Interesting that a commercial venture (Algae Barn) is following this thread. That being said, I'm choosing Algae Research Supply's "filter feeder formula" over Algae Barns "oceanmagik". Essentially both are the same with the only exception being that each contain a seperate ingredient.
The three ingredients that they both have in common are: Nannochloropsis, Tetraselmis, and Isochrysis.
The final remaining ingredient however is different.
Algae Barn's contains: Thalassiosira weissflogii - A diatom
Algae Research Supply contains:
Porphyridium - A red microalga
I'm not sure the rationale behind adding a diatom to the mix rather than another planktonic microalgae?
That being the case, I'm choosing Algae Research Supply over Algae Barn.
If anyone cares to share their knowledge as to which is better and why; then please share your thoughts with the community.
A follow up on my own question here sourced from Algae Barn's website:
“THAL”
Thalassiosira weissflogii :: Unflagellated Diatom :: 5 – 32 microns Thal is the largest strain of
phytoplankton we offer. As a beneficial diatom, this algae consumes silicates, restricting the growth of harmful dinoflagellates and silicates. Cycle time is reduced by adding Thal to your tank!
I suppose this ingredient may be useful for a "newly" established tank as a preventive for dinoflagellates as stated by Algae Barn. If I were actively seeking such a preventive one could surmise that this would be a "stand alone" product and not something included in a supplement for coral nutrition.
Algae Research and Supply on the other hand focuses solely on coral nutrition it would appear.
PORPHYRIDIUM (PORPHYRIDIUM CRUENTUM)
Aquarium Benefits:
- Pigmentation:
- Phycoerythrin. This pigment is one of the few red pigments.
- Pigments incorporated by filter feeders into their flesh
- Aquarium Animal Health Benefits:
- Tank ecosystem
- Nitrogen compounds can be scavenged by actively growing phytoplankton
Background on the strain:
The red algae are mostly macroalgae (large multicellular and visible with the naked eye), but P
orphoridium is one of the few that are planktonic microalgae. The red microalga
Porphyridium (Rhodophyta) is a potential source for several products like fatty acids, lipids, cell-wall polysaccharides and pigments. The polysaccharides of this species are sulphated and their structure gives rise to some unique propertiesthat could lead to a broad range of industrial and pharmaceutical applications. additional,
P. cruentum biomass containing carbohydrates of up to 57% have been reported. Thus, the combined amount of carbohydrates in biomass and exopolysaccharides of this microalga could potentally provide the source for bio-fuel and pharmaceuticals. The red pigment is a large protein called a phycoerythrin. It is one of the few water soluble photosynthetic pigments.
This only solidifies my decision to use Algae Research and Supply's Phytoplankton over Algae Barns. If I wanted a dinoflagellate preventive then I would seek one out. Thanks but no thanks Algae Barn. I hope this is useful for those seeking optimum coral nutrition and health and provides insight into the differences between these two products.
It's good fun...lol! Pretty excited about having glowing green bubbly water and I know my tank will love it too. I appreciate the compliment! This I suppose is my best attempt at "next level".
