Phyto fertilizer

[MMacro]

I am starting cultures of phytoplankton for my copepod culturing tank. I have been looking around for phytoplankton fertilizer but haven't found much of anything. I was on ebay and found the F2 formula but they were all crazy overpriced and would like a solution with faster shipping as well. Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks.

 

[Brieninsac]

I'm new to culturing copepods too. I ordered copepods and OceanMagik Phytoplankton from Algaebarn over the weekend. I wasn't aware Phytoplankton needed fertilization. I wonder if the OceanMagik Phytoplankton will need it or not. So I'm following along...

 

[MondoBongo]

i used just regular old liquid miracle grow that i picked up from Home Depot.

this is the 32oz size, which would last forever, but they make smaller sizes:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Miracle-Gro-Liquid-All-Purpose-Plant-Food-32-oz/16828999

there are better options, but the mg is cheap and effective.

 

[MMacro]

i used just regular old liquid miracle grow that i picked up from Home Depot.

this is the 32oz size, which would last forever, but they make smaller sizes:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Miracle-Gro-Liquid-All-Purpose-Plant-Food-32-oz/16828999

there are better options, but the mg is cheap and effective.

What are some of the better options? If it works well and is safe for the copepods and fish then I will just use mg.
Thanks!

 

[Darth Vedder]

Florida aqua farms sells it for reasonable price

It's what I use for my photo culture

 

[tlc]

there are also people on ebay sell guillards f/2 phyto fertilizer... most of them are getting larger batches from florida aqua farms and distributing in smaller bottles

 

[MMacro]

Florida aqua farms sells it for reasonable price

It's what I use for my photo culture

I can't seem to find it on their website.

 

[MMacro]

I can't seem to find it on their website.

Nevermind, I found it haha.:facepalm:

 

[MMacro]

Can you use skimmate to feed copepods? I use it for my brine shrimp and it works well. I know phyto is ideal and I have no problem taking the effort to culture it but is there is an easier way then I will try that out.

 

[MondoBongo]

Can you use skimmate to feed copepods? I use it for my brine shrimp and it works well. I know phyto is ideal and I have no problem taking the effort to culture it but is there is an easier way then I will try that out.

i would think it is worth a try. they eat a variety of stuff normally, from phyto and detritus, to bacteria.

some people just use regular fish food like sinking pellets to feed their cultures.

 

[MMacro]

i would think it is worth a try. they eat a variety of stuff normally, from phyto and detritus, to bacteria.

some people just use regular fish food like sinking pellets to feed their cultures.

I will give it a try and post the results.