Nano Copepod Blend Product Page Content

Product Overview

Nano Copepod Blend is PodDrop's specialized two-species combination designed specifically for small reef aquariums, nano tanks, and systems with small planktivorous fish. This perfectly balanced formulation combines Tisbe biminiensis and Apocyclops panamensis—providing explosive reproduction, ideal sizing for small fish, and complementary ecological behaviors. Our cultures ship with live phytoplankton to ensure they arrive actively feeding and ready to establish in your tank.

Key Benefits for Reef Aquaria

• Nano Tank Optimized: Perfect size range for small aquariums and compact refugiums
• Small Fish Specialists: Ideal for gobies, firefish, small blennies, and juvenile specimens
• Dual Behavioral Strategy: Benthic Tisbe and water column Apocyclops cover all feeding zones
• Rapid Population Establishment: Fast-reproducing species quickly build sustainable populations
• Space-Efficient: Both species thrive in limited refugium space typical of nano systems
• Coral Nutrition Focus: Abundant small nauplii perfect for SPS and LPS coral feeding
• Complementary Species: Harpacticoid and cyclopoid combination eliminates direct competition

Product Highlights

Nano Copepod Blend addresses the unique challenges of small reef systems where space is limited but nutritional needs are high. Tisbe biminiensis offers the fastest reproduction rate of any cultured copepod, ensuring rapid population establishment even in small refugiums. Their tiny size (0.5-0.8mm) makes them perfect for small gobies, dartfish, and juvenile fish that cannot consume larger copepods. Apocyclops panamensis provides intermediate size (0.8-1.2mm) and critical water column presence—their active swimming behavior makes them immediately available to planktivorous fish. Together, these species create a complete nano ecosystem with benthic and pelagic zones covered, continuous nauplii production for corals, and size diversity that grows with your fish.

Species Composition

• Tisbe biminiensis: Small harpacticoid copepods (0.5-0.8mm adults)
  • Explosive reproduction (7-10 day generation)
  • Smallest adult size ideal for tiny fish
  • Abundant nauplii for coral polyps
  • Benthic lifestyle with swimming when disturbed
  • Excellent for compact refugiums
• Apocyclops panamensis: Medium cyclopoid copepods (0.8-1.2mm adults)
  • Active water column feeders
  • Jerky, darting swimming motion triggers feeding response
  • Perfect bridge size as fish grow
  • Cyclopoid behavior complements benthic Tisbe
  • Rapid reproduction supports small systems

Nutritional Profile

• Nano-Optimized Size Range: 0.5mm to 1.2mm perfect for small and juvenile fish
• High Protein Content: 52-65% crude protein across both species
• Rich Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Complete EPA and DHA for growth and coloration
• Complete Amino Acids: Full essential amino acid spectrum for juvenile development
• Highly Digestible: Small size and soft exoskeletons maximize nutrient absorption
• Continuous Nauplii Production: Both species reproduce rapidly for constant coral food
• Cyclopoid Lipid Advantage: Apocyclops provides unique fatty acid profile for diversity

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 minutes.

Introduction: Pour copepods into your refugium or sump after lights out. In nano tanks without refugiums, add directly to display in low-flow areas near rockwork.

Timing: Add to established tanks (2+ months old) with stable parameters. Nano systems benefit from earlier copepod addition due to limited natural food sources.

Population Boost: For nano tanks (10-30 gallons), start with 1-2 bottles. For small reef systems (30-50 gallons), use 2-3 bottles for robust establishment.

Nano Refugium Tips: Even small hang-on or in-sump refugiums work perfectly. Add chaeto or other macroalgae, provide gentle flow, and both species will thrive.

Storage and Care

Upon Arrival: Unpack immediately and inspect for active copepods. You should observe tiny Tisbe and slightly larger, darting Apocyclops.

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 in smaller systems. 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 Nano 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 Nano 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 small system success
• 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 Nano Blend: Specifically formulated for the unique challenges of nano and small reef systems. Fast reproduction, compact sizing, and dual behavioral strategies ensure success even in limited space. Perfect for reef keepers with 10-50 gallon systems, small fish specialists, and anyone maintaining compact refugiums.