VITAL-5 | 5-species Phytoplankton Culture Blend
VITAL-5 | 5-species Phytoplankton Culture Blend
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Product Overview
VITAL‑5™ is PodDrop’s flagship 5‑species phytoplankton blend, engineered to deliver a complete nutritional spectrum for reef aquaria. This formulation combines Nannochloropsis, Tetraselmis, Isochrysis, Chaetoceros, and Phaeodactylum—each chosen for its unique fatty acid profile, pigment load, and feeding function. Together, they create a balanced, multi‑dimensional food source that fuels copepod reproduction, enhances coral coloration, and strengthens overall system biodiversity.
Each species contributes a distinct benefit: • Nannochloropsis provides unmatched EPA for copepod fecundity and nutrient export. • Tetraselmis adds DHA precursors, motility, and gut‑loading power. • Isochrysis delivers DHA‑rich golden cells ideal for larval fish and bivalves. • Chaetoceros supplies silica‑based frustules that support bivalve growth and filtration. • Phaeodactylum contributes carotenoids and a unique EPA/DHA balance for coral tissue vitality.
Delivered as a living, actively dividing culture, VITAL‑5™ arrives ready to enrich the water column, stabilize microfauna populations, and provide a complete, reef‑safe nutritional foundation from day one.
Explore detailed care instructions, specifications, and policies below
Complete fatty acid spectrum (EPA + DHA)
Supports copepod reproduction, larval fish development, and coral metabolic health.
Feeds every filter feeder in the system
SPS, LPS, soft corals, clams, sponges, gorgonians, feather dusters, and microfauna all benefit from the multi‑size particle range.
Enhances coral coloration and fluorescence
Carotenoids, chlorophyll‑a, and accessory pigments boost tissue vibrancy and resilience.
Promotes nutrient export and water clarity
Nannochloropsis and Phaeodactylum lock nitrates and phosphates into biomass for removal via feeding or skimming.
Strengthens biodiversity and system stability
Multiple species support a more complex, resilient planktonic ecosystem.
Ideal for copepod cultures and refugia
Provides a balanced diet that improves reproduction, survival, and enrichment.
Complete fatty acid spectrum (EPA + DHA)
Supports copepod reproduction, larval fish development, and coral metabolic health.
Feeds every filter feeder in the system
SPS, LPS, soft corals, clams, sponges, gorgonians, feather dusters, and microfauna all benefit from the multi‑size particle range.
Enhances coral coloration and fluorescence
Carotenoids, chlorophyll‑a, and accessory pigments boost tissue vibrancy and resilience.
Promotes nutrient export and water clarity
Nannochloropsis and Phaeodactylum lock nitrates and phosphates into biomass for removal via feeding or skimming.
Strengthens biodiversity and system stability
Multiple species support a more complex, resilient planktonic ecosystem.
Ideal for copepod cultures and refugia
Provides a balanced diet that improves reproduction, survival, and enrichment.
Nannochloropsis — 2–4 µm EPA powerhouse for nutrient export and copepod fecundity.
Tetraselmis — 10–14 µm motile cells rich in DHA precursors and amino acids.
Isochrysis — DHA‑rich golden phyto essential for larval fish, clams, and bivalves.
Chaetoceros — Silica‑based diatom supporting bivalve filtration and growth.
Phaeodactylum — Carotenoid‑rich microalga with a unique EPA/DHA balance for coral tissue vitality.
Together, these species create a broad‑spectrum nutritional matrix unmatched by single‑species feeds.
Nannochloropsis — 2–4 µm EPA powerhouse for nutrient export and copepod fecundity.
Tetraselmis — 10–14 µm motile cells rich in DHA precursors and amino acids.
Isochrysis — DHA‑rich golden phyto essential for larval fish, clams, and bivalves.
Chaetoceros — Silica‑based diatom supporting bivalve filtration and growth.
Phaeodactylum — Carotenoid‑rich microalga with a unique EPA/DHA balance for coral tissue vitality.
Together, these species create a broad‑spectrum nutritional matrix unmatched by single‑species feeds.
VITAL‑5™ delivers a complete suite of essential nutrients:
EPA omega‑3s from Nannochloropsis and Phaeodactylum
DHA and DHA precursors from Isochrysis and Tetraselmis
High‑quality proteins across all five species
Chlorophyll‑a, carotenoids, fucoxanthin, and lutein 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 balanced profile ensures complete nutritional coverage for reef organisms at every trophic level.
VITAL‑5™ delivers a complete suite of essential nutrients:
EPA omega‑3s from Nannochloropsis and Phaeodactylum
DHA and DHA precursors from Isochrysis and Tetraselmis
High‑quality proteins across all five species
Chlorophyll‑a, carotenoids, fucoxanthin, and lutein 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 balanced profile ensures complete nutritional coverage for reef organisms at every trophic level.
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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