Phyto, Supplements Question..

[apantale]

What is the best method for dispersing Phyto and/or Supplements to your tank? In general, is it ok to generally dose your supplements, (ie. EcoSystems Reef Solution)? As for food sources, (ie. Phytoplankton) is it best to target feed? The reason for the questions, is that I do not want to waste the product, if it is not getting to the animals correctly. I have noticed that alot of it gets taken by the Skimmer. Some suggest I target feed all of my coral, but I dont feel that that is necessary. I dont know..Just need some answers.

Thanks guys..

[Ninong]

I wouldn't try to target feed anything other than LPS or anemones. And they don't eat phytoplankton anyway.

Sometimes I turn off my pumps when I feed phytoplankton but most of the time I just turn off the skimmer and remove any foam blocks or filter pads from the sump. I prefer to mix phytoplankton into a large plastic measuring cup (12-cup size) filled with tankwater and then pour it forcefully into the tank so that it penetrates the surface. I hold the container about six inches above the surface as I pour.

There is a Catch 22 when it comes to feeding phytoplankton. The problem lies in the fact that filter feeders (e.g., Tridacna clams) can only handle a limited amount of phytoplankton at a time. That means that ideally it should be fed to the tank in very small, very frequent feedings. This isn't practical for most of us. Most people end up feeding it two or three times a week when it would be much better to spread that same amount over two or three feedings a day, every day.

[apantale]

I wouldn't try to target feed anything other than LPS or anemones. And they don't eat phytoplankton anyway.

Sometimes I turn off my pumps when I feed phytoplankton but most of the time I just turn off the skimmer and remove any foam blocks or filter pads from the sump. I prefer to mix phytoplankton into a large plastic measuring cup (12-cup size) filled with tankwater and then pour it forcefully into the tank so that it penetrates the surface. I hold the container about six inches above the surface as I pour.

There is a Catch 22 when it comes to feeding phytoplankton. The problem lies in the fact that filter feeders (e.g., Tridacna clams) can only handle a limited amount of phytoplankton at a time. That means that ideally it should be fed to the tank in very small, very frequent feedings. This isn't practical for most of us. Most people end up feeding it two or three times a week when it would be much better to spread that same amount over two or three feedings a day, every day.

I appreciate the feedback. It makes more sense with the spreading approach. With my 35gal, I normally put about 2.5 tsp twice a week of the phyto in a spread pattern, but I never thought of turning off the skimmer..makes total sense. I will have to do that. As for the supplements, I will also use the spread technique as well. Seems to be ok for now. My Gonioporas, Torch, polyps, ricordeas, shrooms, toadstool, hammer and brain seem to be doing fine so far. I just love when the flowerpot, and torch sway back and forth in the flow..very cool stuff. Anyways, Thanks "Godfather"!!! Bet you didnt think I knew what your handle meant!! I am of that ethnic background.. ;)