Chaetoceros calcitrans Live Phytoplankton

Product Overview

Chaetoceros calcitrans is a premium marine diatom phytoplankton renowned for its exceptional nutritional profile and versatility in reef aquariums and marine breeding systems. This chain-forming microalgae provides superior protein and EPA content, making it essential for copepod production, rotifer enrichment, and filter-feeder nutrition. Our cultures are concentrated, viable, and ready to dose directly into your system.

Key Benefits for Reef Aquaria

• Exceptional EPA Content: Highest eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels among cultured phytoplankton
• Superior Copepod Food: Ideal for calanoid copepods and large harpacticoid species
• Filter Feeder Specialist: Perfect size and nutrition for clams, oysters, and sponges
• Professional Hatchery Standard: Industry choice for larval fish and shellfish production
• High Protein Density: Maximum protein content supports rapid copepod growth
• Silica-Rich: Natural diatom frustules provide essential minerals for marine organisms

Species Highlights

Chaetoceros calcitrans is one of the most widely used diatom species in commercial aquaculture worldwide due to its exceptional nutritional quality and palatability. This species forms short chains of 2-8 cells connected by fine setae (bristles), creating a distinctive appearance. The chain structure makes it ideal for larger copepod species while remaining accessible to filter feeders. Chaetoceros thrives in temperatures from 65-75°F and moderate to high light levels. This species is particularly valued for its extraordinarily high EPA content—the omega-3 fatty acid critical for growth, immune function, and stress resistance in marine organisms.

Nutritional Profile

• Maximum Protein Content: 48-58% crude protein by dry weight—highest among phytoplankton
• Exceptional EPA Levels: Superior eicosapentaenoic acid for growth and immune function
• Rich Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Complete EPA profile with moderate DHA content
• Balanced Lipid Profile: 15-25% total lipids optimized for copepod nutrition
• Silica and Minerals: Natural diatom frustules provide essential trace elements
• High Digestibility: Thin frustule walls maximize nutrient bioavailability

How to Add to Your Tank

Dosing: Shake bottle gently before use to redistribute chain-forming cells. Add directly to refugium, sump, or display tank during low-flow periods.

Refugium Addition: Dose near copepod populations for direct feeding. Particularly beneficial for larger copepod species like calanoids and Tigriopus.

Display Tank: Broadcast dose in evening hours. Water may show slight brown tint that clears within hours as organisms consume cells.

Recommended Dosage: Start with 10-15ml per 25 gallons daily for maintenance. Increase to 25-35ml per 25 gallons for systems with dense copepod cultures or heavy filter feeder populations.

Breeding Systems: Dose 2-3 times daily for intensive copepod production and larval fish systems requiring maximum protein and EPA.

Storage and Care

Upon Arrival: Refrigerate immediately at 35-45°F. Shake gently before opening to redistribute chain-forming cells.

Refrigerated Storage: Keeps for 2-3 weeks when properly refrigerated. Diatoms have shorter shelf life than flagellates—use promptly for best results.

Viability Check: Healthy cultures appear golden-brown with visible chains under magnification. Off smell, gray coloration, or excessive settling indicates declining viability.

Shake Before Use: Chains settle heavily—always shake gently to redistribute before dosing.

Avoid Freezing: Never freeze phytoplankton cultures as this destroys cell structure and nutritional value.

Live Arrival Guarantee

All PodDrop phytoplankton cultures are guaranteed to arrive alive and viable. Our Chaetoceros calcitrans 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 & Return Policy

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.

Live Organism Handling Compliance

PodDrop operates as a licensed Arizona aquaculture facility (AQ License #91) following strict biosecurity and handling protocols. Our Chaetoceros calcitrans 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 diatom 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.