Non live phytoplankton for copepods

[Susan Edwards]

Can I use non live phyto, like seachems, for my pod cultures? I haven't built up enough of my phyto to keep up with 2 jars of pods. I hve more coming in tomorrow. I just checked my current jars and don't see any live ones since adding the seachem phyto. Will ck again tonight. Maybe I need to buy more phyto...

 

[Susan Edwards]

I'm going to answer my own question as no. I contacted Seachem and they suspect that the low ph in their mix was responsible for shocking my culture. They suggested I mix it in with water first then add. I'm not chancing it again. I'll use it in my display tank, and use small amts. I'm disappointed that I lost 2 pod cultures. Another tough lesson learned by doing.