Samples were collected by removing a sample holder from the mesocosm tank and cutting the sample holder to liberate a sample. Each sample was photographed and placed into a preweighed 2 mL microcentrifuge tube filled with MilliQ water. Samples incubated for ~30 minutes at room temperature before light rinsing with copious amounts of MilliQ water to remove detritus. Afterward, samples in their respective tubes were placed open to dry at 60 ºC for 48 hrs in an IsoTemp 637G oven (Fisher Scientific). Samples in their tubes were then removed from the oven, closed, allowed to return to room temperature, and massed.