Phytoplankton and skimmer

[JAMSOURY]

I just saw a video that said the skimmer skims phytoplankton. Is that true? I just picked up some copepods from algaebarn along with some phytoplankton. I'm just wondering if that means my copepods haven't really been eating.

 

[Efranco]

I usually shut my skimmer off for a bit after I feed Phyto or any other filter feeder food....havent had any issues and have good copepod growth for my mandarin

 

[DSC reef]

Turn the return off for a bit while feeding the phytoplankton, that should be efficient for them to eat.

 

[JAMSOURY]

I usually shut my skimmer off for a bit after I feed Phyto or any other filter feeder food....havent had any issues and have good copepod growth for my mandarin

Awesome! about how long should I shut it off? For the mandarin, do you have to refill copepods, or do they reproduce enough to keep going indefinitely?

 

[DSC reef]

I'd replenish them often unless you have a decent refugium. Mandarins can wipe them out quickly.

 

[JAMSOURY]

Anyone have a certain length of time they shut their skimmer off when putting phytoplankton in?

 

[DSC reef]

I leave it off for about 40 minutes along with the return pump.