PHYTOPLANKTON

Nannochloropsis is a beneficial micro algae found throughout the world?s oceans. This live phytoplankton has been cultured from a Petri Dish, using Hydro Algal Fertilizer with the industry-standard Guillard f/2 medium formula for greater density and longer viability. By culturing directly from a petri dish, you can be assured that you have only Nannochloropsis Oculata, and not a mixture of various types of microalgae. The genus Nannochloropsis Oculata is widely accepted as the standard for reef keeping aquarists to promote the growth and vibrancy of many corals, invertebrates, and other filter feeder livestock. At Mercer of Montana, we adhere to the highest standards of sterile laboratory protocols, to ensure that each bottle of dense, vitamin rich Phytoplankton is contaminant-free. The salinity of the phytoplankton you received was cultured at a specific gravity of 1.020.

Suggested Use: To obtain best results, Mercer of Montana suggests target dosing directed at individual livestock by gently spraying 1-2ml each, using a syringe or other bulb type baster. Suspend all water movement, including skimmer, for 15-20 minutes while dosing. Begin dosage twice per week, increasing the frequency as recipients and filtration have adjusted to the regimen.

Propagation:  To inoculate your own phytoplankton culture, combine phytoplankton with saltwater (1.018-1.020 sg) at an equal rate (1:1). Add Hydro Algal Fertilizer (available from Mercer of Montana), or other growth medium formulated with the Guillard f/2 formula, at a rate of 1.0ml per liter. Due to numerous variables in each culture, you may need to adjust your dosage. If your culture begins to slowly turn from green to yellow, it usually indicates there is not enough fertilizer, and a small addition should correct this within a day or two.

Storage: To extend the viability of the contents past the 7-day growth cycle, and purpose is not to propagate your own culture, remember to open each container (to assure gas exchange after shipping) immediately upon receipt, refrigerate contents, and invert bottle once daily. In this manner, contents should retain potency for up to 30 days. Phytoplankton to be used as an inoculant should be used within 7 days of receipt, to assure maximum density, and refrigeration in not necessary.

Warning: Not recommended for human consumption. Filtering during the bottling process assures you?re adding the highest level of purity to your livestock and saltwater. 

HYDRO ALGAL FERTILIZER

Guillard?s f/2 formula in an 8 ounce bottle.

Contains: Vitamins B12, Thiamin, and Biotin, to ensure a proper balance for maximum health.

Other Ingredients: Cupric Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Cobalt Chloride, Sodium Ferric Ethylendiaminetetraacetate (EDTA), Manganese Chloride, Sodium Molydate, Sodium Nitrate, and Sodium Phosphate.