How to Grow Live Phytoplankton at Home for a Thriving Aquarium

Learn how to culture live phytoplankton at home and why it's essential for the health of your aquarium. In this video, we’ll show you the step-by-step process to grow your own phytoplankton, explaining the equipment you need and the best practices to follow. Live phytoplankton is a vital food source for corals, filter feeders, and zooplankton, and culturing your own supply can drastically improve the health and balance of your reef tank. Start culturing today and boost your aquarium's ecosystem!
IMPORTANT: READ THIS!
Ok, so the lights I chose to use crapped out on me. They worked great for a while, but begain to slowly die over time. I have now adjusted the Amazon Idea list below to include a more reputable brand of LED strip light that should do a better job. It will cost a bit more than the other ones did. I appologize for the change, but I feel it is warranted.
Amazon Idea List link for products used in this video. This is an affiliate link and any purchases made will result in me earning a commission, and I thank you for that!
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[@SeanLaughs]

this is badass, i was using algae barn phyto and it worked awesome. Thank you going to try this next.

[@reefrookies]

Awesome! Jump in our FB group and let is follow your progress. Reef Rookies with Logan

[@jonclark8155]

Cool good video

[@reefrookies]

Thanks for the visit

[@richmansreef]

One of the best videos I have watched on this. I definitely will try this

[@reefrookies]

You should! And keep me updated!

[@richmansreef]

@@reefrookies I will definitely do

[@hunterwelch7175]

Great video, best I have watched. One question - is there a certain ratio of starter culture to saltwater I need to abide by?

[@reefrookies]

Not really. The one I have linked from Mercer I use half of that bottle to 1 gallon.

[@MrMonks]

Great video!

[@reefrookies]

Thanks!

[@EIY_Kumar]

Great Video

[@reefrookies]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Khris_1013]

Can you make a video on how to culture pods please

[@reefrookies]

Its on the list of things to do!! You subscribed so ya dont miss it?

[@sjcharles]

Awesome!

[@reefrookies]

Glad you think so!

[@richardsonbrandon08]

After day 10. What is the process of adding it to the tank, and how much? Dosing machine, maybe?

[@reefrookies]

No dosing specifics required. Its very hard if not impossible to over do it. I literally just dump a big cup in every other night at lights out. Too little wont do much. 1-5ml per gallon is fine.

[@Trioceros_h]

@@reefrookies should the filtration be stopped during feeding?

[@reefrookies]

@@Trioceros_h Yeah, ita beneficial to do so.

[@aymanmorsy19]

Again , another great simple video , thank you , I have some questions, after my first culture can I use some of it for the next culture? Where to keep my F2 ?

[@reefrookies]

Yes you can! I leave half in the jar to keep it going. Keeping the F2 in the fridge will extend its usefulness.

[@aymanmorsy19]

Thank you , are we using the white light ?

[@reefrookies]

@@aymanmorsy19 yes, the best are plant growing lights specifically but just about any will do.

[@aymanmorsy19]

@@reefrookies thank you

[@phuongtruong100]

Do you top off with rodi when the culture evaporated? Im on day 3 of the culture and the culture evaporated a little bit

[@reefrookies]

No I haven't had to, my evap is low enough that I dont need to top off. But, if I needed to yes I would, otherwise the salinity would change.

[@ksimp777]

How do you continue the cycle of growing them? Leave a percentage in the jar and refill with saltwater?

[@reefrookies]

Exactly, I harvest half from each jar to make a gallon of harvested phyto wich is good in the fridge for a month :) Then just refill with saltwater.

[@hunterwelch7175]

​@reefrookies after splitting the culture do you add more f2?

[@reefrookies]

@hunterwelch7175 yep. I add a full dose again.

[@Noodleanrgry]

the salt level those matter over 10.22 you planton will be smaller in size, for filter feeder this is important as if to small they can not take it out of the water, better to keep under 10.22

[@reefrookies]

Did you mean 1.022? Interesting! Thanks for the info!

[@richmansreef]

You can get these LEDS at 5 and below.

[@reefrookies]

Good to know! Im upgrading lights.

[@phuongtruong100]

Is it possible to use sunlight? I heard people said sunlight is better than LED. Is direct sunlight harmful to the culture and can I switch to LED if sunlight is not enough in the winter?

[@reefrookies]

Honestly Im not sure. Very interesting thought though!