The source of Eric B's beliefs can be found in this paper: Phytoplankton: a significant trophic source for soft corals? by Alexander Widdig · Dietrich Schlichter, published in 2001. Based upon their research, using labeled microalgaes and checking for the metabolites of these algaes they reached this conclusion:
"The ingestion and assimilation rates calculated for larger algae species (Chaetoceros muelleri, Tetraselmis sp., Dinoflagellates) on the basis of results obtained under standard conditions and of those simulating in situ conditions were found to be similar. However, for the minute Nannochloropsis sp., the incorporation rates under simulated in situ conditions were about 3.5 times higher than in the standard feeding experiments.
The low trophic contribution through herbivory, suggests that there are further heterotrophic resources used by the azooxanthellate Dendronephthya sp. Besides DOM [dead organic matter], all categories of zooplankton and dead organic materials such as phytodetritus and zoodetritus might be used to meet the energetic demands."
This, then, is the predicate for Eric's belief in the greater value of Nannochloropsis sp.
If we accept these findings, then our focus, among other things, should be on zooplankton. I think this is why we are all using Rotifeast and having varying degrees of success with Dendros and the like. Eric had one suggestion for me, a product called Sera Micron, which is an extraordinarily fine mixture of a variety of foods, including zooplankton. I have been using this for a week or so by target feeding. Additionally, Two Little Fishies possesses a product called Zoplan that I just obtained yesterday that seems to fit the bill.
I have two points in all of this. First, based on the article by Widdig and Schlichter there exists a legitimate question concerning the value of a wide spectrum phytoplankton product as opposed to using a more narrow phytoplankton product. Certainly, there is a negative impact on our tanks with too much of invaluable foods in the water column. Second, again based on the article by Widdig and Schlichter, there is every reason to believe more focus should be put on zooplanktons, like Rotifeast, Zoplan and perhaps Sera Micron, which should also, indirectly, increase the availability of zoodetritus.
