Rotifer Color?!?

ChipE

New member
I just received 5million rotifers. The bag was dark brown, probably 1/2 gallon. I have them in a 5g bucket now. In the 5g bucket there are easily 50+ per ml.

I added 20 drops of rgcomplete, but the water still looks brown. It isnt neon green like pictures ive seen. Am I supposed to add more?
I only want to sustain enough for one pair of spawning clownfish.

IMG_0976.jpg
 
The species of algae being fed will determine the color of the water. I am going to butcher the spelling of the algae, but Isochrysis is gold (I think), tetrasomething is brown and nannochloris is bright green. There are a couple other species being used as well. Now that you can get the stuff frozen and don't have to culture your own, most labs are using a mixture of species which makes the cultures brownish. Those that culture their own phyto (green water) usually use the nannochloris (sp?) which is bright green.
 
RGComplete is a mix as phender mentioned. It's a dull green when mixed. I just add enough to color the water a light green. Just make sure the bucket doesn't turn white, or it means you've run out of food for the rotifers.

You said you purchased 5M rotifers? Is that correct? I started my culture with 1M. Have you thought about running multiple buckets?
 
That looks much darker than i keep mine, but i only use nannochloropsis.

I aim for a color that still allows me to see the bottom, but is starting to fade(if that makes sense).
 
When I add phytoplanton , I mix the phytoplanton with the rotifer water at about 5-10 part rotifer water to 1 part phytoplankton. Then I add it into the bubble stream. This way the phytoplanton disperse rather than settle down into the bottom. The point where you are tight now is where I add more phytoplankton. I am sure all the food have been eaten during the transit, I think you need more than 20 drops in a 65 gal bucket to bring the phytoplanton level to where it should be.
I run two culture to make sure when on crash. I won't be out but for a short time.
 
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