Growing phyto

[izzie]

Want to start growing my own phyto. Did some reasearch on it and have read about using miricle grow plant food to start the culter but wasnt sure if that be safe for me tank. So i was just wondering what everyone on here does that grows or has grown there own phyto. Thanks.
Izzie

 

[izzie]

If anyone grows phyto at all please let me know how you do it. Thanks.
Izzie

 

[Elmo18]

THis seems to be a question that is commonly asked. Maybe a workshop should be done I know others here can do it......I would, but I've already got one and am behind in finishing it

Best,
ilham

 

[Vicki]

I'd really like to learn about this aspect of reef keeping as well.
Maybe also about rotifer culturing.

Who knows how to do this?

Thanks,
Vicki

 

[Corals4Life]

I hate to put links but Susan Wilson has been doing both for years.

http://www.sjwilson.net/reef/

It is actually pretty easy if you stay on top of it, I never had the patience.

 

[Elmo18]

Links are good.

Although something permanent on RF would be nice......

Best,
Ilham

 

[marinelife]

I have been doing it for a while!
I used 1/4 bottle of DTs
RO/DI mixed to 1.019 sg
7.5 ml Miracle Grow Houseplant liquid food
1.5 ml Kent's Essential Elements
1 large Glass Jar for growing

Lighting 16 hours of light, 8 hours of darkness regulated with a timer
Steady bubbling of air via rigid tubing to the base of the bottle
Shaken slightly each day to stir up the solution from the bottom.

I have not had a problem with anything, almost everything that is added to the mix is used up by the phyto before adding it to the tank.

 

[Chubosco]

I read a thread once that said not to make your own because of a heavy metal (lead) build-up that occurs. You need serious filters to remove it. That might have been misinformation but I just never grew it because of that. Anybody know more? Sure would save me money, that stuff is expensive!

 

[bc_slc]

far from complete, but another couple of links:
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12343

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13705