FAQ
Welcome to our FAQ page! Here, you'll find answers to common questions about our products and more. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help! Visit our Contact Us page to get in touch directly.
Once You Receive Your Copepods
They arrived, now what?
Upon receiving your copepods, it's best to open the bottle of copepods to ensure oxygen supply until you are prepared to introduce them to your tank.
Can I put copepods in the fridge?
No - it's not advised to keep copepods in the fridge. Our products don't include preservatives, so copepods won't survive in low temperatures.
What if I have questions?
Please don't hesitate to reach out to us through the contact options provided on our 'Contact Us' page
Copepod Information
How long will copepods live in the bottle?
For best results, add them to your tank as soon as possible. If needed, you can store the bottle at room temperature for 1–2 days with the lid slightly open for airflow. If keeping them longer, add a few drops of phytoplankton daily and gently shake the bottle to keep oxygen levels up.
How much copepods should I add?
We recommend to add the following amount of copepods based on the volume of your tank.
| Bottle Size | Aquarium Volume |
|---|---|
| 16 ounces | Up to 30 gallons |
| 32 ounces | 30 - 75 gallons |
| 64 ounces (Half Gallon) | 75 - 150 gallons |
| 128 ounces (Gallon) | 150 - 300 gallons |
Why don’t I see any pods in my tank?
Copepods are tiny and mostly nocturnal, meaning they’re often hiding in the sand, rockwork, or refugium. Some ways to check for them:
🔎 Shine a flashlight at night to spot them on the glass.
🪨 Look closely at rock crevices or in your refugium.
🐟 If you have pod-eating fish, they may be keeping the population low.
Even if you don’t see them, they’re likely there—working behind the scenes to keep your tank clean and balanced!
Do I need to seed my tank with copepods even if I don’t plan to add a mandarin?
Yes! Copepods are beneficial for all saltwater tanks. They act as a natural cleanup crew by eating detritus and nuisance algae while also providing a live food source for corals and small fish. Even if you don’t plan to keep a mandarin, adding copepods helps create a more balanced ecosystem.
Copepods for Feeding
What do I add to my tank based on the fish I have?
Various fish will have different eating patterns, therefore will need different copepods depending on need. The chart below provides a quick view on which copepods we recommend for the type of fish you have. Don't see your fish? Reach out for suggestions.
| Fish | Best Copepods | Ideal Life Stage of Copepods |
|---|---|---|
| Mandarin Dragonets | Tisbe Nova, Apocalypse Prime, Tigrius Titan | Juveniles & Adults |
| Wrasses | Tisbe Nova, Apocalypse Prime, Tigrius Titan | Juveniles & Adults |
| Scooter Blennies | Tisbe Nova, Apocalypse Prime, Tigrius Titan | Juveniles & Adults |
| Tangs | Tisbe Nova, Apocalypse Prime | Juveniles |
| Angelfish | Tisbe Nova, Apocalypse Prime | Juveniles & Adults |
| Seahorses & Pipefish | Tisbe Nova, Apocalypse Prime | Nauplii & Juveniles |
| Gobies | Tisbe Nova, Apocalypse Prime | Juveniles & Adults |
| Copperband Butterflyfish | Apocalypse Prime, Tigrius Titan | Juveniles & Adults |
| Clownfish | Apocalypse Prime, Tigrius Titan | Juveniles & Adults |
When can I get a mandarin?
Mandarins need a large, established copepod population to thrive. We recommend seeding your tank with copepods for at least 3–4 months before adding a mandarin. If your tank is newer or has other pod-eating fish, continue adding copepods regularly to keep a healthy supply.
Phytoplankton
How long does phytoplankton last?
- Keep refrigerated (33-41°F / 1-5°C) – Never freeze live phyto!
- Shake gently before use – Prevents cell settling and ensures an even mix.
- Store in a dark place – Avoid direct light to prevent premature die-off
How do I store my phytoplankton?
The shelf life of phytoplankton is typically 4-6 weeks (with proper refrigeration). Signs of expiration include:
- Foul smell
- Excessive clumping
- excessive color change
Can I overdose phytoplankton?
Phytoplankton is biologically safe, but overdosing can cause:
- Excess nutrient buildup if not fully consumed.
- Cloudy water if too much is added at once.
If your tank stays cloudy for over 24 hours, reduce dosing and monitor nitrate/phosphate levels.
Does phytoplankton remove nitrates and phosphates?
Yes! Phytoplankton naturally absorbs nitrates and phosphates as it grows.
💡 Tip: Dose phytoplankton in moderation and ensure copepods, corals, and filter feeders are consuming it.
Should I turn off my skimmer when dosing phytoplankton?
Yes! Turn off the skimmer for 30 minutes after dosing to prevent phyto from being removed before it can be consumed.
Can I mix different phytoplankton blends together?
Yes! You can mix blends based on your tank’s needs
Phytoplankton Dosing
How much do I dose?
|
Recommended Dosing Based on Tank Use
|
|
|
Tank Type
|
Phytoplankton Dosing
|
| Reef Tank (Corals & Filter Feeders) | 1-2 ml per gallon daily |
| Fish-Only Saltwater Tank | 0.5-1 ml per gallon 2-3x per week |
|
Nutrient Export (Reducing Nitrates/Phosphates)
|
2-5 ml per gallon daily |
How often should I dose phytoplankton?
- For reef tanks & filter feeders: 1-2 ml per gallon daily.
- For nutrient control (nitrate/phosphate reduction): 2-5 ml per gallon daily.
- For refugium feeding: 5-10 ml per gallon every few days.
💡 Tip: If new to dosing, start small and increase based on water clarity and tank response.
Can I overdose phytoplankton?
Phytoplankton is biologically safe, but overdosing can cause:
- Excess nutrient buildup if not fully consumed.
- Cloudy water if too much is added at once.
If your tank stays cloudy for over 24 hours, reduce dosing and monitor nitrate/phosphate levels.
What are best practices for Phytoplankton dosing?
✅Start Slow – If new to dosing phyto, begin withhalf the recommended dose and adjust based on water clarity and nutrient levels.
✅Dose at Night – Many filter feeders (corals, sponges) feed at night, so dosing after lights out is beneficial.
✅Turn Off Skimmer (Temporarily) – If using a protein skimmer, turn it off for 30 minutes after dosing to allow phytoplankton to be consumed before being removed.
✅Monitor Nitrates & Phosphates – If levels rise, reduce dosing.
✅Shake Phytoplankton Bottles Before Dosing – Ensures even distribution of cells and prevents settling.
Phyto Troubleshooting
My tank became cloudy after dosing phyto
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- Overdosing phyto: Reduce dose and allow the system to balance.
- Lack of filter feeders: Ensure copepods, corals, or sponges are present to consume phyto.
- Too much phyto settling: Increase flow and aeration.
My phytoplankton smells bad - has it gone bad?
✔ A slightly oceanic smell is normal.
❌ A strong, rotten, or sulfur smell = expired phyto.
Solution: Discard and replace with fresh phytoplankton.