Will my phyto culture work?

[plancton]

Hi, I bought regular phyto feast by reef nutrition. I want to start my plankton culturing with it, I've had it in the fridge for 2 weeks now. I sent them an email asking if the product works for culturing and their answer was:

"The Nannochloropsis cells typically stay alive for 3-5 months, so I think it will eventually work for you"

Is this true?, I have them inside one 2 litter bottle with light and air from air pump. I also added FLUORISH NITROGEN, just a few drops, its a freshwater product that has nitrogen to increase plant growth, so I figured it might work.

And I added enough phyto to make the water yellow.

Am I on the right track?, in how many days should I see a change in coloration signaling that the mixture is working or how do I know it isn´t?

 

[GreshamH]

You need to use a proper F/2 nutrient mix for them. Flourish is not the right formulation and meant for plants, not microalgae.

Using PFL is not the best bet, or sure fire way, to start a culture. Don't use much, maybe a couple drops at most.

FWIW both Seafarm (my boss) and I are Reef Nutrition (for transparency sake)

Do a search for "phytoplankton" here on RC. There are tons of threads in the subject of growing phyto.

 

[plancton]

They don´t sell the special fertilizer here in Mexico, I would have to order it from the USA, is it absolutely necessary for any culture?, how can you substitute it?.

Did I damage the culture by using Seachem Fluorish?, or it is still worth for something?

 

[GreshamH]

If you did not sterilize the water (no mention of that in your post) I would start over regardless.

You can order proper F2 nutrients from Florida Aqua Farms. While there I suggest getting a phytoplankton culture from them to improve you chances. Starting with a mixed phyto culture is an uphill battle.