Reef Ignition Pack – Nannochloropsis Phytoplankton & Copepod Bundle
Reef Ignition Pack – Nannochloropsis Phytoplankton & Copepod Bundle
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Product Overview
The Reef Ignition Pack is PodDrop's high-impact phytoplankton-and-copepod fusion engineered to kickstart reef nutrition, accelerate coral health, and ignite explosive microfauna growth in any marine system. This complete ecosystem-in-a-box combines Nannochloropsis phytoplankton (the industry-standard copepod fuel with maximum EPA omega-3s) with three premium copepod species—Tisbe biminiensis, Tigriopus californicus, and Apocyclops panamensis—delivering everything needed to establish a thriving, self-sustaining reef food web from day one.
Perfect for new tank owners seeking months of instant maturation or established systems needing rapid biological recovery, Reef Ignition creates functional nutrient cycling immediately. The Nannochloropsis serves triple duty: feeding copepods to boost reproduction, providing direct nutrition to filter-feeding corals and invertebrates, and exporting problematic nitrates and phosphates before they fuel nuisance algae. As copepod populations explode on this abundant food source, they distribute themselves across sandbed (Tisbe), high-flow surface zones (Tigriopus), and coral branches (Apocyclops)—ensuring complete ecological coverage. The three-species strategy eliminates competition while maximizing reproduction rates, size diversity (0.5-1.5mm range), and temperature resilience (60-84°F combined range). All components arrive in actively feeding cultures with live phytoplankton, already reproducing and ready to establish comprehensive populations immediately upon introduction. This is the complete foundation for long-term reef success in a single purchase.
Explore detailed care instructions, specifications, and policies below
The Reef Ignition Pack jumpstarts your marine ecosystem with producers and consumers working in biological harmony. Nannochloropsis phytoplankton immediately consumes excess nitrates and phosphates while the three copepod species establish reproducing populations that convert plant matter into animal protein for your fish, corals, and invertebrates.
This fusion creates a functional food web from day one. Nannochloropsis feeds your copepods to boost reproduction, provides direct nutrition to filter-feeding corals and bivalves, and exports nutrients before they fuel nuisance algae. As copepod populations explode, they distribute across sandbed (Tisbe), high-flow zones (Tigriopus), and coral branches (Apocyclops).
New tanks gain months of maturation time. Existing systems experiencing nutrient issues, declining coral health, or difficulty maintaining finicky fish see rapid improvements as phytoplankton stabilizes water chemistry while copepods provide natural, continuous feeding.
The Reef Ignition Pack jumpstarts your marine ecosystem with producers and consumers working in biological harmony. Nannochloropsis phytoplankton immediately consumes excess nitrates and phosphates while the three copepod species establish reproducing populations that convert plant matter into animal protein for your fish, corals, and invertebrates.
This fusion creates a functional food web from day one. Nannochloropsis feeds your copepods to boost reproduction, provides direct nutrition to filter-feeding corals and bivalves, and exports nutrients before they fuel nuisance algae. As copepod populations explode, they distribute across sandbed (Tisbe), high-flow zones (Tigriopus), and coral branches (Apocyclops).
New tanks gain months of maturation time. Existing systems experiencing nutrient issues, declining coral health, or difficulty maintaining finicky fish see rapid improvements as phytoplankton stabilizes water chemistry while copepods provide natural, continuous feeding.
Nannochloropsis sp. - The microscopic green powerhouse driving this system. These 2-4 micron cells double every 24-48 hours, actively pulling nitrogen and phosphorus from water and locking them into biomass until consumed. Rich in EPA omega-3s and 40-50% protein, Nannochloropsis represents ideal copepod nutrition while feeding corals, clams, feather dusters, and sponges directly.
Tisbe biminiensis, Tigriopus californicus, and Apocyclops panamensis - The copepod consortium that converts phytoplankton into reef nutrition. Arriving in actively feeding cultures, these copepods immediately graze on the Nannochloropsis you add. Tisbe filters cells from sandbed surfaces, Tigriopus swims through dense blooms, and Apocyclops picks phytoplankton from coral mucus and macroalgae. Each contributes unique ecological services: Tisbe oxygenates sandbeds, Tigriopus thrives in refugiums, and Apocyclops fills niches the others don't occupy.
Nannochloropsis sp. - The microscopic green powerhouse driving this system. These 2-4 micron cells double every 24-48 hours, actively pulling nitrogen and phosphorus from water and locking them into biomass until consumed. Rich in EPA omega-3s and 40-50% protein, Nannochloropsis represents ideal copepod nutrition while feeding corals, clams, feather dusters, and sponges directly.
Tisbe biminiensis, Tigriopus californicus, and Apocyclops panamensis - The copepod consortium that converts phytoplankton into reef nutrition. Arriving in actively feeding cultures, these copepods immediately graze on the Nannochloropsis you add. Tisbe filters cells from sandbed surfaces, Tigriopus swims through dense blooms, and Apocyclops picks phytoplankton from coral mucus and macroalgae. Each contributes unique ecological services: Tisbe oxygenates sandbeds, Tigriopus thrives in refugiums, and Apocyclops fills niches the others don't occupy.
Phytoplankton Foundation: Nannochloropsis supplies essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and pigments to filter feeders. EPA content (20-30% of total fatty acids) supports coral immune function and wound healing. Complete protein supports tissue growth. Copepods feeding on phytoplankton concentrate these nutrients in their tissues through bioaccumulation, creating nutrient-dense prey for fish.
Copepod Diversity: Three species provide complementary profiles. Tisbe's rapid reproduction creates abundant small prey with elevated protein ratios. Tigriopus's larger size delivers higher calories per item. Apocyclops balances size, reproduction, and composition to fill nutritional gaps.
Complete Spectrum: The phytoplankton-copepod combination delivers comprehensive vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Nannochloropsis synthesizes B-vitamins and vitamin E that concentrate in copepod tissues. Copepod exoskeletons provide calcium while varied diets create diverse micronutrient profiles. Both carry beneficial bacteria that support reef immunity and establish healthy microbial balance.
Phytoplankton Foundation: Nannochloropsis supplies essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and pigments to filter feeders. EPA content (20-30% of total fatty acids) supports coral immune function and wound healing. Complete protein supports tissue growth. Copepods feeding on phytoplankton concentrate these nutrients in their tissues through bioaccumulation, creating nutrient-dense prey for fish.
Copepod Diversity: Three species provide complementary profiles. Tisbe's rapid reproduction creates abundant small prey with elevated protein ratios. Tigriopus's larger size delivers higher calories per item. Apocyclops balances size, reproduction, and composition to fill nutritional gaps.
Complete Spectrum: The phytoplankton-copepod combination delivers comprehensive vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Nannochloropsis synthesizes B-vitamins and vitamin E that concentrate in copepod tissues. Copepod exoskeletons provide calcium while varied diets create diverse micronutrient profiles. Both carry beneficial bacteria that support reef immunity and establish healthy microbial balance.
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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