Dino Shield Live Phytoplankton Blend
Dino Shield Live Phytoplankton Blend
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Product Overview
DinoShield is PodDrop's specialized five-species phytoplankton weapon engineered to eliminate dinoflagellate outbreaks through competitive exclusion and allelopathic suppression. This strategic blend combines three rapid-growing diatoms (Chaetoceros calcitrans, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Thalassiosira weissflogii) with two golden flagellates (Isochrysis lutea/T-ISO and Isochrysis galbana)—species specifically selected to outcompete dinoflagellates for nutrients, release chemical suppressants, and establish dominant microalgae populations that create biologically hostile conditions for dino persistence.
Perfect for aquarists battling dinoflagellate blooms or seeking preventative biological control, DinoShield attacks the problem through multiple mechanisms simultaneously. The three diatom species exploit diatoms' fundamental metabolic advantage—silica-based cell walls enable faster reproduction and more efficient nutrient uptake than dinoflagellates can match. Phaeodactylum releases allelopathic compounds that chemically suppress dino metabolism. The two Isochrysis species outcompete dinos for dissolved nutrients while simultaneously feeding copepods that physically graze dinoflagellate films. This five-species synergy creates conditions impossible for dinos to survive: rapid nutrient depletion, chemical suppression, physical shading, and establishment of beneficial microalgae communities that resist dino recolonization. DinoShield also stabilizes pH through photosynthetic activity, feeds corals and filter feeders during treatment, and provides chemical-free biological control without harsh medications. The blend arrives as a living, concentrated culture ready to dose directly into your system for immediate competitive pressure against dinoflagellates. This is professional-grade dino elimination through natural biological warfare.

Explore detailed care instructions, specifications, and policies below
Dinoflagellate Suppression: Outcompetes problem dinos for nutrients and space through natural competitive exclusion
Nutrient Competition: Rapidly consumes nitrates and phosphates that fuel dinoflagellate growth
pH Stabilization: Photosynthetic activity helps maintain stable pH levels during treatment
Beneficial Microbiome: Establishes healthy phytoplankton community that supports reef ecosystem balance
Copepod and Filter Feeder Nutrition: Provides live food while treating dinoflagellate issues
Chemical-Free Solution: Natural biological control without harsh medications or treatments
Dinoflagellate Suppression: Outcompetes problem dinos for nutrients and space through natural competitive exclusion
Nutrient Competition: Rapidly consumes nitrates and phosphates that fuel dinoflagellate growth
pH Stabilization: Photosynthetic activity helps maintain stable pH levels during treatment
Beneficial Microbiome: Establishes healthy phytoplankton community that supports reef ecosystem balance
Copepod and Filter Feeder Nutrition: Provides live food while treating dinoflagellate issues
Chemical-Free Solution: Natural biological control without harsh medications or treatments
DinoShield represents a targeted biological approach to one of reef keeping's most frustrating problems—dinoflagellate outbreaks. This proprietary blend combines fast-growing, nutrient-competitive phytoplankton species that establish quickly and dominate available resources. The formulation works through competitive exclusion: beneficial microalgae rapidly consume the nutrients dinoflagellates need while occupying ecological niches. DinoShield is most effective when combined with increased water flow, reduced photoperiod, and regular nutrient export. Best results occur in systems with adequate herbivorous copepod populations that graze on the beneficial phytoplankton, creating a natural cycle that keeps problem algae suppressed.
DinoShield represents a targeted biological approach to one of reef keeping's most frustrating problems—dinoflagellate outbreaks. This proprietary blend combines fast-growing, nutrient-competitive phytoplankton species that establish quickly and dominate available resources. The formulation works through competitive exclusion: beneficial microalgae rapidly consume the nutrients dinoflagellates need while occupying ecological niches. DinoShield is most effective when combined with increased water flow, reduced photoperiod, and regular nutrient export. Best results occur in systems with adequate herbivorous copepod populations that graze on the beneficial phytoplankton, creating a natural cycle that keeps problem algae suppressed.
Multi-Species Blend: Synergistic combination of fast-growing, competitive microalgae species
Rapid Nutrient Uptake: Selected for maximum nitrogen and phosphorus consumption rates
Diverse Size Range: Multiple cell sizes to occupy different ecological niches
High Growth Rates: Fast-reproducing species that quickly establish dominance
Dinoflagellate-Competitive: Species proven to outcompete common problem dinoflagellates
Reef-Safe Components: All species safe for fish, corals, and invertebrates
Multi-Species Blend: Synergistic combination of fast-growing, competitive microalgae species
Rapid Nutrient Uptake: Selected for maximum nitrogen and phosphorus consumption rates
Diverse Size Range: Multiple cell sizes to occupy different ecological niches
High Growth Rates: Fast-reproducing species that quickly establish dominance
Dinoflagellate-Competitive: Species proven to outcompete common problem dinoflagellates
Reef-Safe Components: All species safe for fish, corals, and invertebrates
Initial Treatment: Perform 25% water change and increase water flow in affected areas. Dose 30-50ml per 50 gallons daily for first week.
Aggressive Protocol: For severe infestations, dose 50-75ml per 50 gallons twice daily (morning and evening) for 7-10 days. Reduce photoperiod to 6-8 hours during treatment.
Maintenance Dosing: After initial knockdown, reduce to 20-30ml per 50 gallons daily for 2-3 weeks to prevent recurrence.
Best Practices:
Shake bottle vigorously before each use
Dose after lights-out or during low-light periods
Maintain good water flow and surface agitation
Manual removal of dinoflagellate mats improves results
Add copepods to graze beneficial phytoplankton and create sustainable cycle
Critical Success Factors: DinoShield works best with increased flow, reduced lighting, manual removal, and active copepod populations.
Initial Treatment: Perform 25% water change and increase water flow in affected areas. Dose 30-50ml per 50 gallons daily for first week.
Aggressive Protocol: For severe infestations, dose 50-75ml per 50 gallons twice daily (morning and evening) for 7-10 days. Reduce photoperiod to 6-8 hours during treatment.
Maintenance Dosing: After initial knockdown, reduce to 20-30ml per 50 gallons daily for 2-3 weeks to prevent recurrence.
Best Practices:
Shake bottle vigorously before each use
Dose after lights-out or during low-light periods
Maintain good water flow and surface agitation
Manual removal of dinoflagellate mats improves results
Add copepods to graze beneficial phytoplankton and create sustainable cycle
Critical Success Factors: DinoShield works best with increased flow, reduced lighting, manual removal, and active copepod populations.
Upon Arrival: Refrigerate immediately at 35-45°F. Shake vigorously before opening—multiple species settle at different rates.
Refrigerated Storage: Keeps for 2-3 weeks when properly refrigerated. Use promptly for maximum efficacy.
Viability Check: Healthy cultures show varied coloration (green, brown, red tones from multiple species). Fresh ocean smell indicates good condition.
Shake Before Use: Multiple species settle differently—always shake vigorously to redistribute entire blend before dosing.
Avoid Freezing: Never freeze phytoplankton cultures as this destroys cell structure and viability.
Upon Arrival: Refrigerate immediately at 35-45°F. Shake vigorously before opening—multiple species settle at different rates.
Refrigerated Storage: Keeps for 2-3 weeks when properly refrigerated. Use promptly for maximum efficacy.
Viability Check: Healthy cultures show varied coloration (green, brown, red tones from multiple species). Fresh ocean smell indicates good condition.
Shake Before Use: Multiple species settle differently—always shake vigorously to redistribute entire blend before dosing.
Avoid Freezing: Never freeze phytoplankton cultures as this destroys cell structure and viability.
All PodDrop phytoplankton products are guaranteed to arrive alive and viable. Our DinoShield blend is shipped fresh and concentrated for immediate use. If your culture arrives compromised (off smell, unusual appearance, or dead cells), contact us within 2 hours of delivery with photos for replacement or refund. We use insulated shipping to maintain culture viability during transit.
All PodDrop phytoplankton products are guaranteed to arrive alive and viable. Our DinoShield blend is shipped fresh and concentrated for immediate use. If your culture arrives compromised (off smell, unusual appearance, or dead cells), contact us within 2 hours of delivery with photos for replacement or refund. We use insulated shipping to maintain culture viability during transit.
Shipping: Monday-Wednesday via UPS 2nd Day Air for fast, reliable delivery. Arizona aquaculture license #91 ensures legal, biosecure cultures. Includes insulation and cold packs for temperature protection.
Weather Delays: We monitor conditions and may hold orders during extreme temperatures to ensure culture viability.
Returns: Live phytoplankton cannot be returned once shipped due to perishable nature. Contact us before shipping for order modifications.
Tracking: Confirmation email sent when your order ships with UPS tracking number.
Shipping: Monday-Wednesday via UPS 2nd Day Air for fast, reliable delivery. Arizona aquaculture license #91 ensures legal, biosecure cultures. Includes insulation and cold packs for temperature protection.
Weather Delays: We monitor conditions and may hold orders during extreme temperatures to ensure culture viability.
Returns: Live phytoplankton cannot be returned once shipped due to perishable nature. Contact us before shipping for order modifications.
Tracking: Confirmation email sent when your order ships with UPS tracking number.
PodDrop operates as a licensed Arizona aquaculture facility (AQ License #91) following strict biosecurity and handling protocols. Our DinoShield formulation is:
Raised in isolated, contamination-controlled systems
Free from harmful bacteria, parasites, and competing pest organisms
Packaged in food-grade, sealed containers for biosecurity
Shipped in compliance with USDA and state aquaculture regulations
Proprietary blend formulated specifically for dinoflagellate competitive exclusion
Sustainably produced without environmental impact
Proper Handling: Refrigerate immediately upon arrival. Shake vigorously before each use. Never release culture water into natural waterways. Dispose of packaging responsibly.
Treatment Notes: DinoShield is a biological tool, not a guaranteed cure. Success depends on proper husbandry including adequate flow, nutrient export, and ecosystem balance. Most effective when combined with manual removal and copepod populations.
PodDrop operates as a licensed Arizona aquaculture facility (AQ License #91) following strict biosecurity and handling protocols. Our DinoShield formulation is:
Raised in isolated, contamination-controlled systems
Free from harmful bacteria, parasites, and competing pest organisms
Packaged in food-grade, sealed containers for biosecurity
Shipped in compliance with USDA and state aquaculture regulations
Proprietary blend formulated specifically for dinoflagellate competitive exclusion
Sustainably produced without environmental impact
Proper Handling: Refrigerate immediately upon arrival. Shake vigorously before each use. Never release culture water into natural waterways. Dispose of packaging responsibly.
Treatment Notes: DinoShield is a biological tool, not a guaranteed cure. Success depends on proper husbandry including adequate flow, nutrient export, and ecosystem balance. Most effective when combined with manual removal and copepod populations.
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