what is a good phyto plankton food source?

Not to hi-jack this thread but has any one used reef chili?

 

I personally have not.

Sounds like you'd want to start another thread for that or search to see if there is info on the forum otherwise through the google search bar on 3reef.

 

Because I often target feed (sponge, sea apple, filter feeding cucumbers, etc), I have to let my phyto get to room temperature. I put it in a plastic Dixie Cup and let it sit out until it's no longer cold. (Think about it. Would you want me to squirt YOU with 35 degree water. LOL What people feel is a feeding response IMO is a reaction to the temperature). Obviously if I dose the tank, I don't bother letting it warm up.

How much to dose is going to vary a lot depending on many factors. However, the way you are dosing is fine. You might want to turn off the protein skimmer for a couple of hours too.

That is to be expected. When people "farm" various types of pods, they go through a LOT of phyto for this reason.

 

Do you have to keep the non-live stuff cold?

 

The manufacturer recommends it for highest shelf life.

 

gotcha... I was just wondering... I thought that was the advantage of having the non-live stuff is not having to refrigerate it... I suppose the shelf life is still much longer than the live stuff when refrigerated.