When adding DT's phytoplankton to tank

[mfin77]

when I add live phytoplankton to my tank, does the protein skimmer get rid of this? I read this somewhere, is it only for the dead phyto

should I shut my protein skimmer off for a while?

Mike

 

[maximumpat]

When I used it I did. Keep an eye on your NO3 and PO4 though, I got a hell of a bloom the first week.

 

[TheH]

Protein skimmer will remove phytoplankton, live or dead. As to how quickly it will remove it (and whether you actually need to turn it off) this depends on your skimmer, tank size, general setup, and amount of phytoplankton added.

 

[BigJay]

I usually don't turn mine off. Given how long it takes to remove a fraction of the phyto added to my 200 gallon system, the featherduster worms and clams get an ample chance to filter some out.

 

[robertifly]

Now that's a good question BigJay, I'm always interested in [food chain links] or enablers to the food chain that we can add directly to the tank that will live and my the reef grow. Of course any thing of that nature would most likely have to be replenished regularly due to consumption and skimming. How about it? I can anyone speak to what we can add to our systems that will survive and possibly reproduce in the tank?

 

[ckoral]

When I grew/feed phyto I overused it because he... its free and easy to grow. If I ever decide to start another culture I will ONLY spot feed with an eyedropper.

My LPS, specifically euphyllia grew at an amazing rate. My cheato and other macro algeas also grew at an amazing rate. Use with care and caution. The skimmer will pull out some nutrients good and bad, but not all.

 

[eyesinthedrk]

my skimmer like most sits in my sump so the skimmer get its hands on a good bit but no all of the water passing through
there will alwayse be smething left behind

 

[mfin77]

thanks everyone!

How often should I feed them?

 

[ckoral]

from my experience (not to say it is right) I would feed them every 3rd day by eyedropper directly to the mouth area with no tank motion to disrupt the phyto from the mouth of the LPS.

 

[robertifly]

ckoral, so from your experience we shouldn't try to grow anything phyto or zooplykton in the tank water, rather spot feed that type food? btw, what makes those darn snail go out the overflow anyways? thanks, reefracer

 

[Ncastro1981]

so you think the rating given on the bottle is over kill then?