Using GLA ferts to culture phytoplankton.

[Jmas4]

Im planning to use GLA PPS-pro aquarium fertilizer to grow my phytoplankton. http://greenleafaquariums.com/produ...age-with-2-x-500ml-fertilizer-dispensers.html
Its growing plants in my planted fish tank quite well and I dont think using it for algae is any different. What do you guys think?

 

[SashimiTurtle]

That fertilizer has copper in it. I wouldn't use it. Make sure you get a fertilizer that says F/2. That is the one you want.

 

[wesman42]

Don't use anything that isn't f/2. Florida Aqua Farms sells a product called Micro Algae Grow. You can get an entire liter for $15. Stay away from anything algae barn as they are super-mega-ultra overpriced.

 

[Jmas4]

That fertilizer has copper in it. I wouldn't use it. Make sure you get a fertilizer that says F/2. That is the one you want.

Huh.. never realized my ferts have copper. But is it really that detrimental? I have shrimp in my tanks and they are breeding. And considering its only 0.1% concentration in a liquid you're only supposed to add 1 drop per gallon in, it may be considered undetectable. All living things need some copper so maybe that small amount is beneficial?

Don't use anything that isn't f/2. Florida Aqua Farms sells a product called Micro Algae Grow. You can get an entire liter for $15. Stay away from anything algae barn as they are super-mega-ultra overpriced.

I agree algae barn is overpriced. And on the topic of money, that's why i want to use my ferts. My dry ferts can make a dozen liters of liquid fertilizer and I want to use it.


What is F/2? I know its fertilizer but I cant find anything that says whats in it and at what concentration. I type in "Guillard’s fertilizer formula" and nothing comes up. Do you guys know?

 

[SashimiTurtle]

2 second Google search...

CONCENTRATED Guillard's F/2 Phyto Fertilizer 8 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYHMLIG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Lis6BbHEKCGRJ

 

[Jmas4]

Same thing... doesnt say anything about what is in it. All it says is
Product description
This is THE commonly used enrichment solution used in the culture of unicellular microalgae within the scientific and aquaculture community. Simply add 1 ml for every liter of freshwater or saltwater, add your starter culture and light ~16 hours per day. An 8 oz bottle is enough for approximately 240 liters at f/2 concentration! Keep in a cool, dark area and shake prior to use.
Like I said, what is f/2 concentration? Im looking for something like this:

Plantex CSM+B / Guaranteed Analysis:

Total magnesium(water soluble chelated mg) ......... 1.5%

Copper(chelated).................................................. 0.1%

Iron (chelated)..................................................... 7.0%

Manganese(chelated)............................................ 2.0%

Molybdenum........................................................0.06%

Zinc(chelated).....................................................0.40%

Boron ................................................................3.8%

EDTA - minimum content......................................65.4%


KNO3 / Guaranteed Analysis:

Total Nitrogen(N) ....................13.7%

13.7% Nitrate Nitrogen

Soluble Potash(K2O) ................46%


K2SO4 / Guaranteed Analysis:

Soluble Potash(K2O) ............. 52%

Sulfur(S) ............................ 18%


KH2PO4 / Guaranteed Analysis:

Available Phosphate(P2O5) ....................52%

Soluble Potash(K2O)............................. 34%


MGSO4 / GUARANTEED ANALYSIS:

Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate(MgSO4.7H2O)

Magnesium (Mg) ............................ 10.0%

Sulfur(S) ...................................... 13.0%

 

[SashimiTurtle]

Whatever, use miracle grow if you want. We told you what to use already.

 

[Rmachnowski2000]

Looking at the same one. Just dont use the "M" looks like you really only need the N&P. If your wanting it in powder form. Luckly brightwell has actually solved alot of the problem

N & p can be sumplemented with neonitro and neophos.

Brs 2 part will give you your alk calc and mag
Or you can just simply use esv which contains everything else.

2 part, mag, boron, it has the remaining trace elements.

Just a thought at looking at what this stuff is.
You can buy iron and iodine and even potassium all through brightwell and get the same results.

 

[JosephM]

I agree with the others. I culture a good bit of multiple species of phyto myself and you’ll get the best results using f/2 fert. That is one of the few things that I don’t try and DIY

 

[Rmachnowski2000]

looking at guillards f/2 fert. Looks like it's for phytoplankton not macro agale. Am i missing something?

 

[Rmachnowski2000]

Nvm I'm in the wrong thread for what i was looking for my apologies