Reef Rain Blend

Product Overview

Reef Rain is PodDrop's signature mixed-species copepod blend combining Tigriopus californicus and Tisbe biminiensis to provide complete size diversity and maximum ecosystem benefits for reef aquariums. This premium combination delivers both large, visible copepods for feeding demanding fish and small, prolific species for coral nutrition—creating a self-sustaining live food chain. Our cultures ship with live phytoplankton to ensure they arrive actively feeding and ready to establish in your tank.

Key Benefits for Reef Aquaria

• Complete Size Range: Large Tigriopus (1-2mm) and small Tisbe (0.5-0.8mm) cover all feeding needs
• Synergistic Species: Complementary species occupy different niches without direct competition
• Maximum Reproduction: Tisbe's explosive breeding combined with Tigriopus hardiness
• All Fish Types Covered: From mandarin dragonets to small gobies—one product feeds all
• Coral and Fish Nutrition: Abundant nauplii for corals, adults for planktivorous fish
• Self-Sustaining Ecosystem: Mixed populations create stable, long-term food web
• Refugium Establishment: Both species thrive in refugiums with complementary behaviors

Product Highlights

Reef Rain represents the ideal starter copepod blend for reef aquariums, combining the best characteristics of two proven species. Tigriopus californicus provides large, hardy, highly visible copepods that tolerate wide parameter ranges and serve as premium food for larger fish. Tisbe biminiensis offers explosive reproduction rates and smaller size perfect for juvenile fish and coral feeding. Together, they create a complete copepod ecosystem with multiple life stages always available. This synergistic combination means constant food availability—while Tigriopus populations build steadily, Tisbe reproduces rapidly to fill gaps. Both species coexist peacefully, occupying different microhabitats and feeding strategies within your refugium and display tank.

Species Composition

• Tigriopus californicus: Large harpacticoid copepods (1-2mm adults)
  • Highly visible red-orange coloration
  • Exceptional temperature and salinity tolerance (60-80°F)
  • Slower but steady reproduction
  • Water column swimmers and rock/glass crawlers
• Tisbe biminiensis: Small harpacticoid copepods (0.5-0.8mm adults)
  • Rapid population doubling (7-10 days)
  • Benthic with swimming behavior when disturbed
  • Abundant nauplii for coral feeding
  • Excellent biofilm and detritus control

Nutritional Profile

• Dual Size Advantage: Complete size range from 0.5mm to 2mm for all reef inhabitants
• High Protein Content: 50-65% crude protein across both species
• Rich Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Complete EPA and DHA profile from both species
• Complete Amino Acids: All essential amino acids for optimal fish growth and coloration
• Natural Carotenoids: Color-enhancing pigments from both species
• Multi-Stage Nutrition: Nauplii, juveniles, and adults always available

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 between refugium and display.

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

Population Boost: Start with 2-3 bottles per 50 gallons for mandarin dragonets or multiple planktivorous fish. For general reef maintenance, 1-2 bottles per 75 gallons establishes robust populations.

Refugium Setup: Both species thrive with macroalgae, live rock rubble, and moderate flow. Tisbe prefer substrate areas while Tigriopus occupy rocks and glass.

Storage and Care

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

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 Reef Rain 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 Reef Rain 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 ecosystem establishment
• 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 Reef Rain: This signature blend eliminates the guesswork—you get proven species ratios that work together to create self-sustaining populations feeding every size of reef inhabitant.