How much DT to feed my Rotifers?

[cabrego]

Hi,

I am trying to figure out how much DT to feed my rotifers. I have them in a 5 gallon bucket. I would like to have as man rotifers as possible in the 5 gallon bucket.

Right now I would be happy with a ball park figure, I just don't want to starve the little guys...

A drop a day? An ml? 5 ml???

Any guidance is appreciated...

 

[GreshamH]

enough to tint the entire bucket to a transparent split pea soup color at least. How much of DT's that equals I have no idea but far more then a drop, 1 ml or even 5 ml. If I were to venture a guess I'd say a quarter cup or more?

There are two factors here...

1) Density of product
2) Density of rotifer culture

the more rots = more you have to feed

 

[Sig45]

I culture in 5 gal jars. Phytoplankton should cloud the rotifer water and clear in 12-24 hrs. I used to add 1 liter of Iso to my cultures per day to have a dense culture. This is labor intensive since it requires high maintenance at those rotifer densities to avoid crashes.
I would start with 50cc per day and see how it goes. If you see water clearing in a few hours (2-4) then double the amount next day. Keep your aeration at 1-2 bubbles per second. Watch for accumulated rotifer waste on the bottom. If water smells like sulfur/rotten eggs do a 50% change.
True that more food leads to rapid reproduction and higher culture densities but crashes will occur if not careful and diligent with maintenance.

 

[cabrego]

Thanks for the tips, well the water has never looked completely clear, it always looks a little murky green. I have not fed to much since I have received them (night before last). The amount of DT you guys suggest is scaring me, since I have only used a total of about 15 ml in the last two days.

The first day I only had a gallon or so, and I spent the first 24 hours upping the total volume in the bucket from 1g to ~ 5 gallon. The water has never really been clear so that is why I am posting this. I also upped the temp to about 75 degrees or so.

I suppose I will just have to live and learn, is any one using specifically DT for rotifers?

According to DTs website it is suppose to be very concentrated.

 

[Zooid]

Reed's RotiGrow Plus is extremely concentrated. DT's isn't that concentrated in my experience.

 

[phil519]

I use reed's rotifier diet. Works great! Use about 3~4 drops a day for a small culture in a 5 gallon bucket.

I will check out rotigrow plus.

 

[landlord]

There are two factors here...

1) Density of product
2) Density of rotifer culture

the more rots = more you have to feed

Regardless of the product the above mentioned statement should be your guideline. I use Rotifer Diet which seems to be a very dense product and therefore in my 2 gallon bucket I gave 5 drops 2x daily. This allow me to maintain a dense culture of rotifers.

Over time if you stick with your current product you will figure out how much of it is consumed each day by your rotifers. As your densities get better they will consume more. If you are harvesting on a regular schedule you should be able to find the "Sweet Spot" for how much product you need.

Kurt

 

[Sig45]

I use RotiRich from FAF now. I no longer keep phyto. Using a concentrated product as mentioned provides excellent nutrition and a stable source of food.
With RotiRich I have dense cultures at 15cc per day.
Rotifer water will be a yellow/green hue always. When you add food it darkens and should clear back to original color.