Live phytoplankton + rotifers

[tonyponty]

hi should i be using any of this stuff in my tank thx
and what is it mainly used for

[Macca]

I think thise could be a two sided debate. In natural environments corals require a balance of light for energy and plankton to live. This can be the breakdown of plant matter / animal matter or microbes of each - phyto and zoo. I am no expert but a lot of tank corals have adapted to being highly light dependant and taking other sources in via very small traces in the water column .. i.e nitrates/plankton. In the wild nitrates are undetectable on a reef as the ammonia is quickly consumed by its inhabitants. On the other hand plankton enriched water is common.

In our tanks most corals take the majority of their energy from light and a very little from the water. So you could be adding excess nutrients that are not being consumed and in return putting a larger load on the filtration which could result in increasing nitrates. On the other hand your corals could be filter feeders ie some gorgonias and they would benefit if they are able to digest plant matter (phyto). Other inhabitants in the tank i.e pods etc may also enjoy the benefit of phyto and this would also have a knock on effect on the zoo population.

It is a debate I am a bit ignorant to and so must say this is my understanding and not gospel. Why not drop Nick a line at Phyto Aqua I am sure he could give you his views. I have dosed with phyto in the past with good results, whether this was due to the phyto direct or indirect is questionable IMHO.

James

[liquidlogic]

if you have the corrrect Live stock ie sifting type or sps's i beilve its a good idea to intro it to them but others arnt realy nesesary, as they get most of there food from light