Phytoplankton for Sea Apple?

[Tija]

Hi guys

We bought a sea apple somewhere between 12-18 months ago, which wasn't such a great idea as the feeding of it is... difficult.

Here in Australia, anything to do with aquariums is hard to come by -- including phytoplankton.

Since we purchased the creature, I have been searching for some food for it. At the moment, it is not looking good -- VERY small, though it does open up to feed almost daily. All we have been able to feed it since we got it is a daily dose of Aquasonic Invertebrate Food Supplement.

Just today, I discovered a product called Phyto Diet. You can see it here:
Phyto Diet | Reef Culture

The page contains this info:

Phyto Diet is a new, highly nutritious feed for your marine aquarium.
Made from a highly nutritious and unsurpassed mix of microalgae species. The only microalgae product that provides a complete Omega-3 lipid profile.
Included in our diet are the green algae Tetraselmis, the brown flagellates Isochrysis and Pavlova, the yellow-green algae Nannochloropsis, and the diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii. It is a wide spectrum feed that is suitable for almost all reef invertebrates.
What are phytoplankton and why are they important in a Reef System?
Phytoplankton are single cell microalgae that exist primarily in the water column. Microalgae is the beginning of the marine food chain and the primary source of essential nutrients for most reef filter feeders. Filter feeders that rely directly on phytoplankton (microalgae) include bivalves like clams, scallops, mussels, and oysters, as well as many corals, feather dusters, sponges, ascidians and zooplankton like rotifers and copepods.
It was once thought that most reef animals do not require microalgae, however, we have learned in recent years that nearly all reef animals that can filter feed do rely on plankton for an essential portion of their diet. This is even true for animals that can use zoozanthellae and photosynthesis for nourishment. With hindsight this is obvious as zoozanthellae only contribute carbohydrates to the host animal, requiring the animal to look elsewhere for lipids, protein, vitamins and other nutrients.
In nature filter feeders rely on a mix of diatoms, golden-brown, green, yellow-green, blue-green and red microalgae for a nutritionally complete diet. These life forms may look similar, but they are so ancient that they have incredible biological and nutritional diversity. Biologically speaking, there is vastly more difference between a green algae and a golden-brown flagellate than between dandelion and a fir tree.
The Right Microalgae
After decades of research hatcheries and universities around the world have come to agreement on the best algae for filter feeders. At the top of the list are Isochrysis, Tetraselmis, Pavlova and Nannochloropsis. Each are good in their own way, but none on their own provide a complete diet. Brown algae are especially critical to your filter feeders because in addition to sterols and pigments they are the ONLY algae that produce the fatty acid DHA (required for complete Omega-3 nutrition).
Will soft corals and clams, and other bivalve shellfish feed on Phyto-Diet?
Phyto Diet is a great nutritional source of food for Soft Corals, Hard Corals, Clams, Sponges, Ascidians, Rotifers, Copepods, Cleaner Shrimp, Feather Duster Worms, and in fact most of the invertebrate filter feeders you have in your reef aquarium. Have new success with difficult to keep aminals. You will see the difference!
Available Options and Feeding Directions
Phyto Diet is available in a range of sizes. Feed approximately 1-5ml of Phyto Diet per 100 litres per day into a fast flowing area in your aquarium to see your corals and invertebrates thrive.

So, my question is -- is this a suitable food source for a sea apple, and will I be able to resurrect it from its starvation?

Thanks in advance,
Tija

[Reefing Madness]

That should do ya. Thats what I feed my tank, and I have a Sea Apple also. Its about the only thing you can get them to eat.
Aquarium Invertebrates: Sea Apples — Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog

[Tija]

That sounds good, then.

I have actually read that article you linked -- alas, only after we bought the sea apple.

What's your opinion on the apple's health, being so starved? I understand it's difficult to keep them alive for long (I once read that they live ~30 years in the wild and most aquarists can only keep them alive for ~3 years). I am hoping, however, to get our sea apple back to health.

- Tija

[Reefing Madness]

I'm in the same boat you are. I'm trying it. If you get them to plump up, your doing good.

[Tija]

Ah well, it's worth a try -- fingers crossed that we can save our sea apple.

Good luck with yours

- Tija

[Reefing Madness]

Ah well, it's worth a try -- fingers crossed that we can save our sea apple.

Good luck with yours

- Tija

You too.