phyto question

Discussion in 'Algae' started by Peredhil, Apr 13, 2009.

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  1. Peredhil

    Peredhil Giant Squid

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    Is the green powder algae that one cleans off the glass with a mag-float 'phytoplankton'?



    Is cleaning your glass enough to feed corals/inverts that need phytoplankton ((like a feather)(assuming the first question's answer is 'yes'))?


    It seems like I clean a lot of this off the glass... and if it is phyto, I can't understand why I would want to dose that separately...

    thoughts/opinions on this please


    thanks
     
    Peredhil, Apr 13, 2009
    Peredhil, Apr 13, 2009
    #1

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  2. Stingray

    Stingray Blue Ringed Angel

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    Not to sure, but makes sense, i have naver dosed it in 1 year of reefing amd corals thriveing...
     
    Stingray, Apr 13, 2009
    Stingray, Apr 13, 2009
    #2
  3. ermano

    ermano Zoanthid

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    I clean my glass too often too. It's like a film coating and it comes off in like a powder...I don't think its phyto but maybe! Who knows!!
     
    ermano, Apr 13, 2009
    ermano, Apr 13, 2009
    #3
  4. Peredhil

    Peredhil Giant Squid

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    I don't know who knows... but whoever does know, I wish you'd reply ;D
     
    Peredhil, Apr 13, 2009
    Peredhil, Apr 13, 2009
    #4
  5. sostoudt

    sostoudt Giant Squid

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    i dont think so.
    phytoplankton is free floating. while the green algae must have something to grow on.

    green water may be phytoplankton.
     
    sostoudt, Apr 13, 2009
    sostoudt, Apr 13, 2009
    #5
  6. amcarrig

    amcarrig Super Moderator

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    Not sure about the green film stuff but diatoms most definitely fall into the phytoplankton category :)
     
    amcarrig, Apr 13, 2009
    amcarrig, Apr 13, 2009
    #6

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  7. reefer Bob

    reefer Bob Montipora Digitata

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    I dont think its phyto either. Its more like waste from fish. Thats how I know if I am overfeeding. If I have to clean the glass more than once every few days than I am overfeeding.
     
    reefer Bob, Apr 13, 2009
    reefer Bob, Apr 13, 2009
    #7
  8. PackLeader

    PackLeader Giant Squid

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    The stuff you are most likely scraping off is simply film algae. Some filter feeders will eat it, but no it's not phyto. And no, it's probably not enough for the duster ;)
     
    PackLeader, Apr 13, 2009
    PackLeader, Apr 13, 2009
    #8