Risks Associated with Homegrown Phyto

[-Logzor]

Looking to get peoples opinions and experience on DIY phyto cultures. For awhile I was growing phyto, multiple gallons at a time, and dosing my tank on a regular basis.

The issue I encountered was, how do I know if all the fertilizer has been consumed by the phyto? If I'm not 100% sure, then I could potentially be dumping in raw plant fertilizer into my aquarium!

At one point during dosing my fire shrimp died, his age was in the 7-8+ year range, so it could have either been from natural causes or a spike in PO4. I understand they are very sensitive to PO4.

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[CastAway]

Residual fertilizer, for sure.
The biggest advantage in commercial phyto may be its purity and concentration. Having recently seen a large reputable production facility first hand, and the care they take with hygiene and the highly specialized equipment used for concentration of the product, I just don't feel comfortable with home brew.

I may be lucky however, living where I do, and having access to a discounted, reputable commercial product via my local club.

 

[MikeyAl]

I grow phyto and split it regularly. After i split I keep it aerating for 10 days before I put in containers in the fridge- never had issues. Don't use miracle grow. Use f/2. No issues and I trade to my lfs for water - he loves it and has never had issues whither what I supply him.

 

[-Logzor]

I think my mistake was using miracle grow liquid fertilizer

 

[jerseypete]

Yea I do it also. F/2. Miracle grow never worked for me. I use it to culture pods. They grow like crazy using my home brew phyto. No issues. You should start with a quality culture. I used florida aqua farms. 20 bucks for 2 discs

 

[MikeyAl]

I use Florida Aqua Farms as well.

 

[-Logzor]

Maybe I'll get a culture from them and reboot!