Phytoplankton and Skimmer question

[Anonymous]

I turn off all my pumps when I feed my fish and then turn them back on when they're done.

I've read that phytoplankton needs to be added during the day, and zooplankton at night. How long am I supposed to turn off my skimmer when I'm feeding my corals?

I have a hang on skimmer btw. Another question is how long do you leave your skimmer on for? 24/7, or several hours a day? My guess is that it all depends on the bioload of the tank.

 

[Brian5000]

Most people leave their skimmers running all the time. Especially since I think some types can take a while to build speed. Plus, it doesn't hurt anything to "overskim."

I don't have any corals that really require target feeding, so I'll leave that to someone else.
_________________
Honda CB1300

 

[Snowboarda42]

Only reason you'd turn your skimmer off is to keep the Pyto in suspension longer when feeding coral. I would think that your theory is backwards though. Reason for feeding Phyto at night is that coral extends feeding polyps at night. Zoo during the day since your Zoanthids are open, feather dusters are out, and your fish eat some too (like sweetwater Zooplankton)

Just my theory though...


If you really want to see good response and growth, you might even dose ReefPlus (amino acids) an hour before you dose your Phyto, that way the Polyps will be getting AA's as well. Also, look into the Blue Coral Method (without the Human Growth Hormone). PM me if you want a link.


-Elliott

 

[msn711]

I thought it was the other way around. Zooplankton for corals and phytoplankton for pods and feather dusters??? So you would do zooplankton at night.

 

[Anonymous]

thanks for the replies!

 

[Killagoby]

I thought it was the other way around. Zooplankton for corals and phytoplankton for pods and feather dusters??? So you would do zooplankton at night.

Zooplankton is for corals; Phytoplankton is for filter-feeders.