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Dosing Phytoplankton

It is pretty difficult to overdose live phyto. In short, almost any amount added on a consistent basis will be beneficial. The organisms that consume it will grow and multiply to a point of equilibrium. This will be very beneficial to the system. The phyto feeds some organisms (including some corals) directly, and other organisms and corals consume the increased pods, offspring, and microorganisms that multiply because of the increased phytoplankton available. The phyto also consumes nutrients until it is consumed itself.

 Having said that, I usually recommend starting to dose at 3ml/10gallons of system volume per day. This will actually give you more phyto cells than some other brands because I grow and ship the phyto at denser levels than some growers. As you observe, you can increase this amount by several times if you want (my smallest system is a 40 breeder with 20 sump, and I dose about 150ml/day).  Pretty much the more the better.  Or, a smaller amount would be okay too.

 

Storing Phytoplankton

Fresh live phyto will keep for quite a while in the fridge. It is best to give it a gentle shake and open the bottle once a day.  If you have multiple bottles, switch the one you dose from each day.  For the first month of storage, there isn’t any noticeable change in the phyto. During the second month, the motile cells become less active, but there is still a fair amount of activity. By the end of the third month, there isn’t really any activity, but the cells are still intact. If a new culture is started with the three-month old sample, it will grow and some of the cells will be motile. So, using the phyto within a month would be ideal, within two months is fine, and even three months is probably okay.

Adding/Storing Copepods

Copepods will not thrive in the small bottles that they are shipped in - the density is too high.  They also will not do very well if refrigerated.  Therefore, it is best to add them to the system or transfer them to a larger vessel as soon as possible.  To do so, open the shipping bottle and allow 20-30 minutes for the temperature to equalize.  Then transfer the pods from the bottle.

If adding the pods to a system, it is best to do so after lights are off.  If possible turn off the protein skimmer and minimize flow for 5-10 minutes.  If the system has a refugium, add most of the pods to the refugium where they can multiply and establish a population.  They can easily travel through the return pump without injury.

Creating some "pod piles" in the display tank will help protect the pods from predation.  A pod pile is a pile of small rocks that create an area (in the center of the pile) that cannot be reached by pod-hunting fish.  In a system with heavy predation, it may be necessary to occasionally add to the pod population with additional pods, but pod piles will help preserve the population.

If the pods will not be added to the system right away, they should be transferred to a larger vessel - possibly a partially-filled 5-gallon bucket.  An airline bubbling a couple of bubbles per second will be helpful.  They will also need some food.  Live phytoplankton is ideal, but dead phyto can be used as long as the water does not foul.  Add enough to tint the water.  If well maintained, the copepods will begin to grow and reproduce.

Phytoplankton Species Descriptions

Nannochloropsis is a genus of microalgae known for its vibrant green color and minute size, typically ranging from 2 to 5 micrometers. These unicellular algae thrives in marine and freshwater environments, playing a crucial role in the aquatic food chain. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins, Nannochloropsis is a powerhouse of nutrition. It is widely used in aquaculture to feed zooplankton, which in turn nourishes fish and other marine life.  Nannochloropsis is often used as a food source for marine organisms, including fish larvae, shrimp, and bivalves, promoting their growth and health

 

Isochrysis is a genus of marine microalgae highly prized in aquaculture. Known for its high content of essential fatty acids, especially DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), Isochrysis provides a rich nutritional profile beneficial to marine life. It is commonly used as a live feed for bivalve mollusks, shrimp larvae, and other filter feeders, promoting their growth and development.  These golden-brown algae are characterized by their small, spherical cells, typically around 5-7 micrometers in diameter. Isochrysis is particularly valued for its rich composition of essential fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and other lipids, proteins, vitamins, and pigments. This nutritional profile makes it an excellent food source for various marine organisms, including fish larvae, bivalves, and crustaceans, promoting their growth and health in aquaculture settings.  One of the key benefits of Isochrysis is its ability to enhance the nutritional value of live feeds, such as rotifers and Artemia, which are then consumed by higher trophic level species. This microalgae is also noted for its role in enriching the diet of filter-feeding mollusks, improving their growth rates, survival, and reproductive success. The presence of antioxidants and carotenoids in Isochrysis further contributes to the health and coloration of marine species.

 

Pavlova is a type of marine microalgae known for its distinctive golden-brown color and unique pear-shaped cells. This phytoplankton is highly valued in aquaculture and marine biology due to its rich nutritional profile and numerous ecological benefits. Pavlova is an excellent source of essential fatty acids, including DHA and EPA, which are crucial for the growth and health of marine organisms such as fish, shellfish, and corals.  One of the standout features of Pavlova is its ability to produce high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which play a vital role in the development and functioning of the nervous system in marine species. This makes it a preferred feed in aquaculture, enhancing the nutritional quality of farmed seafood. Additionally, Pavlova contains valuable pigments like fucoxanthin and chlorophyll, contributing to its antioxidant properties and supporting the overall health of marine ecosystems.  In reef aquariums, dosing Pavlova phytoplankton can improve water quality by promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms and reducing harmful nutrient levels. This helps create a balanced and stable environment for corals and other marine life. Moreover, its high nutritional content supports vibrant coloration and robust growth in corals and invertebrates, enhancing the visual appeal and health of the aquarium.  Overall, Pavlova phytoplankton stands out as a versatile and beneficial microalgae, playing a significant role in both natural marine environments and controlled aquaculture systems. Its rich nutrient composition and ecological contributions make it an indispensable resource for promoting sustainable marine practices and improving the health and productivity of marine organisms.

 

Tetraselmis is a genus of green phytoplankton that has gained prominence in marine and freshwater environments due to its remarkable nutritional profile and ecological benefits. These unicellular algae, characterized by their distinctive four flagella, are rich in essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and chlorophyll, making them a highly valuable resource in aquaculture.  Tetraselmis serves as a crucial food source for a variety of marine organisms, including fish larvae, shrimp, and bivalves. Its high nutritional content supports the growth and health of these species, enhancing survival rates and improving overall yield.

 

Nannochloris is a genus of small, green microalgae belonging to the class Trebouxiophyceae.  One of the primary advantages of Nannochloris is its high nutritional content. Rich in essential fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins, this microalga serves as an excellent feed for aquaculture. It provides a balanced diet for fish larvae, shrimp, and other marine organisms, promoting their growth and enhancing their health. Furthermore, Nannochloris can be used to enrich the diets of zooplankton, which are, in turn, consumed by larger aquatic animals, thus supporting the entire food web.

 

Chaetoceros is a genus of diatoms, a group of phytoplankton that plays a pivotal role in marine ecosystems.  In aquaculture, Chaetoceros is prized as a nutritious feed for a variety of marine organisms, including fish larvae, shrimp, and bivalves. Its high content of essential fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins supports the growth and health of these organisms, enhancing aquaculture productivity. Additionally, the presence of Chaetoceros in the water can improve the overall quality of the aquatic environment by promoting a balanced ecosystem and reducing harmful algal blooms.

 

Thalassiosira is a genus of diatoms which are vital components of aquatic ecosystems, playing critical roles in nutrient cycling and primary production. In the ocean, Thalassiosira contributes significantly to the marine food web by serving as a primary food source for various zooplankton, small fish, and filter-feeding organisms.

 

Dunaliella is a genus of halophilic (salt-loving) microalgae known for its vibrant coloration.  One of Dunaliella's remarkable features is its ability to accumulate high concentrations of beta-carotene and other carotenoids, which give it a distinctive reddish-orange hue. These pigments not only protect Dunaliella from intense sunlight and oxidative stress but also benefit reef inhabitants by enhancing their coloration and health when consumed. Furthermore, Dunaliella's presence helps regulate nutrient levels in the water, potentially mitigating harmful algal blooms and promoting overall water clarity.  Aquarists often introduce Dunaliella into reef aquariums to support coral health and enhance the visual appeal of the tank, mimicking natural reef conditions. Its adaptation to saline environments and nutritional benefits make Dunaliella a valuable component of sustainable reef management practices.

 

Porphyridium is a genus of red microalgae, a type of phytoplankton, known for its vibrant red color due to the presence of the pigment phycoerythrin. This pigment not only gives the algae its distinctive hue but also plays a crucial role in photosynthesis by capturing light energy. In reef aquariums, dosing with Porphyridium phytoplankton can offer several benefits. It serves as a nutritious food source for various filter feeders, such as corals and invertebrates, promoting their growth and health. The red pigment, phycoerythrin, also has antioxidant properties, which can enhance the resilience of marine organisms to stress and improve the overall visual appeal of the aquarium by enhancing the natural colors of the corals. Additionally, Porphyridium can help maintain water quality by contributing to the biological balance in the tank.