Bioluminescent Dinoflagellates

[surfnturf]

I came across a source for bioluminescent dinoflagellates and I am interested in trying to keep these in a FOWLR tank. There are two species available that are "non toxic", and they are a form of phytoplankton, so why not? If anyone has any input on this, I'd really appreciate it. I don't want to add these things and kill all my fish, but if they could coexist it would be really cool to watch the tank flash at night!

 

[tucker3940]

Can't help, but I would be interested in finding out if it worked. Out of curiosity, where did you find them?

 

[bang guy]

I've seen it often on uncured live rock. I've even had it in my tank a couple time. It's really freaky to see when checking out the new night critters on freshly acquired rock. I've never heard of it living more than a few months though. I'd be great if there were a type that grows in the aquarium. I'd love to know more if you get some information!.

 

[mr hanky]

can you share your source im very curious as well!!!!! robby

 

[j21kickster]

If im not mistaken- dont creatures with biolumenesence usually come from greater depths- far deeper than our 3 foot tall reef tanks, the pressure factor could play a role and sometimes surface at night- then retreat to deep water during the day

 

[surfnturf]

Here's where I found them: http://lifesci.ucsb.edu/~biolum/organism/dinohome.html
As far as water depth, I don't think it matters too much, I've seen them on the surface of the water at night when I lived in San Diego, pretty cool. Also, they are photosynthetic, so they couldn't really be deepwater, but you are right J21, most things that are bioluminescent come from extreme depths.

 

[surfnturf]

Does anyone see a negative in trying to do this? Any sharks have an opinion on this?

 

[ekclark]

That looks cool enough to make a tiny tank just for those guys...nice post, this could be really cool.

 

[surfnturf]

bump><bump>^

 

[nacl-h2o]

If you try it, be sure to let us know how it works out. It might be interesting to have something like that.

 

[surfnturf]

Well, I guess nobody's going to tell me not to do it, why do a feel a bad thing is going to happen to me for trying this? Jeez, I wish somebody would step in and tell me I'm crazy for even thinking about this.

 

[wamp]

They sound like good fish food to me

 

[surfnturf]

Thanks for the vote wamp, if I turn out the light will my fish glow?

 

[nacl-h2o]

If your crazy for thinking of it, I'm crazy to. Because if you try it and it works out, I may be right behind you.

 

[tcoco]

what about filters and protien skimmers will these things get caught in them and be lost and killed or will my filters glow?

 

[surfnturf]

TCoco, I guess we'll find out pretty soon, I', going to order some as soon as I get a few other things worked out.

 

[tcoco]

cool can't wait to hear the results

 

[surfnturf]

What I was planning on doing, was to culture them in a 10 gallon, and add them every few days to the display. I don't have a filter, just a skimmer, so I probably wouldn't remove too many of them. The impeller shear from the powerheads might kill them though, won't know til I try it.

 

[bhav_88]

Sammy, the website says that these are nontoxic. Don't know if I trust them, but they seem knowledgeable.

 

[surfnturf]

This is a university that is selling them, and they are doing research on the things. I pretty much trust them that they are non toxic, but I am going to be cautious about it.