Isocrysis Strains, Which One and Why?

[Spikefin]

Is the Tahitian strain the one to go for over all others. What is the significance? If I plan to culture one algae only for multiple calanoids is T. Iso the best option? Carolina labs has Iso but I'm not sure it's Tahitian. Should I avoid their culture and go with algagen so I know I have the right stuff?

[Spikefin]

No one knows anything on this???

[Luis A M]

T-ISO,the tahitian strain is considered by most people your best bet for a single species choice,as far as the lipidic profile is concerned.So I advise you must be positive to get the real one.Occasionally one sees other ISO being used with success,but why risking your project?.

[Spikefin]

[clayton447]

I recommend you buy Algagen's Isochrysis starter culture from Seahorse Source; Erik's cultures are very reliable and clean, IMO.

Chad

[Luis A M]

If you are going to keep sterile starter cultures,then you should invest in the best culture available,even if expensive.Otherwise any good culture will be Ok.

[Spikefin]

Unfortunately I ended up ordering from FAF. I hope that wasn't a mistake. I am going to do my best to keep everything as sterile as I can. I plan to use the microwave method plus a cotton air filter. I'll call FAF in the morning to see the status on my order. I haven't gotten anything other than an order confirmation so maybe I can still cancel.

[Spikefin]

I was able to cancel my order from FAF. They hadn't prepared it yet. Hopefully there aren't any mix ups. They were going to ship Monday and seahorsesource ships Tuesday so there is only a one day delay. Although seahorse would have had it to me by now if I had originally gone with them. They were about $25 more but now I know I am getting quality stuff. Nothing against FAF, they were very nice to work with. Thanks again for the help. This forum has tons of invaluable information. When I get everything going I will post my result on another thread. Trying to rear Flaming Prawn Gobies BTW.

Edit: One more thing. How do I know how long to microwave the ASW? It's going to be 32oz. Also, it's best to not microwave the fertilizer correct? Thanks again guys!

[Luis A M]

I microwave the fertilized starter cultures of 60ml.I chlorinate larger volumes
Meaning the medium,of course

[Spikefin]

[Luis A M]

Yes,I allways microwave the culture medium and never had an issue.But there is a specific sterilizing protocol,not just having it boil.It is 3´on,5´off;again 3´on,5´off and finally 4´on.
And for Cl,2ml of bleach/8L,leave overnight and neutralize with 2ml of Thio solution.
Copepod culture has gone a long way and techniques changed over the years.But there are still two basic aproaches;either to harvest the naups you need every day or co-culture them in the larval tank.
You need 33 ml of a good algal culture /L/day.See the "copepod machine".
Possibly you gobies will need small naups,like Gobiodon