Ultimate Blend
Ultimate Blend
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Product Overview
Ultimate Copepod Blend is PodDrop's premium four-species combination engineered for maximum biodiversity and long-term ecosystem stability in serious reef aquariums. This elite formulation combines Tisbe biminiensis (benthic sandbed specialist), Apocyclops panamensis (water column cruiser), Tigriopus californicus (cold-tolerant surface powerhouse), and the rare Tigriopus sirindhornae (tropical premium elite)—delivering complete ecological coverage across all tank zones with unmatched genetic resilience and nutritional diversity.
Perfect for competition-grade systems and aquarists maintaining demanding fish populations, Ultimate Copepod Blend provides redundancy and performance impossible from single or dual-species approaches. The four species occupy distinct niches without competition: Tisbe colonizes substrates and refugiums, Apocyclops patrols coral branches and mid-water zones, while both Tigriopus species dominate surface areas with californicus handling temperature fluctuations and sirindhornae optimizing tropical coloration transfer. Size diversity spans 0.5-1.5mm, ensuring appropriate prey for everything from micro-predators to aggressive planktivores. The dual Tigriopus pairing provides temperature insurance—californicus maintains production during cooler periods while sirindhornae peaks in standard reef temps. Inclusion of rare T. sirindhornae elevates nutritional quality and coral coloration beyond standard blends. Ultimate Copepod Blend arrives in actively feeding cultures with live phytoplankton, with all four species already reproducing and ready to establish comprehensive populations immediately upon introduction.
Explore detailed care instructions, specifications, and policies below
Four Complementary Species: Maximum biodiversity with harpacticoid and cyclopoid copepods
Complete Size Spectrum: 0.5mm to 3mm coverage feeds everything from coral polyps to large dragonets
Multiple Ecological Niches: Benthic, water column, and intermediate swimmers fill every habitat
Maximum Genetic Diversity: Four species including exclusive Thai lineage for superior hardiness
Year-Round Stability: Different temperature tolerances ensure populations thrive in all conditions
Professional-Grade Formula: The same blend used by commercial coral farms and public aquariums
Self-Sustaining Ecosystem: Synergistic populations create the most robust copepod community possible
Four Complementary Species: Maximum biodiversity with harpacticoid and cyclopoid copepods
Complete Size Spectrum: 0.5mm to 3mm coverage feeds everything from coral polyps to large dragonets
Multiple Ecological Niches: Benthic, water column, and intermediate swimmers fill every habitat
Maximum Genetic Diversity: Four species including exclusive Thai lineage for superior hardiness
Year-Round Stability: Different temperature tolerances ensure populations thrive in all conditions
Professional-Grade Formula: The same blend used by commercial coral farms and public aquariums
Self-Sustaining Ecosystem: Synergistic populations create the most robust copepod community possible
Ultimate Copepod Blend represents the pinnacle of live zooplankton diversity for reef aquariums, combining the strengths of four carefully selected species. Tisbe biminiensis provides explosive reproduction and coral-feeding nauplii. Apocyclops panamensis offers intermediate size and active water column swimming ideal for seahorses and mid-sized planktivores. Tigriopus californicus delivers large, hardy copepods with exceptional tolerance. Tigriopus sirindhornae—PodDrop's exclusive Thai species—provides the largest size, extreme hardiness, and genetic diversity unavailable anywhere else. Together, these four species create an unbreakable copepod ecosystem with redundancy, complementary behaviors, and continuous reproduction across all environmental conditions.
Ultimate Copepod Blend represents the pinnacle of live zooplankton diversity for reef aquariums, combining the strengths of four carefully selected species. Tisbe biminiensis provides explosive reproduction and coral-feeding nauplii. Apocyclops panamensis offers intermediate size and active water column swimming ideal for seahorses and mid-sized planktivores. Tigriopus californicus delivers large, hardy copepods with exceptional tolerance. Tigriopus sirindhornae—PodDrop's exclusive Thai species—provides the largest size, extreme hardiness, and genetic diversity unavailable anywhere else. Together, these four species create an unbreakable copepod ecosystem with redundancy, complementary behaviors, and continuous reproduction across all environmental conditions.
Complete Size Range: 0.5mm to 3mm covers all reef nutritional needs simultaneously
Maximum Protein Density: 50-65% crude protein across all four species
Superior Omega-3 Profile: Complete EPA and DHA from diverse species sources
Complete Amino Acids: Full essential amino acid spectrum for optimal growth
Multi-Species Carotenoids: Diverse pigments for maximum color enhancement
Continuous Life Stages: Nauplii, juveniles, and adults available at all times
Cyclopoid Advantage: Apocyclops provides unique lipid profile not found in harpacticoids
Complete Size Range: 0.5mm to 3mm covers all reef nutritional needs simultaneously
Maximum Protein Density: 50-65% crude protein across all four species
Superior Omega-3 Profile: Complete EPA and DHA from diverse species sources
Complete Amino Acids: Full essential amino acid spectrum for optimal growth
Multi-Species Carotenoids: Diverse pigments for maximum color enhancement
Continuous Life Stages: Nauplii, juveniles, and adults available at all times
Cyclopoid Advantage: Apocyclops provides unique lipid profile not found in harpacticoids
Acclimation: Float the sealed container in your tank for 15-20 minutes to temperature acclimate. Slowly add small amounts of tank water over 10-15 minutes due to premium nature.
Introduction: Pour copepods into your refugium or sump after lights out for maximum survival. All four species will naturally distribute and establish according to their preferred microhabitats.
Timing: Add to established tanks (3+ months old) with stable parameters and mature refugium. Best added before introducing copepod-eating fish to allow robust population establishment.
Population Boost: For mandarin dragonets or multiple planktivorous fish, start with 3-4 bottles per 75 gallons. For elite reef systems or breeding operations, use 2-3 bottles per 50 gallons for maximum biodiversity.
Refugium Setup: Provide macroalgae, live rock rubble, varied substrate, and moderate flow. Different species will occupy preferred zones creating layered populations.
Acclimation: Float the sealed container in your tank for 15-20 minutes to temperature acclimate. Slowly add small amounts of tank water over 10-15 minutes due to premium nature.
Introduction: Pour copepods into your refugium or sump after lights out for maximum survival. All four species will naturally distribute and establish according to their preferred microhabitats.
Timing: Add to established tanks (3+ months old) with stable parameters and mature refugium. Best added before introducing copepod-eating fish to allow robust population establishment.
Population Boost: For mandarin dragonets or multiple planktivorous fish, start with 3-4 bottles per 75 gallons. For elite reef systems or breeding operations, use 2-3 bottles per 50 gallons for maximum biodiversity.
Refugium Setup: Provide macroalgae, live rock rubble, varied substrate, and moderate flow. Different species will occupy preferred zones creating layered populations.
Upon Arrival: Unpack immediately and inspect for active copepods. You should observe multiple sizes and behaviors—from tiny Tisbe to large red-orange Tigriopus species, plus darting Apocyclops.
Short-Term Storage (up to 48 hours): Keep at room temperature (68-75°F) away from direct sunlight. Gentle aeration recommended for premium multi-species blend.
Adding to Tank: Best added same day as arrival for maximum population establishment across all four species. 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 multiple sizes and behaviors—from tiny Tisbe to large red-orange Tigriopus species, plus darting Apocyclops.
Short-Term Storage (up to 48 hours): Keep at room temperature (68-75°F) away from direct sunlight. Gentle aeration recommended for premium multi-species blend.
Adding to Tank: Best added same day as arrival for maximum population establishment across all four species. 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 Ultimate 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 Ultimate 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 Ultimate 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 balanced ecosystem establishment
Includes exclusive Tigriopus sirindhornae unavailable from other suppliers
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 Ultimate Blend: This is the most comprehensive copepod formulation available anywhere. Professional aquarists, commercial coral farms, and public aquariums choose Ultimate Blend for maximum biodiversity, redundancy, and long-term ecosystem stability.
PodDrop operates as a licensed Arizona aquaculture facility (AQ License #91) following strict biosecurity and handling protocols. Our Ultimate 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 balanced ecosystem establishment
Includes exclusive Tigriopus sirindhornae unavailable from other suppliers
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 Ultimate Blend: This is the most comprehensive copepod formulation available anywhere. Professional aquarists, commercial coral farms, and public aquariums choose Ultimate Blend for maximum biodiversity, redundancy, and long-term ecosystem stability.
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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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