Emerald Overdrive – Premium Phytoplankton & Copepod Power Pack
Emerald Overdrive – Premium Phytoplankton & Copepod Power Pack
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Product Overview
Emerald Overdrive is PodDrop's maximum-performance bundle engineered for reefers who demand the absolute best—combining double Nannochloropsis phytoplankton with four premium copepod species including the rare, ultra-nutritious Tigriopus sirindhornae. This powerhouse system delivers sustained fuel for explosive copepod reproduction through two bottles of dense green phytoplankton (the industry-standard EPA omega-3 powerhouse) paired with Tisbe biminiensis, Apocyclops panamensis, Tigriopus californicus, and exclusive T. sirindhornae—creating unmatched nutritional density and genetic diversity impossible from standard three-species bundles.
Perfect for competition-grade systems, demanding fish populations (multiple mandarins, seahorses, anthias), and aquarists seeking elite performance, Emerald Overdrive eliminates copepod competition through abundant phytoplankton while the rare sirindhornae elevates coloration and nutritional quality beyond standard offerings. The double Nannochloropsis dose sustains all four species simultaneously without forcing them to compete for food, resulting in faster reproduction rates and healthier, more nutritious copepods. Species distribute across sandbed (Tisbe), water column (Apocyclops), and surface zones (both Tigriopus species)—with californicus providing cold-tolerance and sirindhornae optimizing tropical coloration transfer. Size diversity (0.5-1.5mm) feeds everything from micro-predators to aggressive planktivores while the dual Tigriopus pairing provides temperature insurance across 60-84°F range. Inclusion of rare Thai sirindhornae—with enhanced carotenoid profiles and superior pigmentation—separates this bundle from all standard copepod offerings. All components arrive in actively feeding cultures with live phytoplankton, already reproducing at peak nutritional quality, ready to deliver maximum performance immediately. This is the ultimate copepod ecosystem for systems that accept nothing less than the best.
Explore detailed care instructions, specifications, and policies below
Emerald Overdrive unleashes maximum copepod production through strategic overfeeding with double Nannochloropsis. Two bottles of dense green phytoplankton provide sustained fuel for four copepod species simultaneously, creating population explosions impossible with standard phytoplankton ratios. The abundant food supply eliminates competition between species, allowing each to establish robust breeding populations across their preferred niches while maintaining peak nutritional quality.
The four-species strategy ensures complete ecological coverage with built-in redundancy. Tisbe dominates benthic zones and refugiums, Apocyclops patrols the water column, while both Tigriopus species thrive in high-energy surface areas—californicus for cold tolerance and sirindhornae for tropical superiority. This combination guarantees year-round copepod availability regardless of temperature fluctuations, flow patterns, or predation pressure. The rare Tigriopus sirindhornae elevates the entire system with enhanced pigmentation and nutritional density unavailable from standard species.
Systems running Emerald Overdrive support the most demanding fish populations including multiple mandarins, seahorses, anthias, and wrasses without supplemental feeding. The double phytoplankton dose drives nutrient export while the massive copepod biomass processes detritus, cleans algae from rockwork, and provides continuous natural feeding that maintains fish health and coloration at competition levels. For reefers seeking maximum performance, this is the ultimate copepod ecosystem in a box.
Emerald Overdrive unleashes maximum copepod production through strategic overfeeding with double Nannochloropsis. Two bottles of dense green phytoplankton provide sustained fuel for four copepod species simultaneously, creating population explosions impossible with standard phytoplankton ratios. The abundant food supply eliminates competition between species, allowing each to establish robust breeding populations across their preferred niches while maintaining peak nutritional quality.
The four-species strategy ensures complete ecological coverage with built-in redundancy. Tisbe dominates benthic zones and refugiums, Apocyclops patrols the water column, while both Tigriopus species thrive in high-energy surface areas—californicus for cold tolerance and sirindhornae for tropical superiority. This combination guarantees year-round copepod availability regardless of temperature fluctuations, flow patterns, or predation pressure. The rare Tigriopus sirindhornae elevates the entire system with enhanced pigmentation and nutritional density unavailable from standard species.
Systems running Emerald Overdrive support the most demanding fish populations including multiple mandarins, seahorses, anthias, and wrasses without supplemental feeding. The double phytoplankton dose drives nutrient export while the massive copepod biomass processes detritus, cleans algae from rockwork, and provides continuous natural feeding that maintains fish health and coloration at competition levels. For reefers seeking maximum performance, this is the ultimate copepod ecosystem in a box.
Double Nannochloropsis - Maximum copepod fuel delivered through two bottles of the industry's densest green phytoplankton. These 2-4 micron cells contain the highest EPA omega-3 content and 40-50% protein, representing ideal nutrition for all copepod life stages. The double dose sustains four species simultaneously without forcing them to compete for food, resulting in faster reproduction rates and healthier, more nutritious copepods. Excess phytoplankton continues driving nutrient export and feeding filter-feeding corals, clams, and sponges long after copepods have consumed their fill. The sustained feeding eliminates the boom-bust cycles common with single phytoplankton bottles.
Tisbe biminiensis - The 0.5-0.8mm refugium dominator and benthic specialist. Fast 7-10 day reproduction produces endless clouds of tiny nauplii while adults burrow into sandbeds processing detritus and oxygenating substrates. Small size makes Tisbe ideal for feeding small-polyp corals and microphagous fish. Cryptic lifestyle in rockwork crevices protects breeding populations from predation, ensuring sustainable harvest even in heavily stocked tanks.
Apocyclops panamensis - The 0.6-0.9mm water column specialist and coral feeding expert. Free-swimming planktonic behavior keeps these medium copepods suspended where coral polyps easily capture them. Tropical specialist thrives in standard reef temperatures (74-82°F) with active cruising patterns through coral colonies. Their swimming behavior and intermediate size make them the most accessible copepod for sessile coral predation.
Tigriopus californicus - The 1.0-1.5mm reproduction champion with the highest omega-3 content of any copepod. Fastest generation time combined with large, meaty adults creates maximum biomass production. Cold-tolerant workhorse maintains breeding even during temperature swings. Distinctive red-orange coloration from carotenoid accumulation indicates exceptional nutritional quality. Extreme hardiness and surface-dwelling behavior make this the easiest species for refugium cultivation and continuous harvest.
Tigriopus sirindhornae - The 0.8-1.2mm premium elite from Thailand's tropical waters. This rare species offers superior nutritional density with enhanced carotenoid profiles that intensify coral reds and oranges. Medium-large size bridges the gap between californicus's bulk and smaller species' accessibility. Tropical specialist optimized for standard reef temperatures shows superior coloration transfer compared to its cold-water californicus cousin. The combination of both Tigriopus species provides temperature redundancy while maximizing nutritional diversity.
Double Nannochloropsis - Maximum copepod fuel delivered through two bottles of the industry's densest green phytoplankton. These 2-4 micron cells contain the highest EPA omega-3 content and 40-50% protein, representing ideal nutrition for all copepod life stages. The double dose sustains four species simultaneously without forcing them to compete for food, resulting in faster reproduction rates and healthier, more nutritious copepods. Excess phytoplankton continues driving nutrient export and feeding filter-feeding corals, clams, and sponges long after copepods have consumed their fill. The sustained feeding eliminates the boom-bust cycles common with single phytoplankton bottles.
Tisbe biminiensis - The 0.5-0.8mm refugium dominator and benthic specialist. Fast 7-10 day reproduction produces endless clouds of tiny nauplii while adults burrow into sandbeds processing detritus and oxygenating substrates. Small size makes Tisbe ideal for feeding small-polyp corals and microphagous fish. Cryptic lifestyle in rockwork crevices protects breeding populations from predation, ensuring sustainable harvest even in heavily stocked tanks.
Apocyclops panamensis - The 0.6-0.9mm water column specialist and coral feeding expert. Free-swimming planktonic behavior keeps these medium copepods suspended where coral polyps easily capture them. Tropical specialist thrives in standard reef temperatures (74-82°F) with active cruising patterns through coral colonies. Their swimming behavior and intermediate size make them the most accessible copepod for sessile coral predation.
Tigriopus californicus - The 1.0-1.5mm reproduction champion with the highest omega-3 content of any copepod. Fastest generation time combined with large, meaty adults creates maximum biomass production. Cold-tolerant workhorse maintains breeding even during temperature swings. Distinctive red-orange coloration from carotenoid accumulation indicates exceptional nutritional quality. Extreme hardiness and surface-dwelling behavior make this the easiest species for refugium cultivation and continuous harvest.
Tigriopus sirindhornae - The 0.8-1.2mm premium elite from Thailand's tropical waters. This rare species offers superior nutritional density with enhanced carotenoid profiles that intensify coral reds and oranges. Medium-large size bridges the gap between californicus's bulk and smaller species' accessibility. Tropical specialist optimized for standard reef temperatures shows superior coloration transfer compared to its cold-water californicus cousin. The combination of both Tigriopus species provides temperature redundancy while maximizing nutritional diversity.
Maximum EPA Delivery: Double Nannochloropsis floods the system with the highest EPA omega-3 levels available from phytoplankton. Four copepod species bioaccumulate this EPA at different concentrations—californicus reaching peak levels, sirindhornae concentrating it with enhanced carotenoids, while Tisbe and Apocyclops optimize EPA:DHA ratios for their specific metabolic needs. This creates a spectrum of EPA-enriched prey items that support coral immune function, tissue repair, and anti-inflammatory responses more effectively than single-species copepod cultures.
Four-Way Protein Diversity: Each copepod species provides 40-60% protein but with distinct amino acid profiles shaped by their life strategies. Tisbe's rapid reproduction demands high methionine for egg production. Apocyclops's constant swimming requires elevated leucine for muscle metabolism. Californicus's explosive growth concentrates branched-chain amino acids. Sirindhornae balances complete profiles for optimal tropical performance. Together they prevent the amino acid deficiencies that develop from monotonous prey, ensuring corals and fish receive complete protein nutrition.
Elite Carotenoid Spectrum: The rare sirindhornae brings enhanced astaxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin concentrations that separate this pack from standard offerings. Combined with californicus's proven carotenoid accumulation and the pigments from Tisbe and Apocyclops feeding on Nannochloropsis, the four species deliver unprecedented color enhancement for both fish and corals. The double phytoplankton dose ensures all copepods remain maximally pigmented rather than depleting their carotenoid reserves.
Sustained Micronutrient Loading: Two bottles of Nannochloropsis provide continuous vitamin and mineral enrichment that keeps copepod nutritional quality at peak levels. Rather than copepods gradually depleting their nutrient stores between feedings, the abundant phytoplankton maintains constant gut-loading. This means every copepod consumed by your reef inhabitants delivers maximum vitamin B-complex, vitamin E, iodine, selenium, and trace minerals. The four species' different feeding behaviors ensure efficient phytoplankton utilization—nothing goes to waste.
Temperature-Resilient Nutrition: The californicus-sirindhornae pairing provides nutritional insurance across temperature ranges. Californicus maintains superior omega-3 profiles in cooler conditions while sirindhornae optimizes nutrition at tropical temperatures. This redundancy ensures your reef receives consistent, high-quality copepod nutrition year-round regardless of seasonal temperature fluctuations or equipment variations. For ultimate performance systems, this temperature-spanning coverage eliminates nutritional gaps.
Maximum EPA Delivery: Double Nannochloropsis floods the system with the highest EPA omega-3 levels available from phytoplankton. Four copepod species bioaccumulate this EPA at different concentrations—californicus reaching peak levels, sirindhornae concentrating it with enhanced carotenoids, while Tisbe and Apocyclops optimize EPA:DHA ratios for their specific metabolic needs. This creates a spectrum of EPA-enriched prey items that support coral immune function, tissue repair, and anti-inflammatory responses more effectively than single-species copepod cultures.
Four-Way Protein Diversity: Each copepod species provides 40-60% protein but with distinct amino acid profiles shaped by their life strategies. Tisbe's rapid reproduction demands high methionine for egg production. Apocyclops's constant swimming requires elevated leucine for muscle metabolism. Californicus's explosive growth concentrates branched-chain amino acids. Sirindhornae balances complete profiles for optimal tropical performance. Together they prevent the amino acid deficiencies that develop from monotonous prey, ensuring corals and fish receive complete protein nutrition.
Elite Carotenoid Spectrum: The rare sirindhornae brings enhanced astaxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin concentrations that separate this pack from standard offerings. Combined with californicus's proven carotenoid accumulation and the pigments from Tisbe and Apocyclops feeding on Nannochloropsis, the four species deliver unprecedented color enhancement for both fish and corals. The double phytoplankton dose ensures all copepods remain maximally pigmented rather than depleting their carotenoid reserves.
Sustained Micronutrient Loading: Two bottles of Nannochloropsis provide continuous vitamin and mineral enrichment that keeps copepod nutritional quality at peak levels. Rather than copepods gradually depleting their nutrient stores between feedings, the abundant phytoplankton maintains constant gut-loading. This means every copepod consumed by your reef inhabitants delivers maximum vitamin B-complex, vitamin E, iodine, selenium, and trace minerals. The four species' different feeding behaviors ensure efficient phytoplankton utilization—nothing goes to waste.
Temperature-Resilient Nutrition: The californicus-sirindhornae pairing provides nutritional insurance across temperature ranges. Californicus maintains superior omega-3 profiles in cooler conditions while sirindhornae optimizes nutrition at tropical temperatures. This redundancy ensures your reef receives consistent, high-quality copepod nutrition year-round regardless of seasonal temperature fluctuations or equipment variations. For ultimate performance systems, this temperature-spanning coverage eliminates nutritional gaps.
Acclimation: Float the sealed container in your tank for 15-20 minutes to temperature acclimate. Slowly add small amounts of tank water over 10 minutes.
Introduction: Pour copepods into your refugium or sump after lights out for best survival. If adding directly to display, target low-flow areas near rockwork.
Timing: Add to established tanks (3+ months old) with stable parameters. Best results when added before introducing copepod-eating fish.
Population Boost: For mandarin dragonets, start with 2-3 bottles per 50 gallons. Maintenance doses of 1 bottle monthly help sustain populations.
Acclimation: Float the sealed container in your tank for 15-20 minutes to temperature acclimate. Slowly add small amounts of tank water over 10 minutes.
Introduction: Pour copepods into your refugium or sump after lights out for best survival. If adding directly to display, target low-flow areas near rockwork.
Timing: Add to established tanks (3+ months old) with stable parameters. Best results when added before introducing copepod-eating fish.
Population Boost: For mandarin dragonets, start with 2-3 bottles per 50 gallons. Maintenance doses of 1 bottle monthly help sustain populations.
Upon Arrival: Unpack immediately and inspect for active copepods. Light movement is normal during temperature acclimation.
Short-Term Storage (up to 48 hours): Keep at room temperature (65-75°F) away from direct sunlight. Gentle aeration helps but isn't required.
Adding to Tank: Best added same day as arrival for maximum population establishment. Can be held up to 3 days if kept cool with gentle aeration.
Feeding: Our copepods ship with live phytoplankton food supply—no feeding needed before adding to your tank.
Upon Arrival: Unpack immediately and inspect for active copepods. Light movement is normal during temperature acclimation.
Short-Term Storage (up to 48 hours): Keep at room temperature (65-75°F) away from direct sunlight. Gentle aeration helps but isn't required.
Adding to Tank: Best added same day as arrival for maximum population establishment. Can be held up to 3 days if kept cool with gentle aeration.
Feeding: Our copepods ship with live phytoplankton food supply—no feeding needed before adding to your tank.
All PodDrop copepods are guaranteed to arrive alive and actively moving. Our cultures ship with live phytoplankton to maintain health during transit. If copepods arrive deceased or your order has issues, contact us within 2 hours of delivery with photos for replacement or refund. We ship using proven methods to ensure viable populations reach your reef aquarium.
All PodDrop copepods are guaranteed to arrive alive and actively moving. Our cultures ship with live phytoplankton to maintain health during transit. If copepods arrive deceased or your order has issues, contact us within 2 hours of delivery with photos for replacement or refund. We ship using proven methods to ensure viable populations reach your reef aquarium.
Shipping: Monday-Wednesday via UPS 2nd Day Air for fast, reliable delivery. Arizona aquaculture license #91 ensures legal, biosecure cultures. Includes insulation and temperature protection.
Weather Delays: We monitor conditions and may hold orders for extreme temperatures to ensure live arrival.
Returns: Live copepods cannot be returned once shipped due to their 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 temperature protection.
Weather Delays: We monitor conditions and may hold orders for extreme temperatures to ensure live arrival.
Returns: Live copepods cannot be returned once shipped due to their 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 Tigriopus californicus cultures are:
• Raised in isolated, quarantine-controlled systems
• Free from parasites, diseases, and pest organisms
• Packaged in food-grade, sealed containers for biosecurity
• Shipped in compliance with USDA and state aquaculture regulations
• Never wild-collected—100% aquacultured for sustainability
Proper Handling: Wash hands before and after handling. Never release copepods into natural waterways. Dispose of packaging responsibly.
PodDrop operates as a licensed Arizona aquaculture facility (AQ License #91) following strict biosecurity and handling protocols. Our Tigriopus californicus cultures are:
• Raised in isolated, quarantine-controlled systems
• Free from parasites, diseases, and pest organisms
• Packaged in food-grade, sealed containers for biosecurity
• Shipped in compliance with USDA and state aquaculture regulations
• Never wild-collected—100% aquacultured for sustainability
Proper Handling: Wash hands before and after handling. Never release copepods into natural waterways. Dispose of packaging responsibly.
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