For maintaining copepod cultures, use 5-10ml of concentrated live phytoplankton per liter of copepod culture every 2-3 days. Reef tank dosing for established copepod populations requires 5ml per 10 gallons 2-3 times weekly. Breeding copepods in refugiums need daily phytoplankton feeding - dose 10-15ml per 20 gallons. Dense phytoplankton cultures from PodDrop contain billions of cells per ml compared to diluted commercial products. Monitor water clarity and adjust dosing to prevent overfeeding.

Mixing multiple phytoplankton strains provides complete nutrition for copepods and corals. Small cells like Nannochloropsis (2-4 microns) feed small copepod nauplii, while larger cells like Tetraselmis (10-14 microns) feed adult copepods. Combining Isochrysis for DHA, Nannochloropsis for EPA, and Rhodomonas for palatability creates optimal copepod nutrition. Our Dino Shield blend contains three complementary strains. Mix strains in equal parts or use species-specific phytoplankton for targeted feeding based on your copepod species.

Isochrysis galbana (T-ISO) is the best all-purpose phytoplankton for feeding all copepod species - it's the industry standard. Rhodomonas salina is preferred by calanoid copepods like Acartia and Parvocalanus. Tetraselmis chui works excellently for large copepods like Tigriopus and Apocyclops. For coral feeding, use smaller strains like Nannochloropsis (2-4 microns) and Isochrysis (4-6 microns) that corals can capture easily. SPS corals benefit from dense phytoplankton dosing while LPS corals prefer larger food particles.

Live phytoplankton from PodDrop contains billions of living, photosynthesizing algae cells harvested fresh and shipped cold. Bottled phytoplankton paste is heat-killed, preserved, or concentrated product with reduced nutritional value. Live phytoplankton maintains full EPA and DHA omega-3 content, while dead cells lose nutritional quality over time. Our phytoplankton cultures are the same strains used by commercial aquaculture hatcheries. Fresh live phytoplankton establishes better copepod gut loading and coral health compared to preserved alternatives.

Live phytoplankton cultures last 2-4 weeks when refrigerated at 35-45°F in the original sealed bottle. Store upright away from light to slow cell division and extend shelf life. Shake gently before each use to resuspend settled cells. Phytoplankton color indicates viability - brown/green cultures are healthy, while clear or foul-smelling cultures have crashed. We harvest and ship fresh Monday-Wednesday so cultures arrive at peak density. Use within 3-4 weeks for best copepod nutrition and coral feeding results.

Live phytoplankton ships Monday through Wednesday only from our Arizona facility to prevent weekend delays. All orders include insulated shipping boxes with ice packs to maintain cold temperatures during 2-day transit. Orders $55+ receive free insulated shipping. We harvest phytoplankton at peak density the morning of shipment for maximum freshness and cell viability. Our live arrival guarantee covers cultures that arrive warm or dead - contact us within 2 hours of delivery with photos for immediate replacement or full refund.