DT phytoplankton question

[MO Will]

Hi everyone!

I have been using the DT phytoplankton product. The label recommends 30mL/100gallons every 2 days. In the past I had been adding about 5 mL every two days but I tried 30 mL today. (My total system is almost 80 gallons). I have a Euro-reef skimmer and it went crazy - it filled half a cup in 30 minutes. Pretty wet skimmate.

So ...

(1) Do folks use this product?

(2) What is an appropriate dose and schedule?

(3) Should my protein skimmer go crazy? Do you turn off the skimmer? When is the best time to dose?

Thanks in advance

Will

 

[bertoni]

I use DT's most every day. I add about 10 ml to a 29g reef, as one reference point. My skimmer is on a countdown timer, and gets turned off for 3 hours when I add the DT's.

The time of day doesn't much matter.

 

[PatMayo]

You should turn off your skimmer for at least 2 hours after using this product. I use it all the time and many other folks use it as well. You skimmer will take all the beneficial organisms out of the water that you just put in.

After 2 hours you can turn your skimmer on and it will be just fine. Or you can do like I do. I leave my skimmer on but turn off the return pump from the sump to the tank for 2 hours. I just let the powerhead's run in the tank.

Regards,

Pat

 

[MO Will]

I haven't seen a countdown timer before. Where is the best place to get them??

Will

 

[bertoni]

I've only ever found one suitable model, and it's rather pricey. I got mine at LabSafety.com.

 

[MO Will]

I wonder if I can program my AC3 to do this on a "feed" cycle?

I bet I probably can!

Will

 

[bertoni]

That sounds like a good idea to me.