to some extent).

How big is your tank?

Gotcha, what filter feeders are you keeping?

How big is your tank

55 with a 20 gallon sump

 

[sundog101]

A couple sponges and feather dusters (I know there’s some argument to if they consume phyto though). Mostly I like to think it helps support the lower food chain.

 

[keddre]

I know there’s some argument to if they consume phyto though

I didn't know there was a controversy, mine have been eating phyto for the past 4/5 months

Either way, you just have to watch their behavior to tell if they are getting enough. Feather Dusters shouldn't be to skittish when they are properly fed, mine only hide when they are actually touched. As far as the sponge, just watch, if it starts shrinking in size then you may not be feeding enought

 

[mucky1957]

55 gl tank and I use 50ml a day....have done for about 3 yrs now

 

[AdamNC]

I use Area 51 Phyto and feed 1 cap a day, 1 cap per 25 gallons.

 

[JonnyTorch]

I use Area 51 Phyto and feed 1 cap a day, 1 cap per 25 gallons.

Good info. I've heard algaebarn say to dose around 5ml per 20 gallons, and then "slowly increase as your tank needs it." but I think you're on the ball here. I dozed around what you said, a capful for 20-25 gallons for about a month and then increased it to around 15ml a day.. green hair algae bloom. I did what algaebarn said, to increase phyto to help combat the hair algae, and low and behold it got worse. I decreased back to the 5ml (1 capful) daily and it's receding, and my pod count is still where it should be, my dragonet is fat.

 

[Kynzo]

Good info. I've heard algaebarn say to dose around 5ml per 20 gallons, and then "slowly increase as your tank needs it." but I think you're on the ball here. I dozed around what you said, a capful for 20-25 gallons for about a month and then increased it to around 15ml a day.. green hair algae bloom. I did what algaebarn said, to increase phyto to help combat the hair algae, and low and behold it got worse. I decreased back to the 5ml (1 capful) daily and it's receding, and my pod count is still where it should be, my dragonet is fat.

How big is your tank?

 

[JonnyTorch]

How big is your tank?

20 gallon nano

 

[Kynzo]

20 gallon nano

How long would you say it took to work your way up to 5ml? I've been dosing for like a week and so far I'm only doing 20 drops for 30 gallons, started at 15.

 

[JonnyTorch]

How long would you say it took to work your way up to 5ml? I've been dosing for like a week and so far I'm only doing 20 drops for 30 gallons, started at 15.

I would honestly just do it. 5ml for 30 is fine. But more than that + feeding heavy will def cause a buildup of algae

 

[Kynzo]

I would honestly just do it. 5ml for 30 is fine. But more than that + feeding heavy will def cause a buildup of algae

Right on, thanks

 

[Themastaa]

My question for dosing, is do you just put it in the water or do you need to squirt the corals with a Pipete?

 

[JonnyTorch]

My question for dosing, is do you just put it in the water or do you need to squirt the corals with a Pipete?

You can broadcast feed Phyto by the return pump or put it in your sump/Refugium

 

[Themastaa]

Thanks!

 

[DaneGer21]

45ml per my 250gal system; daily

 

[LegendaryCG]

15ml a day to my 90g