What happens if i add phytoplankton?

[MohrReefs]

Hello,


I'll cut right to it. I'm dosing copepods and I bought a copepod farming kit to grow my own and phytoplankton. If I dose phytoplankton now to feed the copepods Ive recently added, what can be the negative drawback to that if the phytoplankton is not consumed by the copepods?

If you're wondering if I got a mandarin, the answer is yes but I have her eating frozen and she is fat and getting brighter and happy.

 

[Spare time]

I wouldn't worry about it since you will never be able to measure the exact amount of phyto that the copepods will eat.

 

[ScottR]

I’ve always added to my tank and never noticed anything negative. Nutrients stayed normal and I’m assuming lots of filter feeders and pods had food to eat. But can’t say I’ve ever seen a positive reaction either.

 

[MohrReefs]

I’ve always added to my tank and never noticed anything negative. Nutrients stayed normal and I’m assuming lots of filter feeders and pods had food to eat. But can’t say I’ve ever seen a positive reaction either.

That's what I needed to hear! Thanks!

 

[MTBake]

No negative drawback, just food for microorganisms

 

[ScottR]

@MohrReefs
Here’s an interesting read from Dana Riddle on this subject.

Nitrate and Phosphorus Control via Phytoplankton Additions?

The new 120-gallon reef tank is doing well and I've added all the fish I feel prudent for now (2-Yellow Tangs, 1-Lamarck's Angel, 2-Maroon Clowns, 2-Ocellaris clowns, 2-Neon Gobies - about 20 inches total length in all and growing.) These fishes are fed at least 3x daily with frozen mysis, live...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[SliceGolfer]

Worst case? This.

Green water

I recently noticed a film of algae on my glass. I cleaned it only to reappear an hour later, but now my water is just green. I done a few water changes and my levels are fine. At least I think so. I would like to note that I added 4 corals to the tank and I noticed this happening. I’m confused...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[MohrReefs]

Worst case? This.

Green water

I recently noticed a film of algae on my glass. I cleaned it only to reappear an hour later, but now my water is just green. I done a few water changes and my levels are fine. At least I think so. I would like to note that I added 4 corals to the tank and I noticed this happening. I’m confused...

www.reef2reef.com

Well I definitely dont want that lol

 

[MohrReefs]

@MohrReefs
Here’s an interesting read from Dana Riddle on this subject.

Nitrate and Phosphorus Control via Phytoplankton Additions?

The new 120-gallon reef tank is doing well and I've added all the fish I feel prudent for now (2-Yellow Tangs, 1-Lamarck's Angel, 2-Maroon Clowns, 2-Ocellaris clowns, 2-Neon Gobies - about 20 inches total length in all and growing.) These fishes are fed at least 3x daily with frozen mysis, live...

www.reef2reef.com

Is this saying that by dosing phytoplankton they kept their nitrate levels low?

 

[ScottR]

Is this saying that by dosing phytoplankton they kept their nitrate levels low?

Phytoplankton is basically algae. And we know that algae uses PO4 and NO3 as food. So I guess the thinking is that phyto works in the same way. But I believe the phyto would have to get consumed or removed from the tank via WC to get those nutrients out. But like I said, I use live phyto and have never moved the needle up or down on nutrients. But I’m not dosing daily anyway.

 

[MohrReefs]

Phytoplankton is basically algae. And we know that algae uses PO4 and NO3 as food. So I guess the thinking is that phyto works in the same way. But I believe the phyto would have to get consumed or removed from the tank via WC to get those nutrients out. But like I said, I use live phyto and have never moved the needle up or down on nutrients. But I’m not dosing daily anyway.

Hence why they ran the protein skimmer after dosing phyto, that's really interesting.

 

[ScottR]

Hence why they ran the protein skimmer after dosing phyto, that's really interesting.

Really interesting concept for sure. I believe the dead bottled phyto won’t do anything for you as far as nutrients. Live phyto would be the way to go.

 

[Daddy-o]

We dosed a lot of live Phyto and it began to grow in our reef. Every surface was covered in brown slimy phyto.

 

[ReeferSteve]

We dosed a lot of live Phyto and it began to grow in our reef. Every surface was covered in brown slimy phyto.

How much were you dosing?