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Culturing Phytoplankton?

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Kylie, Sep 15, 2011.

  1. Kylie

    Kylie Inactive User

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    What is an easy yet reliable way to culture phytoplankton? I'm looking for something that I can do that will be simple, take up little space, but provide enough plankton to keep feeding specifically my clam and copepods in my 65g display. I've been reading a few different websites that have the basic structure of setting up a culture that seem pretty easy and reliable, such as this:
    http://www.melevsreef.com/phytoplankton.html
    I'm mostly curious at the ingredients he used. I really would like to know what you use to feed the phytoplankton. I know his blog says Micro Algae grow but what is that? And are there any sorts of additives that you can feed your phyto to make them more vitamin and goodness rich for any organisms that will be eating them? I understand that these guys are close to the bottom of the food chain and therefore have the most nutrient value in them to start. I'm just wondering if I can feed these little guys anything to make them even better for critters to be eating. My goals are to help maintain my clam, help maintain my copepod population (in both tank and culture) and to help any other organisms that would be eating them stay happy and healthy.
    Any suggestions? Please explain what setup you used, what ingredients/plankton food you used, and a timeline for when you did anything.
    Thanks!!
    Kylie
     
  2. kyro

    kyro Inactive User

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    I have my own Phyto culture its pretty easy. If you wanted a bit to start your own culture I would be able to give some to you. Ill explain the whole process later while im not studyin for a chem exam. lol
     
  3. Kylie

    Kylie Inactive User

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    haha sounds good. I should be studying for evolution right now... but this is more interesting /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/tongue.gif
     
  4. Kylie

    Kylie Inactive User

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    There, you got me feeling bad so now i'm studying while checking to see if anyone posts /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/tongue.gif
     
  5. kyro

    kyro Inactive User

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    I have the same problem....Should be just studyin but always have to check in every few hours. Damn my wondering mind.
     
  6. Kylie

    Kylie Inactive User

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    Haha thats what comes with being a science major /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/wink.gif
     
  7. Bela

    Bela Inactive User

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    I will help you all! Subscribe to the thread and have new posts pushed to your email. If you have a smartphone, you should get an alert for new posts. /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/wink.gif

    I am also thinking of starting a phyto culture.
     
  8. Kylie

    Kylie Inactive User

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    I would but I would be constantly getting reminders because all board members get a copy of any importsnt email that ever gets sent out. Dont want to do all of that on my phone. Good idea though!
     
  9. jtesdall

    jtesdall Expert Reefkeeper

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    Want an economical and reliable way to get Phyto huh? Buy Reef Nutrition! /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/rolleyes.gif
    Growing your own is a PITA. To do it successfully long term is as much work as your tank IMO. I did Rots and Phyto for about a 6 months then decided to buy it. A $15 bottle of Phyto and a $15 bottle of something like Coral Frenzy in a month is much easier and less frustrating than growing your own. BUT I recommend trying it just so you know what it is all about. I learned a bunch. I have some supplies if you get back to Des Moines, doesn't take much though.
     

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