Rotifer & Phytoplankton Reef Pack

Most of the animals on a coral reef are very effective at capturing either zooplankton, phytoplankton or both from the water that passes over them.

Many of these animals can and do capture phytoplankton directly, and the ones that cannot , such as the fishes still take advantage of the nutritional quality of these tiny algae by preying on small animals that do eat them (such as copepods, rotifers and mysids). Why? Because there are a number of essential nutrients provided by marine algae, especially phytoplankton, which cannot be synthesized by animals, and are therefore extremely important components of a healthy diet

Benefits of Live Phytoplankton:

• Brighter colored corals
• Faster coral growth
• Greater polyp extension
• Increased number of micro fauna
• Increased zooplankton and copepod populations
• Mysid populations will bloom due to the increase in copepods

What Are Rotifers?

Rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) are very tiny animals measuring between 130-200 micrometers. Rotifers are often raised as food for live corals and fish larvae. They are the ideal starter food for species of fish such as clownfish fry which have tiny larvae with very, very tiny mouths.

Who Should Use Rotifers?

Almost any marine aquarium will benefit from the addition of rotifers, Their size and excellent nutritional value (50% to 65% protein) make them the perfect live food for all (freshwater and marine) fry, anemones, sponges etc.

How To Feed Rotifers

To add them to your system, simply pour the bottle directly into the aquarium or use a sieve to strain them. Feed as little or as much as required. Rotifers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days if you do not want to feed them all at the same time. Rotifers are perfect for a reef's food source because they multiply very rapidly and they are just the right size for almost all filter feeders.

Which Rotifers Do You Stock?

We stock (Brachionus plicatilis) which is the "L" strain which range in size from 150-360 microns. Our rotifers are cultured in saltwater with a specific gravity of 1.019. and are usually maintained at a population density of 50 to 200 rotifers per ml of water.