How to culture phytoplankton?

Phytoplankton are microscopic, single-celled organisms that live in aquatic environments (freshwater and saltwater) and provide ideal conditions for their growth and reproduction.

Phytoplankton typically inhabits the well-illuminated surface layer or euphotic zone of the sea, lakes, oceans, and other bodies of water.

Phytoplankton comprises various taxonomic groups: cyanobacteria (Cyanophyta, Cyanobacteria), green algae (Chlorophyta), diatoms (Bacillariophyceae), dinoflagellates (Dinoflagellata).

These organisms form the basis of freshwater and marine food webs. Additionally, phytoplankton is a primary producer or autotroph – an organism capable of producing its own food, utilizing solar energy to transform inorganic molecules, such as carbon dioxide, into energy-rich organic compounds and oxygen.

Essentially, phytoplankton obtains its nourishment through the synthesis of its cellular components in the presence of light energy. Thus, the process by which food production occurs is called photosynthesis.

In aquaristics, several species of phytoplankton are cultivated to meet the nutritional needs of microfauna. Such species include the well-known and commonly used Nannochloropsis oculata, as well as others such as Isochrysis galbana and Tetraselmis spp.

1. First, prepare the container or vessels for cultivation by sterilizing them with vinegar and water or alcohol to prevent contamination.
2. Then, drill two holes in the cap of each cultivation vessel, one for connecting the air tubing to the air pump and the other to facilitate gas exchange.
   Note: Leaving the container open increases the risk of water contamination. We don’t want anything to get in there!
3. Cut the rigid air tubing slightly shorter than the total length of the container, and then insert it into the base of the container/bottle, making sure the rigid air tubing passes through the bottle cap. Bend the rigid air tubing slightly at the top to create a bend or “U” shape.
4. Connect the rigid air tubing to the flexible air tubing, and then connect it to the air pump to provide adequate airflow. The bubbles should be strong enough to mix the entire container, and the flow should be about 2 bubbles per second. If you have multiple containers, connect all the tubes to the airline splitter and extend it to the air pump.
   Important: Do not use an airstone, as it will create micro air bubbles and simply defat your phytoplankton (it will act as a skimmer in the sump).
   Note: Make sure you have installed a check valve to bridge the air tubing. This helps prevent water backflow, especially during power outages. An airflow regulator is also required to allow flow regulation – the amount of flow that the cultivation vessel receives.

Creating the nutrient solution

Now it’s time to create the culture media.

1. Essentially, the culture media is a mixture of saltwater solution and growth fertilizer. To achieve this, pour high-quality marine salt mix into 2 liters of freshwater RO/DI and make sure you reach a specific gravity of 1.019 – 1.026 for the best results. Measure this using a good refractometer or another salinity meter.
   Note: The pH should be higher than 8.0 – ideally 8.2.
   Important: Never use old water from your tank! It must always be freshly mixed saltwater.
2. Then, pour the salt solution into containers and add live phytoplankton and fertilizer. Do not overfill the container; leave some space as an air gap.
3. Next, shake the bottle of F/2 fertilizer and add according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a measuring syringe or pipette to measure the correct amount.

What should you pay attention to when cultivating phytoplankton?

In cultivating phytoplankton as food for aquariums, it’s important to pay attention to the conditions we need to meet for our culture to thrive.

1. Lighting
   The essence of artificial lighting is to provide a source of energy that facilitates photosynthesis – enabling the growth and reproduction of algal cells in the cultivation vessel.
   Therefore, it’s essential to maintain a minimum light-to-darkness ratio of 16:8 hours per day. I know that some aquarists even tend to leave the light on for the entire 24 hours without any noticeable problems. The opacity of the cultivation vessel will affect the amount of light penetrating through it. Therefore, a transparent, plastic container is a good choice for phytoplankton cultivation.
2. Temperature
   Phytoplankton may not thrive well in extreme temperature conditions, but when it comes to Nannochloropsis oculata, it will grow well at room temperature.
3. Waterflow
   The presence of bubbling movement (aeration) in the cultivation vessel helps distribute nutrients and microalgal cells throughout the container. It also facilitates gas exchange, allowing phytoplankton to remain in good condition.
   Importantly, this promotes the even distribution of essential nutrients, maintains pH levels, and encourages rapid growth/multiplication of phytoplankton cells. That’s why you need an air pump for your cultivation.
   Note: If you notice that the culture looks somewhat lighter on the second day, it’s because much of the phytoplankton settled at the bottom. You can stir it with a spoon and/or increase the flow a bit. Don’t let it stay at the bottom, as it may suffocate and die.
4. Fertilization
   The cultivation medium typically consists of saltwater enriched with nutrients through the use of F/2 fertilizer in the appropriate dosage.
   This fertilizer contains adequate amounts of nitrates, phosphates, and other essential nutrients that support high yields of algae.

Collecting phytoplankton culture

The algae biomass in the cultivation vessel will reach a high density (indicated by a dark green color) after a few days – usually between the 5th and 7th day.

Under favorable conditions, the cell divides up to 8 times a day. As it grows (7-17 days), the phytoplankton enters a “balance” phase between the number of phyto cells, nutrient availability, free space, and other conditions.

The “decline” phase begins on the 17th-25th day. You’ll see cells start to die and settle at the bottom of the container.

Now you can proceed to collect about ½ or ⅔ of the cultivated phytoplankton culture into a separate, clean container. You can use it in the tank or leave it to expand your cultivation.

Storing phytoplankton culture

The collected phytoplankton cultures should be properly packed and stored in the refrigerator until use. DO NOT place them in the freezer!

Also, make sure to shake the bottles daily to prevent the settling of phytoplankton cells at the bottom, as this may cause spoilage.

This way, you can easily store it for up to 3 months.

Summary

Cultivating phytoplankton is a great and effective way to minimize the high costs associated with feeding aquarium fauna.

Phytoplankton is quite easy to cultivate as long as you provide it with the proper conditions, such as lighting, aeration, nutrition, and salinity, which support its growth.

The total cost of phytoplankton cultivation is minimal compared to many other feeding options. Ultimately, even beginner hobbyists may be able to cultivate a significant amount of fresh phytoplankton for their tanks.