Phytoplankton

[sfin52]

Phytoplankton what type is the best to grow and best for the reef. I found two that are available for sale. Tetraselmis was listed for marine and Nanochloropsus is listed for both fresh and salt. Not sure which to grow. Thanks for the help.

 

[mcarroll]

If you aren't targeting a specific orgnism for feeding then there is no "best".

You might be better off feeding some zooplankton that your corals and fish can actually eat.

I would consider decapsulated brine shrimp eggs, newly hatched baby brine shrimp (including instant baby brine shrimp), fish roe (like @Reef Nutrition's ROE), etc.

 

[WesleyC]

Yea, what macaroll said. Just easier that way.

To answer your question, both Tetra and nano are about the same. Tetra is a motile species, and it is a bit harder to grow and maintain than the nano. They both feed the zooplankton in your tank, and in turns feed to your coral as well.

 

[sfin52]

My plan is to use it to help feed the pods, coral and microfauna. Eventually start to raise other food sources as well.

 

[WesleyC]

In general, I would recommend nano, just because the culture is easier to maintain.

 

[mcarroll]

My plan is to use it to help feed the pods, coral and microfauna. Eventually start to raise other food sources as well.

Unless you intend to keep dosing the tank with phyto "forever" like it was an alkalinity supplement, I would not feed the tank with it. Feed like I suggested to supplement your tank's own zooplankton population. When the time comes to culture and raise your own zooplankton, then culture phyto for that. Just IMO.

 

[sfin52]

Thanks. You guys are a wealth of information.