Feeding phytoplankton question

[daniella3d]

They do need phyto to thrive. After I started to feed live phyto a few times per week to feed my clams, I saw a huge bloom on the copepods population. They were all over my glass and before that I could not see any on my glass. So yes I think it makes a big difference.

Originally Posted by Oilers

I just want to add copepods to the tank so the mandarin I just picked up wouldn't starve but I was told that the copepods need food as well; hence the phyto. I have never used phyto before but I've read that it also provides some other benefits so I thought I try it out.
I have no idea what the cell density of my phyto solution is. Maybe I should ask Ken at BWA since that's where I got the culture from.

[asylumdown]

hmmm, you're all making me want to dose phyto again.

[kien]

In four years of running my tank I have never dosed phyto. I seem to be able to maintain an adequate pod population to feed my three pipefish and mandarin as that is all they have ever eaten for the past two years that I've owned them. I also do not have a 'fuge. Just lots of porous live rock where I can see them congregate at night. Anyway, just sharing my experience with pods and pod eaters :-)