Help with Micro Algae Fertilizer Substitute

[dela]

Hey guys,

I just ran out of micro algae fertilizer which I use to culture green water. I have a new bottle on order, but I'm worried it won't get here in time before I run out of fertilizer water. I have a clutch of clownfish eggs that are about to hatch and I need to find a substitute QUICK!

(Ran out at the worst possible time as I need to be ramping up production right about now!)

Any suggestions? Also, I would need proportions/mixing directions.

I appreciate any assistance!

 

[doctorgori]

You can indeed use miracle grow or "most" any liquid Houseplant fert...there are a few vids on youtube about it...
I've found cultures more prone to crashing on it but that could be a dosage issue...

Edited to add, heck any LFS has aquatic plant food if you are worried about toxic issues ...it will work until you get your F2

 

[dela]

Yup,I was thinking the Petco down the road probably carries something that would do the trick. Otherwise I would just try miracle grow... Since it's temporary, I just need a short lived bloom.

Although I actually just fed my rotifer / pod / brine shrimp cultures some V8 juice. It was very tasty. I hope they appreciate it!

 

[GreshamH]

Any LFS should be able to get you an F2 if they do not stock it. Kent, Fritz, and others all have an F2.

 

[Luis A M]

Or you can make your own.But better to avoid house plants fertilizer.

 

[Waggs]

I read somewhere that Miracle grow liquid works great just use a few drops for 3 or 4 gallons of water.

 

[dela]

Or you can make your own.But better to avoid house plants fertilizer.

Make your own as in how? Can you be specific?

Fortunately I never ended up having to trying anything since I received my shipment in time.

 

[GreshamH]

Make your own as in how? Can you be specific?

Fortunately I never ended up having to trying anything since I received my shipment in time.

http://marine.rutgers.edu/ebme/html_docs/f2-MediaRecipes.htm

http://evolution.unibas.ch/people/dita/lab/methods_pdfs/f2_adjusted.pdf

http://www.nsm.buffalo.edu/Bio/burr/BURR Cultures/F2 Media.pdf

Just Google "Guillard's f2 recipe"

 

[dela]

Errr... So for those of us non-chemists, Miracle Grow it is then! (Maybe throw in a multi-vitamin for good measure!)

Better yet, don't be a dummy like me and wait to the last minute to order your algae fertilizer! :idea:

I read somewhere that Miracle grow liquid works great just use a few drops for 3 or 4 gallons of water.

I came across an archived RC post that talked about a hatchery having major die-offs, which they attributed to one ingredient missing from their fertilizer water. It could be a myth, but it would be interesting to know if anyone has raised large numbers of clowns whose rotifers were fed miracle grow raised algae. Although I guess if you are a serious breeder, you would not mess with miracle grow!

 

[Luis A M]

It is very simple to make two stock solutions,Nitrate and Phosphate.
But even simpler is to buy it.FAF has been selling their Micro Algae Grow for so many years...