Harmony Blend

Product Overview

Harmony Copepod Blend is PodDrop's streamlined two-species combination designed for aquarists seeking optimal fish feeding with minimal complexity. This elegant formulation combines Apocyclops panamensis and Tigriopus californicus—providing complementary size ranges, dual behavioral strategies, and proven reliability for mandarin dragonets and planktivorous fish. Our cultures ship with live phytoplankton to ensure they arrive actively feeding and ready to establish in your tank.

Key Benefits for Reef Aquaria

• Dual Size Strategy: Medium Apocyclops (0.8-1.2mm) and large Tigriopus (1-2mm) cover primary fish needs
• Complementary Behaviors: Cyclopoid water column swimmers plus harpacticoid rock crawlers
• Mandarin Dragonet Optimized: Perfect size range for synchiropus species feeding preferences
• Maximum Visibility: Both species easily observed—red-orange Tigriopus and active Apocyclops
• Hardy and Reliable: Two of the most temperature-tolerant species available
• Simplified Ecosystem: Straightforward two-species management without sacrificing effectiveness
• Fish-Focused Formula: Emphasizes direct fish feeding over coral nauplii production

Product Highlights

Harmony Copepod Blend represents refined simplicity—two robust species that work in perfect synchrony to feed planktivorous fish. Apocyclops panamensis provides critical water column presence with their characteristic jerky, darting swimming motion that triggers aggressive feeding responses. Their intermediate size makes them ideal for seahorses, mandarin dragonets, and anthias. Tigriopus californicus delivers large, highly visible copepods that tolerate extreme environmental conditions while providing premium nutrition. Their bright red-orange coloration crawling on rocks and glass allows easy population monitoring. Together, these species create a balanced ecosystem focused on fish nutrition—Apocyclops delivers immediate feeding value while Tigriopus provides long-term population stability and larger prey items.

Species Composition

• Apocyclops panamensis: Medium cyclopoid copepods (0.8-1.2mm adults)
  • Active water column feeders
  • Jerky, darting swimming motion triggers feeding response
  • Rapid reproduction establishes populations quickly
  • Perfect for seahorses, mandarins, and mid-sized planktivores
  • Immediate feeding value upon addition
• Tigriopus californicus: Large harpacticoid copepods (1-2mm adults)
  • Bright red-orange, highly visible on rocks and glass
  • Exceptional temperature tolerance (60-80°F)
  • Water column swimmers and substrate crawlers
  • Premium food for larger dragonets and wrasses
  • Long-term population stability

Nutritional Profile

• Fish-Optimized Size Range: 0.8mm to 2mm focuses on direct fish feeding
• High Protein Content: 50-62% crude protein across both species
• Rich Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Complete EPA and DHA for fish health and coloration
• Complete Amino Acids: Full essential amino acid spectrum for optimal growth
• Natural Carotenoids: Pigments from both species enhance fish coloration
• Behavioral Variety: Different swimming patterns appeal to diverse fish feeding strategies
• Cyclopoid Advantage: Apocyclops provides unique lipid profile complementing Tigriopus

How to Add to Your Tank

Acclimation: Float the sealed container in your tank for 15-20 minutes to temperature acclimate. Slowly add small amounts of tank water over 10-15 minutes.

Introduction: Pour copepods into your refugium or sump after lights out for best survival. Both species will naturally distribute—Apocyclops in water column, Tigriopus on rocks and substrate.

Timing: Add to established tanks (3+ months old) with stable parameters. Best added before introducing copepod-eating fish to allow population establishment.

Population Boost: For mandarin dragonets, start with 2-3 bottles per 50 gallons. For general planktivorous fish (anthias, wrasses, gobies), use 2 bottles per 75 gallons.

Refugium Setup: Provide live rock rubble, moderate flow, and optional macroalgae. Both species thrive in simple refugium setups without complex requirements.

Storage and Care

Upon Arrival: Unpack immediately and inspect for active copepods. You should observe darting Apocyclops and large red-orange Tigriopus crawling and swimming.

Short-Term Storage (up to 48 hours): Keep at room temperature (68-75°F) away from direct sunlight. Gentle aeration beneficial for holds over 24 hours.

Adding to Tank: Best added same day as arrival for maximum population establishment. Can be held up to 3 days with cool temperatures and gentle aeration.

Feeding: Our copepods ship with live phytoplankton food supply—no feeding needed before adding to your tank.

Live Arrival Guarantee

All PodDrop copepods are guaranteed to arrive alive and actively moving. Our Harmony Copepod Blend ships with live phytoplankton to maintain health during transit. If copepods arrive deceased or your order has issues, contact us within 2 hours of delivery with photos for replacement or refund. We ship using proven methods to ensure viable populations reach your reef aquarium.

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 temperature protection.

Weather Delays: We monitor conditions and may hold orders for extreme temperatures to ensure live arrival.

Returns: Live copepods cannot be returned once shipped due to their perishable nature. Contact us before shipping for order modifications.

Tracking: Confirmation email sent when your order ships with UPS tracking number.

Live Animal Handling Compliance

PodDrop operates as a licensed Arizona aquaculture facility (AQ License #91) following strict biosecurity and handling protocols. Our Harmony Copepod Blend is:

• Raised in isolated, quarantine-controlled systems
• Free from parasites, diseases, and pest organisms
• Packaged in food-grade, sealed containers for biosecurity
• Shipped in compliance with USDA and state aquaculture regulations
• Mixed at optimal ratios for balanced fish feeding
• 100% aquacultured for sustainability and biosecurity

Proper Handling: Wash hands before and after handling. Never release copepods into natural waterways. Dispose of packaging responsibly.

Why Harmony Blend: Elegant simplicity meets proven effectiveness. Two exceptionally hardy, highly visible species that work together perfectly to feed planktivorous fish. Ideal for aquarists who want straightforward copepod management focused on fish nutrition rather than complex multi-species ecosystems. Perfect for mandarin dragonet keepers, seahorse enthusiasts, and anyone maintaining fish-focused reef systems.