Rhodomonas lens live phytoplankton

Product Overview

Rhodomonas lens is a premium marine cryptophyte phytoplankton essential for sustaining copepod populations and feeding filter-feeding organisms in reef aquariums. This highly nutritious microalgae is a primary food source for rotifers and copepods, making it critical for maintaining live zooplankton cultures and supporting coral reef ecosystems. Our cultures are concentrated, viable, and ready to dose directly into your system.

Key Benefits for Reef Aquaria

• Essential Copepod Food: Primary diet for sustaining all copepod species in refugiums and display tanks
• Rotifer Culture Base: Critical food source for rotifer production in breeding systems
• Coral Nutrition: Small cell size (8-12 microns) ideal for direct coral feeding
• Filter Feeder Support: Perfect for clams, feather dusters, sponges, and tunicates
• Water Quality: Consumes excess nutrients while providing live food
• Natural Coloration: Rich in phycoerythrin pigments that enhance coral and fish color

Species Highlights

Rhodomonas lens is considered one of the most nutritionally complete phytoplankton species available for marine aquaculture. Its small, motile cells are easily consumed by even the tiniest copepod nauplii and coral polyps. The distinctive red-pink coloration comes from phycoerythrin, a valuable protein-pigment complex. Rhodomonas thrives in temperatures from 68-78°F and tolerates moderate light levels. This species is particularly valued for its high digestibility and complete nutritional profile, making it superior to many green microalgae species for sustaining healthy copepod populations.

Nutritional Profile

• High Protein Content: 40-50% crude protein by dry weight
• Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Excellent EPA and DHA for copepod reproduction
• Complete Vitamin Profile: B-vitamins, vitamin C, and essential micronutrients
• Phycoerythrin Pigments: Natural antioxidants and color-enhancing compounds
• Highly Digestible: Thin cell wall for maximum nutrient bioavailability
• Essential Sterols: Critical lipids for zooplankton development and reproduction

How to Add to Your Tank

Dosing: Shake bottle gently before use. Add directly to refugium, sump, or display tank during low-flow periods for best distribution.

Refugium Addition: Dose near copepod populations for direct feeding. Daily dosing supports continuous copepod reproduction.

Display Tank: Broadcast dose in evening hours when corals extend polyps. Water may show slight cloudiness that clears within hours.

Recommended Dosage: Start with 5-10ml per 25 gallons daily. Adjust based on copepod populations and coral response. Higher doses (20-30ml per 25 gallons) for systems with dense copepod cultures or filter feeders.

Breeding Systems: Dose 2-3 times daily for rotifer and copepod production systems.

Storage and Care

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

Refrigerated Storage: Keeps for 2-4 weeks when properly refrigerated. Check for fresh ocean smell and red-pink coloration.

Viability Check: Healthy cultures appear red-pink in color. Off smell or color change indicates declining viability.

Shake Before Use: Cells settle naturally—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 Rhodomonas lens 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 Rhodomonas lens 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
• Monoculture 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.