PhytoFeast vs. PhytoFeast Live

[Eric55]

I went to my LFS and asked for phytoplankton (I was looking for the DT brand).

They told me that they carried the Reef Nutrition line and that they had 2 versions... "live" phytoplankton and "dead" phytoplankton. The owner told me that he tried the "dead" version in his personal tank and that it seemed fine (and it was substantially cheaper than the "live" version).

This will be my first time buying this. Is the "dead" version worth it, or should I get the "live" stuff.

Thanks for any advice you can share!

[bertoni]

What animals are you trying to feed? Clams will do much better with DT's. Other organisms might not care.

[Eric55]

I was hoping to feed the Xenia and 3 SPS corals.

[Aquarist007]

corals eat zooplankton--feed them cyclopeeze---the DT phyto is becoming very expensive skimmate.
The very experineced reefers on this site will attest to the fact that clams rely almost entirely on the light(and their algae) to produce food--little on filter feedings.
Save yourself the money on buying the DT--a stick of cylopeeze is only 9 dollars compared to 32 dollars

[Eric55]

The frozen stuff?

[aquarius77]

"reefers on this site will attest to the fact that clams rely almost entirely on the light"

My clams love to be fed DT's Phyto and Oyster eggs mixed, they go nuts.

[mbbuna]

Originally posted by aquarius77
"reefers on this site will attest to the fact that clams rely almost entirely on the light"

My clams love to be fed DT's Phyto and Oyster eggs mixed, they go nuts.

can you explain what you mean by "they go nuts"

[Aquarist007]

Originally posted by aquarius77
"reefers on this site will attest to the fact that clams rely almost entirely on the light"

My clams love to be fed DT's Phyto and Oyster eggs mixed, they go nuts.

its not that they won't try to eat them---its the fact that it is unnecessary----DT is 30 bucks(CDn)and oyster eggs are 25 dollars ---and last a month---IMO the money could go elsewhere---------UNLESS----you have fish that support the use of oyster eggs---i have found them quite usefull for getting difficult feeders to eat.

[Aquarist007]

Originally posted by Eric55
The frozen stuff?

cyclopeeze is in a frozen package(red in my area)
the brine and mysis shrimp I use are also frozen--but I thaw and rinse thoroughly with r/o water before using in the tank--they pick up alot of phosphates/nitratrates from the bats where they are produced.

[bertoni]

I agree that Cyclop-Eeze is a good food. Depending on the type of coral, it might be too large for them to eat, though. Xenia can't eat; they have no digestive system. The phytoplankton can serve as the base of a food chain that provides prey for corals, but it's rather expensive. I agree that oyster eggs and phytoplankton are good food for clams.

[Aquarist007]

Originally posted by mbbuna
can you explain what you mean by "they go nuts"

not too long ago we had a big discussion around t. clams and their reliance on light opposed to filter feeding:
I believe you were part of it

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...s&pagenumber=4

[mbbuna]

Originally posted by capn_hylinur
not too long ago we had a big discussion around t. clams and their reliance on light opposed to filter feeding:
I believe you were part of it

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...s&pagenumber=4

the reason i asked that is because alot of times when people feed particulate to there clams, the clam will retract quickly multiple times and people think its a feeding response when its actually a chocking response. the clam is trying to clear out the massive influx of particulate so it can breath.

clams can and will filter particulate from the water but filtering makes up a very tiny part of there nutritional needs. they dont filter in big gulps but slowly 24/7

[Aquarist007]

thanks--I knew you would come out with this statement in light of what you posted on the other thread-----I don't feel like my neck is stuck out that much any more----with your experience.
I have to much respect for Jonathan's experience and expertise to relish getting in a debate with him all by myself. LOL

[GreshamH]

Originally posted by bertoni
What animals are you trying to feed? Clams will do much better with DT's. Other organisms might not care.

Clams we keep in out tanks such as tridacnids, or ones used in studies we don't keep?

You seem to really like that study, got any scientific training yourself?

[bertoni]

Since your signature doesn't mention it, I'll point out that you're an employee of a competitor of DT's.

The scientific data is there. Make of it what you will. I'll stick with DT's.

[Aquarist007]

Originally posted by GreshamH
Clams we keep in out tanks such as tridacnids, or ones used in studies we don't keep?

You seem to really like that study, got any scientific training yourself?

I don't know if JB has any scientific training or not---but IMHO and I am sure of thankful others--he doesn't need any

I not going to repeat my post in case it my be perceived as ranting but here it is:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...=&pagenumber=2

Sorry--I hate it when someone of impecable expertise and experience--like JB takes a rap because he might be threatening someone on the commercial side of things. Truth is experinece and expertise, facts are meant to be manipulated by whoever.