How to Culture Phytoplankton

[@jonahstar2000]

Thanks for the video 👍

[@AlijahLeexZooGang]

Great video! Can’t wait to see more! New sub ❤️

[@elyorification]

Thank you!

[@BriansAquariums]

You're welcome!

[@shoe3727]

Hello Brian thx for info i will be ordering stuff from you now for my pods and phyto

[@BriansAquariums]

Thank you 👍

[@Leigh33]

Well explained tutorial dude, including the photoperiod needed which I havent seen mentioned in many other videos 👏👏.... Maybe you could do a follow up video about splitting the culture, etc. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👌🐠

[@BriansAquariums]

Thank you. I definitely will make a follow up video. Thanks for the idea.

[@eudaora]

Hey brazil here, grate video bro 👊

[@BriansAquariums]

Hey, Welcome! Thank you. I appreciate it. 👊

[@pineappleking1467]

Just bought some plankton off you and it came in perfectly

[@BriansAquariums]

I'm very glad to hear! Thank you for your feedback 👍

[@pineappleking1467]

@@BriansAquariums I’m culturing it right now and it’s going amazing! Thank you!

[@rooftopcorals925]

Can i have some alternative to F/2 please . I can not geting it in vietnam

[@sebandre85]

Like!

[@BriansAquariums]

Do you dose phytoplankton in your tank? I'd love to hear your results and experience using it.

[@kosovacanada6701]

Summee time, can i jse day light outside?

[@adamjones3649]

Great video! Because of this video I subscribed to your channel thank you very much. Do you have or can you do a video on culturing copepods in a refugium.

[@BriansAquariums]

Thank you! Yes, I will see what I can do. To start off I would make sure to keep some Chaeto and detritus in your refugium. If you have access to a 3d printer or have a friend with one, you can print some pod hotels and add a few in the refugium. This will make the perfect breeding condition for the pods. Then you can feed a little bit of phyto daily to help them grow more.

[@adamjones3649]

@@BriansAquariums Thanks for the information. Unfortunately I don't know anyone with a 3d printer...

[@BraddaMarlon]

Nice video man where you make the decals

[@BriansAquariums]

Thanks! I get them made at Sticker Giant

[@hdiaz_daily]

Great info. How often do you feed? And when can you transfer to a larger container?

[@BriansAquariums]

I feed my tanks phyto every other day when I feed the fish. Is this what you were asking? Once you have enough phyto to fill up about a 1/4 of a larger container you can start a larger container. I recommend you have twice the amount though to keep 1/2 for backup and the other half to start a new culture.

[@peachyzelda1999]

How often do you feed the F/2 to the phyto? Also, I have a 15 gallon saltwater tank, it’s a mixed reef. How often would you recommend adding phyto? I’m currently not dosing anything in the tank I just do large water changes, and I have trigger pods in the tank that keep dying 😭🫠 I’ve watched your other vid about culturing copepods but I’m hoping I can get them to cultivate in tank

[@BriansAquariums]

I only add the f/2 initially on day one when starting the culture. 7 days later, I harvest the phyto and store. For your 15-gallon tank, I would start with about 20-30 ml daily and increase as the pod population grows. Since making my pod video, I have learned that if you keep the sides of the tank slightly dirty with film algae, the pods will start to thrive. I have one bare bottom 10 gallon tank that I grow tisbe pods in. I let film algae grow on the glass and detritus build-up. I rarely feed that tank phyto, only as a treat once in a while. There are thousands of pods in there. They are natural detritivores, and I believe they will not thrive in a newer or clean tank. Hope this helps!

[@heyyou5801]

You mentioned the cfl type bulb specifically. Does it matter if I used an LED or incandescent?

[@BriansAquariums]

I am not sure if they would work. I have never tried incandescent bulbs before.

[@danielcuevas1044]

Can you mix the two types of phyto or do they need to be cultivated separately? Thanks for the info!

[@BriansAquariums]

They need to be cultivated separately, they mixed together. If you cultivate both in the same container 1 strain will outcompete the other leaving you with only 1 strain in the end.

[@tainchains]

what do you do next? when can you harvest? can this bottle eventually be poured into your 2 gallon and the process restarted?

[@BriansAquariums]

Yes. I have made another video explaining the process here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKmwnqCtosSMac0

[@charlesfordham618]

I have ordered your phytoplankton and am looking to culture it. Is it one of your bottles per 2 liter or 2.5 gallons? Also when harvesting do I filter it and with what? Thanks for the help

[@BriansAquariums]

Hey thank you for your support, I really appreciate it. So I use 1 bottle per 2.5 gallon container. I also add 6ml of f/2 per 2.5 gallons. After 7 days I harvest. You don't need to filter it when you harvest it. However if you want to, you can use a 53 micron sieve. I filter it because I want to pull out any dead cells or contaminants that may find their way in such as dust or debris. If you have any other questions regarding anything, feel free to reach out to me. I do not mind at all.

[@Angel_Monserrate413]

I am going to start my own culture. My question is, i see conflicting things about sterilizing the saltwater. Some say adding bleach then neutralizing the bleach. Others say microwave or boil it. In your experience, have you had to do this? Will i be okay just using the rodi and mixing to the correct salinity?

[@BriansAquariums]

With nannochloropsis and tetraselmis no. With T-Iso, yes, definitely you.need to sterilize it the best you csn. If it's a plastic container, you can use vinegar to sanitize it. You can also use bleach to get better sanitization. I've started to switch to using only glass so i can sterilize everything. Thjs is what I do. I will rinse my glass flasks with scalding hot tap water, then add about 4 ounces of bleach and shake constantly for five minutes. I will then use distilled water to rinse several times until I no longer smell bleach. Then add saltwater with a loose foil top and put the flask on the stove, and let the saltwater have a rolling boil for 5 minutes. I let cool to room temperature, take the foil cap off and add my phyto from my stock. I get a new clean pipette and add the appropriate amount of f/2. I will either use gloves and add cotton balls for the lid or use a rubber stopper drilled out to the size of my rigid airline tubing. Then put under the lights. I will only culture 1 strain of algae at a time as to lessen the chance for cross contamination. I hope this helps.

[@irishlad7458]

Do you need to keep feeding it and is the food nitrate and phosphate fertilizer

[@BriansAquariums]

You do not need to keep feeding it. The f/2 will last around 5-7 days. Once you harvest after 5-7 days you add new saltwater, phyto and then add f/2 again. F/2 is a mixture of trave minerals, saltwater, no3 and po4. See full ingredients list here: briansaquariums.com/files/guillards-f2-ingredients-list.pdf

[@zachary_smith1]

You didn’t mention how they multiple or how to take them out and stuff

[@monster5608]

For Phytoplankton do you use the same salinity as your tank water or lower?

[@BriansAquariums]

Yes I use between 1.024 and 1.026

[@Steamyarmpits]

I got a question can u use flourish excel to feed the phytoplankton

[@BriansAquariums]

I have not tried it so I can really answer that. I would try it on a small batch to see if it works. Just remember what you add to your phyto you will be essentially adding to your auarium. I do know that f/2 is a mixture of salt, nitrates, phosphates, trace elements and metals.

[@sarahcarrier5118]

Im thinking of culturing mine to use as a plant food, my favorite fertilizer is a phytoplankton one and it's pricey to buy all year round. If I fed it a but more would I have a more dense culture or will I throw off the balance and kill it.

[@Leigh33]

I dont think saltwater would be good for your plants, unless they're Mangroves 🤣

[@sarahcarrier5118]

@@Leigh33 you dehydrate it after and use the plankton, it's a common fertilizer.

[@randomhiphop5055]

Nice I was thinking about using this in mushroom substrate lol. No idea if it would help or not but gonna experiment.

[@rajgill7576]

Also chance of grabbing some pods if you use tank water and they eat all the phyto.. ask me how I know lol

[@charlesfordham618]

Once harvested how long will it stay good in a bottle? Should it be refrigerated?

[@BriansAquariums]

It will stay good for about 30-45 days. You want to keep it refrigerated. Shake the bottle daily to prevent the cells from settling and suffocating.

[@justoutofframemoviereviews656]

Let's Grow Plankton!

[@tookmyhandle2]

Can you keep the light on 24/7?

[@BriansAquariums]

Yes you can.

[@sadshxnobi]

I purchased phyto from you to start my own culture and just received it. I was wondering, do I dump both phyto bottles in the container?

[@BriansAquariums]

How big is your container? I use 1 bottle for 2.5 gallons of saltwater.

[@sadshxnobi]

@@BriansAquariums I also use the same container you mentioned in the copepods video. Think it's the same size

[@BriansAquariums]

@@sadshxnobi I would just use 1 bottle.

[@wallacewesley4924]

You should make all in kits

[@BriansAquariums]

I've looked into it, but people want things cheaper than the kits cost. I asked on several forums, fb and youtube, and people want cheaper than I can get the items for. Even though they will end up paying the same price buying in parts.

[@gabrielzavala8524]

What salinity level should the water be?

[@BriansAquariums]

I always keep minevaroumd 1.023 - 1.026

[@markpitcher2357]

How long before the phytoplankton are ready.

[@BriansAquariums]

Between 5-7 days.

[@derpfrog5625]

Can I drink it?

[@alexnaumenko2190]

So I mixed some Algea Barn phyto and Reef Nutrition phyto(not live one). Added f2. Am I doomed? Lol. Thanks for reply. And awesome video. Going off your videos to try my hand at both phyto and pods culturing.

[@BriansAquariums]

No you are not doomed but I believe Reef Nutrition's phyto I'd not alive and Algae Barn's phyto contains 4 different strains. Reef Nutrition's will not grow since its dead. Algae Barn's will grow, but more than likely 1 strain will outcompete the others. Which one? You will need microscope to identify that. It's best to start with a single strain of phyto and culture it. If you want multiple strains, culture them individually, then add together during the bottling process.

[@alexnaumenko2190]

@@BriansAquariums you have some on your site available? And if so which one would you recommend out of the 2 you sell?

[@BriansAquariums]

@@alexnaumenko2190 Yes I do. Im harvesting some today. It shows on backorder but I will be shipping out some orders today. I would recommend nannochloropsis as it's the easiest to culture in my opinion.

[@alexnaumenko2190]

@@BriansAquariums Got my order in. Appreciate the replies buddy. Thanks.

[@BriansAquariums]

@@alexnaumenko2190 I just saw it. Thank you! I will get it packed up and sent out around lunch time. 😎

[@vikramm.6743]

What is the water to salt ratio in the salt water?

[@BriansAquariums]

I mix it up at 1.024 - 1.026

[@vikramm.6743]

@@BriansAquariums Perfect. Thank you for the answer and the quick reply, I deeply appreciate it.

[@BriansAquariums]

You're very welcome

[@jdog6973]

How much water did you start with in your 2 liter bottle?

[@BriansAquariums]

I didnt measure it out but I generally will use 3/4 water to Phyto.

[@niknik14304]

Can you make on to show how it's harvested? I have no idea. I'm a complete newbie and I am starting a pod and phyro using the poseidon reef system.

[@BriansAquariums]

Yes. I have a video right here for you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKmwnqCtosSMac0

[@nolareef3152]

what is salinity for culturing it? please answer

[@BriansAquariums]

I keep cultures at 1.025 - 1.026.

[@nolareef3152]

@@BriansAquariums thanks bro

[@BriansAquariums]

@@nolareef3152 You're welcome

[@timlyg]

for light source, do you think led works? if so, what specs should i look for? Thanks!

[@BriansAquariums]

I've used anything from CFL bulbs, T5s, and leds. Currently, I use the Mars Hydro TS1000W led grow light fixtures. I have to keep them on 25% intensity for the first few days, then I slowly ramp them up to 50% over day 4-7. I would go for 5000 - 6500 Kelvin. And look for around 100-200 par. My lights are closer to the 5000 Kelvin and around 100 - 200 par at the waters surface. You dont have to go as expensive as I do. Im sure there are some nice par38 style led bulbs on amazon for around $20-$40 that will work just the same. Or you can even look at the black square flood lights that people use on algae turf scrubbers. I hope this helps.

[@timlyg]

@@BriansAquariums understood! Thank you for the tips!

[@BriansAquariums]

@@timlyg This bulb looks promising at $26.99. amzn.to/3wLHpgN

[@timlyg]

@@BriansAquariums Cool...Thanks. Any criticism for those ($10 under) red led strips sold on Ebay? coz I have some of those in storage don't laugh :D

[@BriansAquariums]

@Timothy Law I know people use them and have success. I have never used them. I just feel they may not be bright enough. But I could be wrong. I think as long as you wrap them on the side of your container facing inwards you will have the best luck.

[@nathancates6]

we’re do you buy your brand all i see is a Amazon link to another brand

[@BriansAquariums]

You can contact me on IG. I'm currently working on my website, once done it will be available there. I listed the other brand in the mean time as they are a very reputable seller.

[@billyd0214]

where are the links you mention so we can buy your phytoplankton???

[@BriansAquariums]

My cultures crashed. I'm working on building my stock back up.

[@billyd0214]

@@BriansAquariumsreally sorry to hear that. My very first culture just crashed. I have one of those racks like in one of your videos. Can I use my old LED aquarium lights on the top of my rack or is that too much light?

[@BriansAquariums]

@billyd0214 Depending on which light you have, I don't think it will be too much light. If it is a really bright light with high par around 500+, I would be kind of the light away for the first couple of days, then slowly move the light closer to your cultures each day. I use MarsvHydro TS1000 led panels. My par for the first couple of days is around 200. Then I slowly turn the lights up to around 400 par for the remaining days.

[@KevinLiew]

How bout the room temperature? Would it survive 30-33 celcius?

[@BriansAquariums]

I would try to keep it between 21-26 c. I have not experimented with lower or higher temps. I would thing 30-33 would be too hot. After all phytoplankton grows naturally in tte ocean and I do not know of any ocean getting to these high temps. I hope this helps.

[@KevinLiew]

@@BriansAquariums that makes perfect sense. Do you have other substitute product for Gillard F/2? Can’t seem to find it being sold in my country - Malaysia. Also, many thanks for the video, it’s inspiring.

[@BriansAquariums]

@@KevinLiew When I first started making phyto several years back a lot of hobbyists were using Miracle-Gro liquid fertilizer. It worked for them. I never wanted to use it because I did not want to add that to my tank. I also believe Miracle-Gro has a pretty high level of copper.

[@BriansAquariums]

@@KevinLiew A second option is you can make your own f/2. I am not sure if you can get all of the raw ingredients though. You can see the formula here algaeresearchsupply.com/pages/f-2-media

[@KevinLiew]

@@BriansAquariums thanks for sharing. That looks like chemistry class for me! Haha. I’ll keep looking and read more about plankton. Thank you.

[@Robert-dh3xg]

Can a guy drink it four health

[@BriansAquariums]

I know people drink phyto, but the kind we make with saltwater, I don't think you can. I've never looked into it, so I don't want to give any wrong advice

[@drippyparrot1988]

Y the hell is this age restricted???

[@BriansAquariums]

I have no clue. KZbin did it. I need to figure out how to get it changed..I tried it myself but it stayed age restricted.