Culturing Phyto

[newtosa]

Joshua -

This is project #3 on my new tank (1st is to get it up and running; 2nd is getting the ca reactors on line). This is the setup I want to copy (on a smaller scale):
http://www.sjwilson.net/reef/

For now, it's just an idea. Realistically, I probably won't get to this until some time in the summer.

I definitely want to do it, though. I think the benefits could be huge.

Dean

[MikeP]

Josh. I had a phyto culture going for about a month before it crashed (forgot about it) . bascially I used some DT's , saltwater, an air pump and left the container on the windowsill. I didn't really know about halving the culture so ine got too concentrated I believe. The link newtosa had is good. That lady has a pretty complicated setup - I'm trying to figure out one where I can use natural sunlight also I want to get a culture that has more types of phyto. DT's only has nannochloropsis sp I believe.

[Jeff Post]

Josh,

Once you get this all figured out I want to see how you did it so that I can copy it.

[Troy Valentine]

Josh-

I've got a 20 gallon culture that I've been using for a little over 2 months. I was amazed at how easy it was to get started and keep running. All I have is a 20 long tank with a 55 watt 50/50 pc on it 24/7. Thats right I never turn off the lights. I add some food to it once a month and thats it. The tank turned a deep green after a few weeks. And I've been using it ever since. I also circulate the tank with a venturi type protein skimmer that is just blowing air and water into the tank very slowly.

[newtosa]

Troy - as usual we're gonna have to see your setup and learn from it.

Mike - Did I read it right - you used SW for the culture medium? Fresh synthetic SW or tank water? If tank water, I'm guessing it could possibly have had other species in it? That would be cool. Still no way to separate em and culture independently, but better than just N. oculata. Also good to confirm that you can start your culture using DT's.

BTW everyone - today I took my monthly trip down to Awana Pets to buy some DT's. For the first time in a long time, they only had the smaller bottles. Later in the day, I was at Tx Tropicals buying some u-tubes, and noticed a fancy new dorm-size fridge by the counter. They're selling DT's now. They also have some cool tiny clown gobies (good for hiding in your Acros), just arrived today. Allright, I'm off topic.

Josh - I knew I had seen that link somewhere before. I'd lost it; thanks. That's the one I'm building (maybe a smaller scale).

Proud New Dad

[Chris]

So how much were parts Josh?

You should put this in the DIY section and give us a run down of all the parts. ;)

[Chris]

Maybe we should add a DIY section to our links and add the two links above. They were both very helpful.


Done & done. 8)

[MikeP]

Nice set up Josh. So you drilled holes through the PVC to run the tubing through? If you end up needing a bigger air pump let me know, I have a Schwego sitting around doing nothing - it's a big beastly powerful german pump.

[Tim Marvin]

Do you want to trade for the beast?

[Tim Marvin]

I wish I was closer I'd take you up on some. I may give this culture thing a go. I have been thinking about it for a few years now, but always thought it would be a hassle.