Phytoplankton-zooplankton

Phyto-zooplankton, the foundation of the reef "food web"

Phytoplankton (microalgae) and zooplankton (copepods, rotifers, etc.) are at the heart of natural feeding in reef environments. Phytoplankton directly nourishes certain filter feeders and mainly serves as fuel for zooplankton, which then becomes a major resource for many inhabitants of the tank. In practice, these contributions support an active microfauna, improve food availability, and contribute to a more stable ecosystem, particularly through the refuge.

In terms of hobby "history," live plankton feeding has become widely popularized with brands that have become emblematic: ReefBuilders cites DT’s Phytoplankton Farm as a reference that significantly launched live microalgae feeding in reef aquariums.

Today, the interest remains the same: to build a sustainable food chain (phyto → zooplankton → fish/corals) with regular and controlled inputs.