Just been doing a bit of research and it seems like a good idea.

Can anyone share some info or experience on culturing phytoplankton?

let me know what you find rob, i would be interested in setting up a phyto culture

They have some cultures at the checkout at one of my LFS - they look like tubes of bubbling green liquid with lighting, like a bad Dr Who set peice. They're just interesting enough to pass some time while my credit card clears.

Sorry not very helpful! I think you can buy kits can't you?

I found this: Phyto Culture Link

But the equipment you need comes from an american site. Ill try and look for something simular in the UK. It seems quite simple.

The units at my LFS look alot like skimmer or reactor bodies, an airline with no stone fed in at the bottom and a flourescent lamp hooked the full length of the unit. There may be more to it but they do look very simple.

I think once the first culture is established, it will be quite simple.

if you get a culture (buy live phyto from stm etc..) just put it into clean 2ltr bottles with an air line and top up with water from the tank, add a little fertilizer and supply the most important ingredient light!

room temp is enough to keep it live and lets be honest its algae it just needs food and light!

hope this helps,

levi