Nano Blend
Nano Blend
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Product Overview
Nano Copepod Blend is PodDrop's specialized two-species combination engineered specifically for small reef aquariums, nano tanks, and systems with petite planktivorous fish like firefish, small gobies, and juvenile wrasses. This perfectly balanced formulation combines Tisbe biminiensis (0.5-0.8mm benthic specialist) with Apocyclops panamensis (0.6-0.9mm water column cruiser)—providing explosive reproduction in confined spaces, appropriately-sized prey for small fish mouths, and complementary ecological behaviors that maximize limited tank volume.
Perfect for nano reef owners who need sustainable copepod populations without overwhelming bioload, this blend prioritizes rapid reproduction and efficient space utilization over large copepod size. Tisbe colonizes every available sandbed and rockwork crevice with cryptic breeding populations, while Apocyclops patrols the open water and coral branches where small fish actively hunt. Both species reproduce quickly (7-12 day generation times) to maintain populations even under constant predation pressure in small systems. The medium-small size range ensures fish can easily consume adults and nauplii without choking hazards common with oversized copepods. Complementary behaviors mean both species thrive without competition—Tisbe stays benthic while Apocyclops remains planktonic. Nano Copepod Blend arrives in actively feeding cultures with live phytoplankton, with both species already reproducing and ready to establish comprehensive populations immediately upon introduction to your nano system.
Explore detailed care instructions, specifications, and policies below
Nano Tank Optimized: Perfect size range for small aquariums and compact refugiums
Small Fish Specialists: Ideal for gobies, firefish, small blennies, and juvenile specimens
Dual Behavioral Strategy: Benthic Tisbe and water column Apocyclops cover all feeding zones
Rapid Population Establishment: Fast-reproducing species quickly build sustainable populations
Space-Efficient: Both species thrive in limited refugium space typical of nano systems
Coral Nutrition Focus: Abundant small nauplii perfect for SPS and LPS coral feeding
Complementary Species: Harpacticoid and cyclopoid combination eliminates direct competition
Nano Tank Optimized: Perfect size range for small aquariums and compact refugiums
Small Fish Specialists: Ideal for gobies, firefish, small blennies, and juvenile specimens
Dual Behavioral Strategy: Benthic Tisbe and water column Apocyclops cover all feeding zones
Rapid Population Establishment: Fast-reproducing species quickly build sustainable populations
Space-Efficient: Both species thrive in limited refugium space typical of nano systems
Coral Nutrition Focus: Abundant small nauplii perfect for SPS and LPS coral feeding
Complementary Species: Harpacticoid and cyclopoid combination eliminates direct competition
Nano Copepod Blend addresses the unique challenges of small reef systems where space is limited but nutritional needs are high. Tisbe biminiensis offers the fastest reproduction rate of any cultured copepod, ensuring rapid population establishment even in small refugiums. Their tiny size (0.5-0.8mm) makes them perfect for small gobies, dartfish, and juvenile fish that cannot consume larger copepods. Apocyclops panamensis provides intermediate size (0.8-1.2mm) and critical water column presence—their active swimming behavior makes them immediately available to planktivorous fish. Together, these species create a complete nano ecosystem with benthic and pelagic zones covered, continuous nauplii production for corals, and size diversity that grows with your fish.
Nano Copepod Blend addresses the unique challenges of small reef systems where space is limited but nutritional needs are high. Tisbe biminiensis offers the fastest reproduction rate of any cultured copepod, ensuring rapid population establishment even in small refugiums. Their tiny size (0.5-0.8mm) makes them perfect for small gobies, dartfish, and juvenile fish that cannot consume larger copepods. Apocyclops panamensis provides intermediate size (0.8-1.2mm) and critical water column presence—their active swimming behavior makes them immediately available to planktivorous fish. Together, these species create a complete nano ecosystem with benthic and pelagic zones covered, continuous nauplii production for corals, and size diversity that grows with your fish.
Nano-Optimized Size Range: 0.5mm to 1.2mm perfect for small and juvenile fish
High Protein Content: 52-65% crude protein across both species
Rich Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Complete EPA and DHA for growth and coloration
Complete Amino Acids: Full essential amino acid spectrum for juvenile development
Highly Digestible: Small size and soft exoskeletons maximize nutrient absorption
Continuous Nauplii Production: Both species reproduce rapidly for constant coral food
Cyclopoid Lipid Advantage: Apocyclops provides unique fatty acid profile for diversity
Nano-Optimized Size Range: 0.5mm to 1.2mm perfect for small and juvenile fish
High Protein Content: 52-65% crude protein across both species
Rich Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Complete EPA and DHA for growth and coloration
Complete Amino Acids: Full essential amino acid spectrum for juvenile development
Highly Digestible: Small size and soft exoskeletons maximize nutrient absorption
Continuous Nauplii Production: Both species reproduce rapidly for constant coral food
Cyclopoid Lipid Advantage: Apocyclops provides unique fatty acid profile for diversity
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. In nano tanks without refugiums, add directly to display in low-flow areas near rockwork.
Timing: Add to established tanks (2+ months old) with stable parameters. Nano systems benefit from earlier copepod addition due to limited natural food sources.
Population Boost: For nano tanks (10-30 gallons), start with 1-2 bottles. For small reef systems (30-50 gallons), use 2-3 bottles for robust establishment.
Nano Refugium Tips: Even small hang-on or in-sump refugiums work perfectly. Add chaeto or other macroalgae, provide gentle flow, and both species will thrive.
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. In nano tanks without refugiums, add directly to display in low-flow areas near rockwork.
Timing: Add to established tanks (2+ months old) with stable parameters. Nano systems benefit from earlier copepod addition due to limited natural food sources.
Population Boost: For nano tanks (10-30 gallons), start with 1-2 bottles. For small reef systems (30-50 gallons), use 2-3 bottles for robust establishment.
Nano Refugium Tips: Even small hang-on or in-sump refugiums work perfectly. Add chaeto or other macroalgae, provide gentle flow, and both species will thrive.
Upon Arrival: Unpack immediately and inspect for active copepods. You should observe tiny Tisbe and slightly larger, darting Apocyclops.
Short-Term Storage (up to 48 hours): Keep at room temperature (68-75°F) away from direct sunlight. Gentle aeration beneficial for holds over 24 hours.
Adding to Tank: Best added same day as arrival for maximum population establishment in smaller systems. Can be held up to 3 days with cool temperatures and 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. You should observe tiny Tisbe and slightly larger, darting Apocyclops.
Short-Term Storage (up to 48 hours): Keep at room temperature (68-75°F) away from direct sunlight. Gentle aeration beneficial for holds over 24 hours.
Adding to Tank: Best added same day as arrival for maximum population establishment in smaller systems. Can be held up to 3 days with cool temperatures and 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 Nano Copepod Blend ships 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 Nano Copepod Blend ships 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 Nano Copepod Blend is:
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
Mixed at optimal ratios for small system success
100% aquacultured for sustainability and biosecurity
Proper Handling: Wash hands before and after handling. Never release copepods into natural waterways. Dispose of packaging responsibly.
Why Nano Blend: Specifically formulated for the unique challenges of nano and small reef systems. Fast reproduction, compact sizing, and dual behavioral strategies ensure success even in limited space. Perfect for reef keepers with 10-50 gallon systems, small fish specialists, and anyone maintaining compact refugiums.
PodDrop operates as a licensed Arizona aquaculture facility (AQ License #91) following strict biosecurity and handling protocols. Our Nano Copepod Blend is:
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
Mixed at optimal ratios for small system success
100% aquacultured for sustainability and biosecurity
Proper Handling: Wash hands before and after handling. Never release copepods into natural waterways. Dispose of packaging responsibly.
Why Nano Blend: Specifically formulated for the unique challenges of nano and small reef systems. Fast reproduction, compact sizing, and dual behavioral strategies ensure success even in limited space. Perfect for reef keepers with 10-50 gallon systems, small fish specialists, and anyone maintaining compact refugiums.
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Ships Monday through Wednesday
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USA Aquacultured
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Free Shipping Order $55+
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