Copepod blends contain multiple complementary species that occupy different ecological zones in your reef tank. Single species copepods target specific needs - Tisbe biminiensis for benthic feeding, Acartia tonsa for coral nutrition, Apocyclops panamensis for water column diversity. Blends like our Ultimate Blend combine 5 copepod species covering substrate, water column, and planktonic zones simultaneously. For established reef tanks with mandarins, corals, and filter feeders, multi-species blends provide complete coverage. For targeted feeding or refugium monocultures, single species offer precision. Most reefers benefit from starting with a copepod blend, then supplementing with single species as needed for specific tank requirements.

Our Reef Rain Blend and Power Blend are both excellent for mandarin dragonfish feeding. Reef Rain combines Tisbe biminiensis (tiny benthic rockwork species) with Tigriopus californicus (larger surface copepods) for comprehensive substrate coverage where mandarins hunt continuously. Power Blend adds Apocyclops panamensis for water column feeding, giving mandarins food across three reef zones. For tanks under 50 gallons with one mandarin, Reef Rain Blend provides targeted benthic nutrition. For larger reef systems or multiple mandarins, Power Blend or Ultimate Blend offer more biodiversity and feeding opportunities throughout the entire aquarium ecosystem. All blends ship with live phytoplankton for immediate copepod health.

All copepod species in our blends are capable of reproducing in reef aquariums with proper conditions and regular phytoplankton feeding. Tisbe biminiensis and Tigriopus californicus breed in substrate and rockwork. Apocyclops panamensis reproduces throughout the water column. Planktonic copepod species like Acartia tonsa and Parvocalanus crassirostris establish in refugiums with gentle flow and live rock. Provide live phytoplankton 2-3 times weekly, maintain stable reef parameters, and include a refugium with macroalgae like Chaetomorpha for best copepod breeding results. Multi-species copepod blends create resilient populations - if one species struggles, others thrive and maintain continuous nutrition for mandarins and corals.

For initial stocking of copepod blends in reef aquariums, use 1 bottle per 25-30 gallons of total system volume including sump and refugium. Reef tanks with mandarin dragonfish require higher initial copepod densities - stock 2-3 bottles for a 75-gallon system to support continuous feeding. Nano reefs under 30 gallons do well with 1 bottle of our Nano Blend (Tisbe + Apocyclops). After initial establishment with live phytoplankton feeding, maintenance dosing every 2-3 months supports copepod populations, especially in reef systems with heavy predation from fish. Multi-species blends establish faster than single species because multiple copepod types colonize different zones simultaneously.

Choose copepod blends based on tank size and reef feeding goals. Nano Blend (Tisbe + Apocyclops) suits tanks under 30 gallons with balanced benthic and water column copepod coverage. Reef Rain Blend (Tisbe + Tigriopus) targets mandarin dragonfish and benthic substrate feeders like wrasses and gobies. Harmony Blend (Tigriopus + Apocyclops) is ideal for training picky eaters like seahorses with large visible copepods plus water column species. Power Blend (Tisbe + Tigriopus + Apocyclops) covers three reef zones for comprehensive nutrition. Ultimate Blend adds Parvocalanus and Acartia for maximum biodiversity in established reef systems with corals. Start with Power or Ultimate copepod blends for most mixed reef aquariums.

Live copepod blends ship Monday through Wednesday only from our Arizona aquaculture facility to avoid weekend carrier delays that stress marine organisms. All copepod blend orders include insulated shipping boxes with ice packs for temperature control during 2-day transit to your reef tank. Orders $55+ receive free insulated 2-day shipping on live copepods and phytoplankton. We harvest and mix copepod species fresh the morning of shipment and pack them in actively feeding cultures with live phytoplankton to reduce shipping stress and maintain health. Our live arrival guarantee covers any copepods in the blend that don't survive transit - contact us within 2 hours of delivery with photos for immediate replacement of dead copepods or full refund.