Dino Shield Live Phytoplankton Blend

Product Overview

DinoShield is a specialized blend of beneficial marine microalgae designed to outcompete and suppress dinoflagellate blooms in reef aquariums through competitive exclusion. This carefully formulated phytoplankton mixture establishes a robust microalgae community that consumes excess nutrients, stabilizes pH, and creates an environment unfavorable to problem dinoflagellates. Our cultures are concentrated, viable, and ready to dose directly into your system.

Key Benefits for Reef Aquaria

• Dinoflagellate Suppression: Outcompetes problem dinos for nutrients and space through natural competitive exclusion
• Nutrient Competition: Rapidly consumes nitrates and phosphates that fuel dinoflagellate growth
• pH Stabilization: Photosynthetic activity helps maintain stable pH levels during treatment
• Beneficial Microbiome: Establishes healthy phytoplankton community that supports reef ecosystem balance
• Copepod and Filter Feeder Nutrition: Provides live food while treating dinoflagellate issues
• Chemical-Free Solution: Natural biological control without harsh medications or treatments

Product Highlights

DinoShield represents a targeted biological approach to one of reef keeping's most frustrating problems—dinoflagellate outbreaks. This proprietary blend combines fast-growing, nutrient-competitive phytoplankton species that establish quickly and dominate available resources. The formulation works through competitive exclusion: beneficial microalgae rapidly consume the nutrients dinoflagellates need while occupying ecological niches. DinoShield is most effective when combined with increased water flow, reduced photoperiod, and regular nutrient export. Best results occur in systems with adequate herbivorous copepod populations that graze on the beneficial phytoplankton, creating a natural cycle that keeps problem algae suppressed.

Formulation Profile

• Multi-Species Blend: Synergistic combination of fast-growing, competitive microalgae species
• Rapid Nutrient Uptake: Selected for maximum nitrogen and phosphorus consumption rates
• Diverse Size Range: Multiple cell sizes to occupy different ecological niches
• High Growth Rates: Fast-reproducing species that quickly establish dominance
• Dinoflagellate-Competitive: Species proven to outcompete common problem dinoflagellates
• Reef-Safe Components: All species safe for fish, corals, and invertebrates

How to Use DinoShield

Initial Treatment: Perform 25% water change and increase water flow in affected areas. Dose 30-50ml per 50 gallons daily for first week.

Aggressive Protocol: For severe infestations, dose 50-75ml per 50 gallons twice daily (morning and evening) for 7-10 days. Reduce photoperiod to 6-8 hours during treatment.

Maintenance Dosing: After initial knockdown, reduce to 20-30ml per 50 gallons daily for 2-3 weeks to prevent recurrence.

Best Practices:

• Shake bottle vigorously before each use
• Dose after lights-out or during low-light periods
• Maintain good water flow and surface agitation
• Manual removal of dinoflagellate mats improves results
• Add copepods to graze beneficial phytoplankton and create sustainable cycle

Critical Success Factors: DinoShield works best with increased flow, reduced lighting, manual removal, and active copepod populations.

Storage and Care

Upon Arrival: Refrigerate immediately at 35-45°F. Shake vigorously before opening—multiple species settle at different rates.

Refrigerated Storage: Keeps for 2-3 weeks when properly refrigerated. Use promptly for maximum efficacy.

Viability Check: Healthy cultures show varied coloration (green, brown, red tones from multiple species). Fresh ocean smell indicates good condition.

Shake Before Use: Multiple species settle differently—always shake vigorously to redistribute entire blend before dosing.

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

Live Arrival Guarantee

All PodDrop phytoplankton products are guaranteed to arrive alive and viable. Our DinoShield blend is shipped fresh and concentrated for immediate use. If your culture arrives compromised (off smell, unusual appearance, 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 DinoShield formulation is:

• Raised in isolated, contamination-controlled systems
• Free from harmful bacteria, parasites, and competing pest organisms
• Packaged in food-grade, sealed containers for biosecurity
• Shipped in compliance with USDA and state aquaculture regulations
• Proprietary blend formulated specifically for dinoflagellate competitive exclusion
• Sustainably produced without environmental impact

Proper Handling: Refrigerate immediately upon arrival. Shake vigorously before each use. Never release culture water into natural waterways. Dispose of packaging responsibly.

Treatment Notes: DinoShield is a biological tool, not a guaranteed cure. Success depends on proper husbandry including adequate flow, nutrient export, and ecosystem balance. Most effective when combined with manual removal and copepod populations.