VITAL-3 | 3-species Phytoplankton Culture Blend
VITAL-3 | 3-species Phytoplankton Culture Blend
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VITAL‑3™ is PodDrop’s streamlined 3‑species phytoplankton blend designed to deliver targeted nutrition for copepods, corals, and filter‑feeding invertebrates. This formulation combines Nannochloropsis, Tetraselmis, and Isochrysis—three of the most proven and complementary microalgae in marine aquaculture. Together, they provide a balanced EPA/DHA fatty acid profile, a diverse particle size range, and a powerful mix of pigments, proteins, and vitamins.
Each species plays a distinct role: • Nannochloropsis supplies industry‑leading EPA for copepod reproduction and nutrient export. • Tetraselmis contributes DHA precursors, motility, and gut‑loading power for zooplankton. • Isochrysis delivers DHA‑rich golden cells essential for larval fish, clams, and bivalves.
VITAL‑3™ is ideal for reef aquarists who want a clean, efficient, high‑impact blend that fuels microfauna, enhances coral coloration, and supports long‑term system stability. Delivered as a living, actively dividing culture, it begins enriching the water column immediately.
Explore detailed care instructions, specifications, and policies below
Balanced EPA + DHA fatty acid profile
Supports copepod fecundity, larval fish development, and coral metabolic health.
Feeds a wide range of reef organisms
SPS, LPS, soft corals, clams, sponges, gorgonians, feather dusters, and microfauna all benefit from the multi‑size particle range.
Enhances coral coloration and tissue vitality
Chlorophyll‑a, carotenoids, and golden pigments boost fluorescence and resilience.
Promotes nutrient export and water clarity
Nannochloropsis locks nitrates and phosphates into stable biomass for removal via feeding or skimming.
Strengthens microfauna populations
Ideal for Tisbe, Apocyclops, Oithona, and other copepods that thrive on mixed‑species diets.
Balanced EPA + DHA fatty acid profile
Supports copepod fecundity, larval fish development, and coral metabolic health.
Feeds a wide range of reef organisms
SPS, LPS, soft corals, clams, sponges, gorgonians, feather dusters, and microfauna all benefit from the multi‑size particle range.
Enhances coral coloration and tissue vitality
Chlorophyll‑a, carotenoids, and golden pigments boost fluorescence and resilience.
Promotes nutrient export and water clarity
Nannochloropsis locks nitrates and phosphates into stable biomass for removal via feeding or skimming.
Strengthens microfauna populations
Ideal for Tisbe, Apocyclops, Oithona, and other copepods that thrive on mixed‑species diets.
Nannochloropsis — 2–4 µm EPA‑rich cells for nutrient export and copepod reproduction.
Tetraselmis — 10–14 µm motile, DHA‑precursor‑rich cells ideal for gut‑loading zooplankton.
Isochrysis — DHA‑dense golden phyto essential for larval fish, clams, and bivalves.
Together, these species create a focused, high‑efficiency nutritional blend that covers the essential fatty acids and particle sizes needed for reef health.
Nannochloropsis — 2–4 µm EPA‑rich cells for nutrient export and copepod reproduction.
Tetraselmis — 10–14 µm motile, DHA‑precursor‑rich cells ideal for gut‑loading zooplankton.
Isochrysis — DHA‑dense golden phyto essential for larval fish, clams, and bivalves.
Together, these species create a focused, high‑efficiency nutritional blend that covers the essential fatty acids and particle sizes needed for reef health.
VITAL‑3™ delivers a concentrated, high‑value nutritional spectrum:
EPA omega‑3s from Nannochloropsis
DHA and DHA precursors from Isochrysis and Tetraselmis
High‑quality proteins across all three species
Chlorophyll‑a, carotenoids, and golden pigments for antioxidant support
Vitamins B‑complex, C, E, and K for metabolic and immune health
Trace minerals and essential amino acids for coral tissue repair and microfauna vitality
This streamlined profile provides maximum impact with minimal complexity, making VITAL‑3™ ideal for daily reef feeding.
VITAL‑3™ delivers a concentrated, high‑value nutritional spectrum:
EPA omega‑3s from Nannochloropsis
DHA and DHA precursors from Isochrysis and Tetraselmis
High‑quality proteins across all three species
Chlorophyll‑a, carotenoids, and golden pigments for antioxidant support
Vitamins B‑complex, C, E, and K for metabolic and immune health
Trace minerals and essential amino acids for coral tissue repair and microfauna vitality
This streamlined profile provides maximum impact with minimal complexity, making VITAL‑3™ ideal for daily reef feeding.
Dosing: Shake bottle gently before use to redistribute cells. Add directly to refugium, sump, or display tank during low-flow periods for optimal distribution.
Refugium Addition: Dose near copepod populations for direct feeding. Daily dosing supports robust copepod reproduction and population density.
Display Tank: Broadcast dose in evening hours when corals extend polyps. Water may show slight reddish tint that clears within hours.
Recommended Dosage: Start with 5-10ml per 25 gallons daily for maintenance. Increase to 15-25ml per 25 gallons for systems with dense copepod cultures or heavy filter feeder loads.
Breeding Systems: Dose 2-4 times daily for intensive rotifer and copepod production systems requiring premium nutrition.
Dosing: Shake bottle gently before use to redistribute cells. Add directly to refugium, sump, or display tank during low-flow periods for optimal distribution.
Refugium Addition: Dose near copepod populations for direct feeding. Daily dosing supports robust copepod reproduction and population density.
Display Tank: Broadcast dose in evening hours when corals extend polyps. Water may show slight reddish tint that clears within hours.
Recommended Dosage: Start with 5-10ml per 25 gallons daily for maintenance. Increase to 15-25ml per 25 gallons for systems with dense copepod cultures or heavy filter feeder loads.
Breeding Systems: Dose 2-4 times daily for intensive rotifer and copepod production systems requiring premium nutrition.
Upon Arrival: Refrigerate immediately at 35-45°F. Shake gently before opening to redistribute cells.
Refrigerated Storage: Keeps for 2-4 weeks when properly refrigerated. Check for fresh ocean smell and deep red coloration.
Viability Check: Healthy cultures appear deep red in color. Off smell, gray or brown coloration, or settling without resuspension indicates declining viability.
Shake Before Use: Cells settle naturally—always shake gently to redistribute before dosing.
Avoid Freezing: Never freeze phytoplankton cultures as this destroys cell structure and nutritional value.
Upon Arrival: Refrigerate immediately at 35-45°F. Shake gently before opening to redistribute cells.
Refrigerated Storage: Keeps for 2-4 weeks when properly refrigerated. Check for fresh ocean smell and deep red coloration.
Viability Check: Healthy cultures appear deep red in color. Off smell, gray or brown coloration, or settling without resuspension indicates declining viability.
Shake Before Use: Cells settle naturally—always shake gently to redistribute before dosing.
Avoid Freezing: Never freeze phytoplankton cultures as this destroys cell structure and nutritional value.
All PodDrop phytoplankton cultures are guaranteed to arrive alive and viable. Our Rhodomonas cruentum is shipped fresh and concentrated for immediate use. If your culture arrives compromised (off smell, unusual color, 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 cultures are guaranteed to arrive alive and viable. Our Rhodomonas cruentum is shipped fresh and concentrated for immediate use. If your culture arrives compromised (off smell, unusual color, 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 Rhodomonas cruentum cultures are:
Raised in isolated, contamination-controlled systems
Free from harmful bacteria, parasites, and competing algae species
Packaged in food-grade, sealed containers for biosecurity
Shipped in compliance with USDA and state aquaculture regulations
Premium monoculture strains maintained for consistent quality and nutrition
Sustainably produced without environmental impact
Proper Handling: Refrigerate immediately upon arrival. Shake gently before each use. Never release culture water 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 Rhodomonas cruentum cultures are:
Raised in isolated, contamination-controlled systems
Free from harmful bacteria, parasites, and competing algae species
Packaged in food-grade, sealed containers for biosecurity
Shipped in compliance with USDA and state aquaculture regulations
Premium monoculture strains maintained for consistent quality and nutrition
Sustainably produced without environmental impact
Proper Handling: Refrigerate immediately upon arrival. Shake gently before each use. Never release culture water into natural waterways. Dispose of packaging responsibly.
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