Pod Your Reef
Phaeodactylum tricornutum Phytoplankton
Phaeodactylum tricornutum Phytoplankton
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Phaeodactylum tricornutum Phytoplankton is renowned in aquaculture for its balanced nutritional profile of high-protein, high-carbohydrate, and incredibly high levels of essential Omega-3 fatty acids. It contains up to 51.8% EPA, far surpassing other microalgae species and providing exceptional nutrition for marine organisms.
- Package size: 16 oz
- 100% Aquacultured
- The cell size of Phaeodactylum tricornutum can vary depending on the shape of the cell, as this species has diverse cell shapes. However, on average, the cell length of Phaeodactylum tricornutum is about 10-20 micrometers.
- High density of carotenoids
- Each cell has a tail-like flagella it can use to remain in the water column
- Can survive in reef conditions and thus uneaten cells do not immediately become waste.
- Increases copepod production.
Diet Advantage: Balanced nutrition profile containing EPA and carotenoids.
Reef Advantage: Live microalgae culture, provides a natural source of food for corals, clams, filter feeders, copepods, and other zooplankton due to the various cell sizes. Increases copepods density, aids in the management of excess nutrients
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Coral Care For Phaeodactylum tricornutum Phytoplankton
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Coral Lighting Level Recommendations with PAR Levels
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Recommended Flow
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Temperament
How To Acclimate Your New Coral
Proper acclimation is crucial for new coral arrivals due to the stress they endure before reaching you. Follow this simple process immediately upon receiving your livestock. The entire procedure takes less than half an hour.
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Step 1: Dim the Aquarium Lights
The corals have been in complete darkness during transit and are not ready for high-output aquarium lighting. Turning off the lights reduces potential stress. Overexposure to light can harm corals that were grown under lower light conditions, causing severe damage within just a day or two.
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Step 2: Transfer to a Larger Container
Use a small plastic tub for acclimating new corals. You can separate the corals into different tubs, but placing them together in one tub allows for enough volume to add aquarium water and prepare a pest control dip solution if needed.
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Step 3: Slowly Add Aquarium Water
Add 1/2 cup of aquarium water to the tub every few minutes. Slow addition is crucial as corals are sensitive to changes in pH and salinity. Some aquarists prefer drip acclimation for a more gradual process, but be mindful of potential temperature drops. The entire acclimation should take no more than 30 minutes.
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Step 4 (Optional): Dip Coral
To reduce the risk of introducing pests and parasites into your aquarium, consider using a pest control dip. Commonly used solutions include Coral Rx for treating pests like flatworms and nudibranchs, and Lugol’s Iodine for bacterial infections. Regular dipping, even when transferring corals between tanks, helps maintain a healthy aquarium environment.
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Step 5: Place the Coral in the Tank
Select an appropriate location in your tank where the coral will receive suitable water flow and lower light levels initially. This allows the coral to acclimate to its new surroundings. If possible, use a quarantine system for initial acclimation, then follow the same steps to introduce the coral into the main display tank after the quarantine period.
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Step 6: Enjoy
Now that your coral is properly acclimated and settled in its new home, take some time to appreciate its beauty and uniqueness. Observe how it interacts with its environment and other tank inhabitants. Enjoy the vibrant addition to your underwater ecosystem!
Feeding Corals
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Photosynesis
Many reef-building corals host photosynthetic cells known as zooxanthellae within their tissues. This mutualistic relationship benefits both the coral and the zooxanthellae. The coral provides a safe environment and essential compounds for photosynthesis to these cells, allowing them to thrive.
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Zooxanthellae
In return, the zooxanthellae generate oxygen and assist the coral in removing waste products. More importantly, they produce glucose, glycerol, and amino acids as byproducts of photosynthesis. These nutrients are vital for the coral's metabolic processes and overall health.
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Macronutrients
The coral uses these substances to create proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and to produce calcium carbonate, which is essential for building its skeleton. This symbiotic relationship is crucial for the efficient recycling of nutrients in the nutrient-poor tropical waters where these corals are found, ensuring their growth and sustainability.
Supplemental Feeding with Rotifers and Phytoplankton
For optimal coral health and growth, supplemental feeding with rotifers and phytoplankton can be highly beneficial. Rotifers provide a rich source of protein and essential fatty acids, while phytoplankton supplies vital nutrients and enhances the coral's natural diet. Incorporating these supplemental feeds can significantly improve the vitality and coloration of your corals, ensuring a thriving reef ecosystem.