feather dusters, info please

[spkdtch]

im planning on buying the group of 3 feather dusters, what makes them throw their crown? how quickly will it grow back?
also, it says they eat phytoplankton, ive been confused about it for a few different creatures, pods, my tube anemone, few of my crabs, basically filter feeders
kent makes a couple of different products that have plankton, whats the difference? just the size of particles?
PhytoPlex
ZooPlex
which do i get?

 

[uneverno]

Dusters are filter feeders. They'll take up just about anything in the water column. No need for spot feeding in an established tank. A little phyto or zoo, based on tank size, once or twice a week should do the trick.
They will throw their crowns if they get attacked or really scared (like a lizard dropping its tail.) Normally, they'll grow them back within a week or two provided they haven't been otherwise seriously damaged.
They don't need light, but decent flow is good for them.
Phyto is plant based, Zoo is animal based. They'll take either one. Preferably both. Just like with other critters, variety is beneficial.

 

[spkdtch]

thanks, i appreciate the advice, ill get both, the tank they are going in has only been set up about 3 months
never was too certain on what an established tank constitutes(how long it needs to be set up for)