Adding more microplankton is a great way to keep your reef healthy, but be careful: algae will grow rapidly if you add more than the recommended dosage. To counteract this, add more herbivores. These are beneficial bacteria and other organisms that consume algae, and you will keep your reef healthy! Listed below are some different types of microplankton foods available for reef aquariums.
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Biodiversity
Most reef organisms are symbiotic, or share the same food source, and the biodiversity of microplankton is crucial to the survival of these critters. These organisms, which are called heterotrophs, must obtain their nutrition from feeding or absorption. Even though they produce their own energy, autotrophs are not all-powerful. In addition, they do not produce enough food to survive without the help of other nutrients.
The relationship between corals and fish is important for many reasons. For example, the association between damselfishes and branching corals helps the latter survive, as their waste includes nutrients that are critical for the health and growth of branching corals. Additionally, the relationship between cardinalfishes and branching corals is important in maintaining biodiversity and abundance of the entire Coral Triangle. Some of these species may be intimately associated with each other, and their mutualistic symbiotic relationship is crucial for both the coral and the fish.
Phytoplankton
Phytoplankton are microscopic organisms that occur in the oceans. These organisms include diatoms, dinoflagellates, and many other species. They are generally unicellular but some are multicellular and filamentous. There are over 5000 species of phytoplankton, but the marine environment is still enormously unexplored. Some of the most common types of phytoplankton are dinoflagellates and diatoms, which are found in both marine and freshwater environments.
Phytoplankton is primarily eaten by zooplankton. Depending on the area and time of year, these organisms are diverse. Protozoans and amphipods are the primary consumers of nanoplankton, while copepods and other large organisms feed on larger phytoplankton. In addition to being a great source of food for coral, phytoplankton also serves as a good source of oxygen for all ocean life.
Phytomax Phytoplankton
Phytomax consists of whole unicellular phytoplankton, which provides excellent nutrition for filter-feeding marine animals. The high-quality source of these important nutrients is ideal for feeding filter-feeding invertebrates like clams and SPS corals. In addition, Phytomax contains high-quality amino acids to provide maximum nutrition. To ensure the best possible results, Phytomax contains only the highest-quality, purest ingredients.
Phytomax is manufactured in sterile conditions. You can store the bottle in the refrigerator for up to six months. The only drawback is that you must measure out the required dosage of phytoplankton for your reef tank manually. This method is time-consuming and labor-intensive. It also has minimal benefits for copepods. It is not recommended for reef aquariums that have high concentrations of phytoplankton.
Marine Phytoplex
Aquacultured phytoplankton are a great source of the essential amino acids, proteins, and trace elements that corals and other invertebrates need to thrive. Many fish and reef aquarium plants rely on microplankton to feed, and the right blend of nutrients can provide an excellent diet for your marine life. Some of the best sources of microplankton are Nannochloropsis sp., Tetraselmis sp., and PhytoPlan.
While marine phytoplex is one of the most popular microplankton foods on the market, many people are skeptical about its effectiveness. It’s important to keep in mind that non-targeted feeding products can cause a nutrient overload and a decreased growth rate of corals. That said, responsible manufacturers conduct extensive research and testing before releasing a product into the public. Using proper feeding techniques, a product is safe and effective.
Hikari’s “Squirt & Go” method
When feeding your marine aquarium, there are two main feeding methods. One method is squirts into the water, while the other is broadcast feeding. If you are feeding your reef with coral, you should aim for one that will feed your LPS corals evenly. Targeted feeding is more effective with large mouthed corals, while broadcast feeding is better for smaller ones.
While Hikari is best known for their fish foods, they also produce a superior food for your reef aquarium. Coralific Delite is one such product. It’s a high-quality food, which comes in a large container. It’s ideal for broadcast feeding, as you don’t have to worry about it getting diluted and messing up the water chemistry.
