switching to commercial phyto

[joebean]

I want to move from culturing my own phyto to using frozen paste like Rotigrow Plus to save me some time
Anyone made the switch positively ?

It's sold in 1 liter bag, how long can i expect it to last while feeding enough rotifers for 1-2 clownfish nests a month ?

[Scottt]

For me 1 Liter of Rotigrow does about 10 to 20 nests, ish.
As long as you grow the right amount of rotifers for your needs, it should last a year. I however have a hard time growing just the right amount.

[Suzy]

I freeze it in ice cube trays. I think it lasts quite a while that way.

[chuggy]

that bag should last at least a year it takes very very little to tint the water. I use it in my larval tanks also

[Luis A M]

Instead of thawing it and fill ice cube trays,you can cut it into ice cube pieces,you save a lot
It does last a long time!.

[Suzy]

I am not strong enough, or I need a stronger knife!

[Luis A M]

Not strength needed at all
You peel off all the plastic and lay the solid block flat on a cutting board.You take a large kitchen knife and place it where you want to cut.And then pound on the knife with something heavy.I use a wooden club used to tenderize the steaks.
Basic household skills,I suppose!

[2reefnutz]

I just ordered this as well and wondered how long it will last. Making my own didn't seem to be enough for my rots.

[Suzy]

Smack it with a hammer! Why didn't I think of that!

Much easier. I will do that next time.

[Luis A M]

Smack it with a hammer! Why didn't I think of that!

Much easier. I will do that next time.

No,the hammer hits on the knife blade and you get a neat straight cut.

[Suzy]

I bet you make a yummy dinner!

[Luis A M]

I bet you make a yummy dinner!

At least my fish didn´t complain about the seafood mix
Was my explanation clear? You hold the knife in position and keep it steady while hammering on it ...

[Suzy]

Yes, very clear. I will try that next time. And, maybe I will tackle trying to make my own fish food. I tried once, but the frozen squid made me want to hurl.....

[joebean]

Thanks for the nest/liter estimation, i don't think i'll stop growing mine for now, i find it such an easy thing to do.
I grow it in 4 liter jugs and store it in the fridge for weeks, shaking it once a day

On the subject of phyto I once put a few soda bottles under 600 watt sodium pressure light in my "garden" and i achieved the meanest darkest black color on my phyto i ever got. I thought it went bad until i poured a little bit in a glass and saw green. I have yet to reproduce that result under normal CFL bulbs.

[Suzy]

Live is best, IMO, just because it is consuming ammonia in the nursery while it is waiting to get eaten by a pod larvae.

[tank1980]

Yes, very clear. I will try that next time. And, maybe I will tackle trying to make my own fish food. I tried once, but the frozen squid made me want to hurl.....

I like to add it in a food processor with just a little bit of water or phyto and let it go. I have a pretty good stomach, my wife on the other hand will turn a bit green when I do so. I did notice she would help me when I started the doing it this way as the look does not get to her as much as when I would chop or grind it up. Perhaps she is just being a loving wife or she is telling the truth haha.