Phytoplanton questions

[StupidsReef]

I'm making a batch of phyto, I've run out of the Micro Algae Grow. I've heard/read of other's using Miracle-Gro. I'm gussing this is the stuff for plant's. They say use the liquide form. I don't have that, I have the powered/crystal form.

Can I mix this up and use this for my Phytoplanton??

thanks in advance

Mike.


Also, this is my first time making Phyto, and I made it like this:

Fresh made SW @ 1.020 filled both bottles to 2 inches from the top

1 bottle of DT'S. I left it sit in the icebox over nite to settle, then poured 3/4 of the liquid from the top out. I shook it up and then split that into 1/2 and poured this into the 2 liter soda bottles.

Micro Algae Grow. I had about 6ml of this given to me and was told to put this in the bottles, so i put 3 ml in each.

1 24 inch light from an old 10 gallon tank I had. I put a normal output light in it.

And then the rolling air bubbles which are doing just fine.

Now I wanted to know if the poweder form of the Miracle-Gro could be mixed up and used in place of the Micro Algae Grow??

 

[billsreef]

You can mix up the Miracle Grow in some water to make a concentrate and use that. However, the phyto will not be as nutritious as if it was raised on the Micro Algae Grow (modified Guillards f/2 media).

 

[fgarvine]

Wow, miracle grow? cool

 

[GreshamH]

You put it in the freezer (icebox) overnight? Did it form any ice crystals?

 

[billsreef]

Just keep in mind the miracle grow will not produce very nutritious phyto. It's use is more to keep your cultures going till you get a fresh supply of the good stuff that will grow nice nutritious phyto cultrures

 

[grupper]

If your not using a centrifuge to separate the phyto from the water, then you are relying on the phyto to use up all of the nutrients that you dump into the water so that you don't end up adding these nutrients into your tank. If the fertilizer does not have the correct mix of nutrients, then it will be impossible for the phyto to use up all of the nutrients, and you will be guaranteed to be adding either phosphates or nitrates to your tank.

In addition, the maricle grow might have some things that you would prefer not to be adding to your tank. For example, my miracle grow list 0.07% copper.

 

[Randall_James]

Growing phyto is very easy
Growing GOOD phyto is not very easy

Most either lacks the basic nutrient levels of commercial products or worse imports undesirable nutrients and compounds.

I tried for over a year to do grow phyto that came even close to the commercial brands and never even got close.

I now just budget for BioPlankton or DT's, close as I can tell these 2 are both excellent products (I like the small freezer bottle of BP however)