Tetraselmis chui Live Phytoplankton

Product Overview

Tetraselmis chui is a large, highly nutritious green microalgae essential for feeding copepods, rotifers, and filter-feeding reef organisms. This robust phytoplankton species provides superior protein and lipid content, making it ideal for sustaining productive copepod cultures and supporting coral reef ecosystems. Our cultures are concentrated, viable, and ready to dose directly into your system.

Key Benefits for Reef Aquaria

• Large Cell Size: 10-14 microns ideal for larger copepod species and adult stages
• High Nutritional Density: Superior protein and lipid content compared to smaller algae
• Copepod Culture Essential: Excellent food for Tigriopus, Apocyclops, and calanoid copepods
• Filter Feeder Nutrition: Perfect size for clams, sponges, and larger filter-feeding invertebrates
• Robust Growth: Hardy species that maintains viability longer than delicate microalgae
• Nutrient Export: Actively consumes nitrates and phosphates while providing live food

Species Highlights

Tetraselmis chui is one of the most widely used phytoplankton species in commercial aquaculture due to its exceptional nutritional profile and ease of culture. The relatively large, motile cells are easily consumed by copepods while remaining small enough for filter feeders. This green microalgae tolerates temperatures from 65-80°F and moderate to high light levels. Tetraselmis is particularly valued for its thick cell wall that provides sustained nutrition and resistance to bacterial contamination. Its high lipid content makes it essential for copepod reproduction and larval fish development in breeding systems.

Nutritional Profile

• Maximum Protein Content: 45-55% crude protein by dry weight
• High Lipid Levels: 15-25% total lipids, rich in essential fatty acids
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Excellent EPA content for copepod reproduction
• Complete Vitamin Profile: B-vitamins, vitamin E, and essential micronutrients
• Chlorophyll Content: Natural pigments support color enhancement
• Essential Amino Acids: Complete profile for optimal zooplankton growth

How to Add to Your Tank

Dosing: Shake bottle vigorously before use to redistribute settled cells. Add directly to refugium, sump, or display tank during low-flow periods.

Refugium Addition: Dose near copepod populations for direct feeding. Daily dosing supports robust copepod reproduction and growth.

Display Tank: Broadcast dose in evening hours. Water may show green tint that clears within 4-8 hours as organisms consume cells.

Recommended Dosage: Start with 10-15ml per 25 gallons daily. Adjust based on copepod density and filter feeder populations. Higher doses (30-40ml per 25 gallons) for systems with dense copepod cultures.

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

Storage and Care

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

Refrigerated Storage: Keeps for 3-5 weeks when properly refrigerated. Check for fresh, earthy smell and bright green coloration.

Viability Check: Healthy cultures appear bright green. Off smell, brown coloration, or clumping indicates declining viability.

Shake Before Use: Cells settle heavily—always shake vigorously 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 Tetraselmis chui 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 Tetraselmis chui 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 vigorously before each use. Never release culture water into natural waterways. Dispose of packaging responsibly.