Phytoplankton Salinity Question

[BTimms]

Why is it recommended to use 1.019-1.020 salinity water When culturing phyto?

I can’t seem to find the answer.

thanks!

 

[DanyL]

I tried to get an answer to this as well.
As far as I understand it, because of the need to be sterile it's recommended to use freshly mixed saltwater, and since you don't have to use higher salinity people simply prefer to save on salt.

 

[BTimms]

I tried to get an answer to this as well.
As far as I understand it, because of the need to be sterile it's recommended to use freshly mixed saltwater, and since you don't have to use higher salinity people simply prefer to save on salt.

Ah I see! So it is a cost savings approach opposed to a biological requirement. That makes sense I guess.

 

[fryman]

Different species of phytoplankton prefer different salinities. There have been many studies to determine optimal parameters (temp, salinity, pH, light intensity/spectrum, etc.) For some phytoplankton species of interest in aquaculture (such as nannochloropsis), slightly lower than natural salinity is better for growth.

This is not true of all phytoplankton.

 

[BTimms]

Different species of phytoplankton prefer different salinities. There have been many studies to determine optimal parameters (temp, salinity, pH, light intensity/spectrum, etc.) For some phytoplankton species of interest in aquaculture (such as nannochloropsis), slightly lower than natural salinity is better for growth.

This is not true of all phytoplankton.

Hey! Thanks for the info! I sincerely appreciate it!