Phytoplankton - opinions?

[tgrover]

I'm looking for opinions on using phytoplankton on mixed reefs... Is it effective?

[rayjay]

I switched to using enriched rotifers.

[11purewater]

I do feed my tank live phyto but its hard to say if there are huge benefits.I'd need to run a tandem tank without to test,but I do have a clam and Ive noticed healthy growth in my sponges and other filter feeders.I drip feed the tank 50 mil every other day.

[tgrover]

Why did you change? Were you using live Phyto?

[Midway]

I dosed live phyto 2 or 3 times a week in my 240 mix reef. I have 4 clams and other filter feeders, and sponges and i have seen the difference big time since i started dosing phyto. The clams are growing like mad, everyhting seems so much alive in there for sure.

[tgrover]

Thanks... I'm just wondering if it is worth the cost. My tank looks great since I started dosing...

[rayjay]

Phyto isn't much of a cost if you DIY.

[tgrover]

Any suggestions on DIY?

[dreef]

Originally Posted by tgrover

Any suggestions on DIY?

Skip the petri dish culture,buy some phyto from someone and use that as starter.

http://www.melevsreef.com/phytoplankton.html

[FitoPharmer]

The FAF manual is great source of information on the subject of phyto and zooplankton. You can pick up a copy from florida aqaua farms online store. Just search their name in Google. They also sell the fertilizer to grow phyto, starter cultures, and equipment. But as someone previously mentioned going local for your starter source is always preferred.