Frequently Asked Questions

Copepods

Do you recommend storing copepods in the fridge? No, it causes them to slow down and become less active, decreasing their longevity. We recommend storing them on a counter with the caps off to promote oxygen, if not dosing immediately.

Why are there copepods on the bottom of the bottle? Tisbe are they are mainly benthic (cling to surfaces) so they will naturally settle to the bottom, or cling to the surface of the bottle. Larger Tigrioupus will also settle to the bottom. Apocyclops swim through the water when adults but will cling to surfaces when juveniles. Copepods are attracted to light so if they are placed on a light-colored counter or surface they will be attracted to the bottom as well. Tisbe do molt, so it is common to see pod molts on the bottom of the bottle.

The best way to check your copepod bottle is to lightly swirl with the cap on, then use a flashlight to check the density!

When is the best time to dose copepods? It is best to dose pods when the lights are off. You can wait until your lights turn off, or turn them off for 20 minutes and dose the pods. It’s best to turn off all flow during this time as well to allow them to settle into your rock work as easily as possible. Pods are dosed all at once.

Why your pod mix water may seem cloudy? Our pods are dosed with a small amount of phyto prior to shipping to ensure they are fed while in transit!

Where do I dose copepods? We recommend splitting your bottle between your display and sump (if applicable).

Why is our pod mix so effective? The various sizes! Some swim in the water column and improve water clarity while others feed on and in rocks and small crevices eating detritus, diatoms and other unwanted algae.

When is the best time to check my pod population in my system? At night/lights off with a flashlight!

I ordered a gallon/ half gallon, how do I see the density? The best way is to pour into a clear glass cup and shine a flashlight into it.

Phytoplankton

FOLLOW DOSING INSTRUCTIONS. DO NOT DOSE AN ENTIRE BOTTLE.

Recommended Daily Dose? Start with 3ml per 10 gallons. 75-gallon tank would start at – (75/10)*3=7.5*3=22.5mL daily dose

Goal Dose Amount? The goal dose is 1mL per gallon. Slowly increase dose from starter dose to reach this amount. Test phosphates and nitrates along the way to ensure your tank is consuming or filtering out all the phytoplankton.

How Should I Store Phytoplankton? In the fridge and shaken daily.

How long does phytoplankton last for? If properly stored in fridge and shaken daily, phytoplankton should last for 2 months. RHODO, 1 month.

Why do I need to shake my Phyto? To re-suspend the algae cells in the water column.

When is best to dose Phyto? As soon as your lights turn on so the strains can benefit the most from the photosynthetic process.