Phytoplankton Culture Question.

[Doolin]

Could I start a phytoplankton with some DT's I have already. I got the 15oz bottle on sale for $5 until and that was great until I realized its usually $20. :)

I was reading Marc's page on culturing and he mentions the use of DT but only in passing. Anyone tired it?

[WaterKeeper]

Yes, you can do that but you may wish to set up a more elaborate system see Let's Fatten Them Up! (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2009-03/newbie/index.php)

[Doolin]

Dang, I was hoping to use plant food... It would have let my setup cost = $0 I guess there's no such thing as free (coral) lunch

[WaterKeeper]

Problem with plant food is they tend to have too many added minerals. Guillard’s F/2 is a minimal food formula and only contains what the algae need to grow. Quarts sell for around $7 and make about 1500 gallons of culture media.

[Doolin]

You have a link Tom? I did a quick search and couldn't find anything?

[adnup]

<a href="https://3kserver7.com/~frank/secure/agora.cgi?cart_id=950097.24234*-U7FR0&product=MICRO_MACRO_NUTRIENTS">Florida Aqua Farms</a> has it along with the cultures.

[WaterKeeper]

Yes, they have all the supplies one needs for cultures. Kent also sells a two part product that duplicates F/2 but it is only sold in gallon jugs at about $25 each. That is fine as long as it doesn't become contaminated and algae. If that happens the gallon will quickly degrade. There was also a Fritz F/2 that I have seen people use but the only link I found was from a company in Canada and they wanted $60 per gallon for their two part. I have DIY dry powder but getting all the chemicals together would be impractical for the average home culturist. I check around as the prices seem high for what is actually in the stuff.