Ultimate Blend

Product Overview

Ultimate Copepod Blend is PodDrop's premium four-species combination delivering maximum biodiversity and ecosystem stability for serious reef aquariums. This elite formulation combines Tisbe biminiensis, Apocyclops panamensis, Tigriopus californicus, and the rare Tigriopus sirindhornae—providing complete size diversity, multiple ecological niches, and unmatched genetic resilience. Our cultures ship with live phytoplankton to ensure they arrive actively feeding and ready to establish in your tank.

Key Benefits for Reef Aquaria

• Four Complementary Species: Maximum biodiversity with harpacticoid and cyclopoid copepods
• Complete Size Spectrum: 0.5mm to 3mm coverage feeds everything from coral polyps to large dragonets
• Multiple Ecological Niches: Benthic, water column, and intermediate swimmers fill every habitat
• Maximum Genetic Diversity: Four species including exclusive Thai lineage for superior hardiness
• Year-Round Stability: Different temperature tolerances ensure populations thrive in all conditions
• Professional-Grade Formula: The same blend used by commercial coral farms and public aquariums
• Self-Sustaining Ecosystem: Synergistic populations create the most robust copepod community possible

Product Highlights

Ultimate Copepod Blend represents the pinnacle of live zooplankton diversity for reef aquariums, combining the strengths of four carefully selected species. Tisbe biminiensis provides explosive reproduction and coral-feeding nauplii. Apocyclops panamensis offers intermediate size and active water column swimming ideal for seahorses and mid-sized planktivores. Tigriopus californicus delivers large, hardy copepods with exceptional tolerance. Tigriopus sirindhornae—PodDrop's exclusive Thai species—provides the largest size, extreme hardiness, and genetic diversity unavailable anywhere else. Together, these four species create an unbreakable copepod ecosystem with redundancy, complementary behaviors, and continuous reproduction across all environmental conditions.

Species Composition

• Tisbe biminiensis: Small harpacticoid copepods (0.5-0.8mm adults)
  • Fastest reproduction rate (7-10 day generation)
  • Abundant nauplii for coral feeding
  • Benthic with swimming behavior
  • Excellent biofilm control
• Apocyclops panamensis: Medium cyclopoid copepods (0.8-1.2mm adults)
  • Active water column feeders
  • Jerky, darting swimming motion
  • Perfect for seahorses and mandarins
  • Bridges size gap between species
• Tigriopus californicus: Large harpacticoid copepods (1-2mm adults)
  • Bright red-orange, highly visible
  • Wide temperature tolerance (60-80°F)
  • Water column swimmers and crawlers
  • Proven track record worldwide
• Tigriopus sirindhornae: Premium large harpacticoid (2-3mm adults)
  • Exclusive Thai lineage from PodDrop
  • Largest copepod species available
  • Extreme environmental tolerance (65-85°F)
  • Unmatched genetic diversity

Nutritional Profile

• Complete Size Range: 0.5mm to 3mm covers all reef nutritional needs simultaneously
• Maximum Protein Density: 50-65% crude protein across all four species
• Superior Omega-3 Profile: Complete EPA and DHA from diverse species sources
• Complete Amino Acids: Full essential amino acid spectrum for optimal growth
• Multi-Species Carotenoids: Diverse pigments for maximum color enhancement
• Continuous Life Stages: Nauplii, juveniles, and adults available at all times
• Cyclopoid Advantage: Apocyclops provides unique lipid profile not found in harpacticoids

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 due to premium nature.

Introduction: Pour copepods into your refugium or sump after lights out for maximum survival. All four species will naturally distribute and establish according to their preferred microhabitats.

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

Population Boost: For mandarin dragonets or multiple planktivorous fish, start with 3-4 bottles per 75 gallons. For elite reef systems or breeding operations, use 2-3 bottles per 50 gallons for maximum biodiversity.

Refugium Setup: Provide macroalgae, live rock rubble, varied substrate, and moderate flow. Different species will occupy preferred zones creating layered populations.

Storage and Care

Upon Arrival: Unpack immediately and inspect for active copepods. You should observe multiple sizes and behaviors—from tiny Tisbe to large red-orange Tigriopus species, plus darting Apocyclops.

Short-Term Storage (up to 48 hours): Keep at room temperature (68-75°F) away from direct sunlight. Gentle aeration recommended for premium multi-species blend.

Adding to Tank: Best added same day as arrival for maximum population establishment across all four species. 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 Ultimate 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 Ultimate 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
• Includes exclusive Tigriopus sirindhornae unavailable from other suppliers
• 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 Ultimate Blend: This is the most comprehensive copepod formulation available anywhere. Professional aquarists, commercial coral farms, and public aquariums choose Ultimate Blend for maximum biodiversity, redundancy, and long-term ecosystem stability. The inclusion of exclusive Thai Tigriopus sirindhornae makes this blend truly unique in the industry.