Phytoplankton is small microscopic algae rich in nutrients and plays a vital role in promoting and maintaining the health of corals. It is an important food for a number of marine organisms, such as corals.
Phytoplankton has a variety of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients needed for the health and survival of corals.
Experiments have revealed that the provision of Acropora corals with phytoplankton promotes faster growth rates and better health. In fact, research conducted on seven different feeding strategies for Acropora corals found that all species grew more with a phytoplankton diet than with other diets, including formulated diets.
The great advantage of using phytoplankton for feeding Acropora corals is that it is a wild food. Phytoplankton is readily available in the ocean so it is an easy food for corals in the wild. That is, phytoplankton is a trophic food that corals are adapted to, and readily eat.
A further advantage of dietarying phytoplankton to corals is that it is hardly any work to prepare and administer. Phytoplankton is available in liquid or powder form and can be directly added to the aquarium water. It is also possible to cultivate your own phytoplankton culture, which can be a cost-effective way to provide a constant supply of phytoplankton to your corals.
Followings are some suggestions of how and when to dose phytoplankton:
1. Determine the appropriate dosage:
The number of the phytoplânkton required will depend on the size of the aquarium, the number of the corals and of the filter feeders and of the present level of nutrients in the tank. It is important not to overfeed, as this can lead to an increase in nutrient levels and negatively impact the water quality. Start with a small dosage and gradually increase until you find the appropriate amount for your tank.
2. Choose the right type of phytoplankton:
There are different types of phytoplankton available on the market, and it is important to choose the one that is appropriate for your tank. There are some species of phytoplankton that have a higher trophic level to which certain species of coral or filter feeders are more appropriate.
3. Mix the phytoplankton:
Combine the desired quantity of phytoplankton with aquarium water in a separate receptacle. Mix the phytoplankton thoroughly to provide an evenly distributed mixture.
4. Dose the phytoplankton:
Pouring the mix of phytoplankton and water into the aquarium. Phytoplankton is preferably dosed in the evening, as this is when the coral and filter feeder are most active.
5. Observe the tank:
Observe the tank following dosage of the phytoplankton to check if water quality is affected negatively. If you notice any changes in the water quality, such as an increase in nutrient levels or a decrease in water clarity, adjust the dosage accordingly.
It is also important to mention that phytoplankton dosing should be carried out with caution, as part of a balanced feeding plan. It is also a good practice to routinely monitor the water quality so that the nutrient levels are under safe levels.
In Italy, it is possible to obtain high quality Phytoplankton (reef international) directly from him. But not being closer, I decided to start preparing it at home. It was a good experience, especially for my acquaintance. In recent years I have stopped but I keep the steps I followed in my notes and I would like to share them with you.
Step 1:
Prepare the algae culture: Prepare the algae culture:
Acquire an algae culture from a specialized shop at the beginning. Follow the instructions of the algae culture reagent box for preparing the algae culture. In general, you will need to add water and necessary nutrients to the algae culture and keep it in a well-lit place at an appropriate temperature.
Tools needed: Algae culture, water, nutrients, container, light source.
Time required: 1-2 days to prepare the culture.
Step 2:
Prepare the nutrient solution: Prepare the nutrient solution:
In order to cultivate the algae, a nutrient solution containing all the required nutrients are needed. You can either purchase a pre-packaged nutrient solution or prepare one yourself. The nutrient solution shall include (e.g., nitrates, phosphates, iron and other micronutrients) etc.
Tools needed: Nutrient solution, water.
Time required: 1-2 hours to prepare the nutrient solution.
Step 3:
Add the nutrient solution to the algae culture:
Dispensing the nutrient solution to the algal culture and stirring it up.
Tools needed: Nutrient solution, container, stirrer.
Time required: 1 hour to supply the nutrient solution and mix thoroughly.
Step 4:
Grow the algae: Grow the algae:
After adding the nutrient solution, grow the algae in a well-lit place, such as a window exposed to the sun or under aquarium lighting. It is crucial to maintain the required temperature and light intensity for algal growth.
Tools needed: Light source, container.
Time required: 5-10 days to grow the algae.
Step 5:
Harvest the phytoplankton: Harvest the phytoplankton:
After a couple of days, the phytoplankton will be suitable for harvesting. Strain the algae out of the nutrient solution and wash in clean water. The phytoplankton can then be fed to the corals.
Tools needed: Strainer, container, fresh water.
Time required: 1 hour to harvest and rinse the phytoplankton.
It is to be noted that the establishment of phytoplankton takes time and constant supervision in order to guarantee the healthy growth of the algae and to maintain the nutritional solution at a suitable level.
Phytoplankton is an excellent food source for corals. It is a healthy, nutritive food which promotes higher rates of growth and better conditions. Phytoplankton should be added to the diet of corals to guarantee the long and attractive survival of these animals.
I have learnt inspiration and a lot of answers for my tanks from reading the following books dealing with the subject of coral feeding, as well as the importance of phytoplankton in the diet of Acropora corals and other acroporid corals:
– The Coral Reef Aquarium” by Tony Vargas:
This book covers all aspects of coral reef aquarium keeping, including feeding and nutrition. This one also contains a feeding of corals and a description of what the feeding options are (including phytoplankton).
A Blueprint for Success” by Jeff Kurtz :
This book is a practical guide to keeping an SPS (small polyp stony) reef tank, which often includes Acropora corals. It as well has a chapter on feeding SPS corals and the role of the phytoplankton in SPS corals’ diet.
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