Responsible Reef Aquaculture Copepods & Phytoplankton

Responsible Reef Aquaculture Phytoplankton

The step one in a complete nutritional ecosystem is phytoplankton. These single cell organisms are a food source for other food like copepods. On top of this, corals, filter feeders and fish larva rely on these small green power packs to supply basic organic compounds that must be added to maintain incredible coloration. Phyto may improve water chemistry as phytoplankton naturally consume nitrates and phosphates and then can be removed by your skimmer. It is recommended that phyto is dosed to individual colonies of coral for best results. It can also be dosed to an entire tank to supplement copepod growth. After phytoplankton is dosed, it is best to turn the skimmer off for approximately 1 hour to allow absorption and feeding.

Responsible Reef Aquaculture Pods

The second step in a complete nutritional ecosystem are copepods. These flea-like organisms are a food source of food for mandarin dragonets. On top of this, corals, filter feeders and fish larva rely on these little guys for nutrition. Pods may improve water chemistry as copepods consume detritus which reduces wastes breaking down into nitrates and phosphates. It is recommended that our pods are added in a 50/50 split between the display and refugium. After pods are added, it is best to turn the skimmer off for approximately 1 hour to allow them to set into the rockwork.