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A vial of phytoplankton

Phytoplankton Species and their individual Strengths

by greg.chernoff

When purchasing live foods for your tank, many people simply take the shop employee’s advice when handed a jar of unidentified copepods for their reef tank. Most do not research into the different species of copepods, we just understand that they are a major element of our clean up crews and that our fish love snacking on them. But, what if you want to actually make sure you are getting the best option available, and not just whatever the local fish shop has in stock this week? Many aquarists turn to buy the copepods online for this reason, as online retailers typically understand the differences between species and explain them on each individual product’s page. After reading the pages of each individual species, many are left wondering “what do copepods eat?” Aside from detritus and fish food, most species we add to our tanks also eat algae and phytoplankton. But, there is also about a half dozen species of phyto available to hobbyists. Here, we will go into detail on each species and their benefits to your tank. These live foods can be added to your tank to do more than just feed microfauna. Phytoplankton in and of itself discourages nuisance algae growth and coral polyp extension and feeding!

phytoplankton under microscopeIsochrysis Galbana

Iso is a mobile alga, two flagella are used for locomotion. It is high in DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), which plays a major role in nervous system development. Fucoxanthin, a carotenoid found in these single-celled algae, is being found to make cancer and tumor cells undergo programmed cell death. In addition, Fucoxanthin was shown to reduce weight and decrease insulin resistance in animals diagnosed with obesity. And let’s be honest, we all have some fish that are a little chubby! Due to its nutritional value, it is one of the phytoplankton used to enrich copepods, Brine, mysids, rotifers, or other live foods to make them more beneficial to the consumers. Iso is also one of the most prominent feeds used in bivalve (such as clam) hatchery facilities due to its nutritional profile. So, this is a great option for feeding your tank! Nearly all bivalves, corals, and filter feeders will accept Isochrysis.

Nannochloropsis

This is a genus comprised of 6 different species that can only be distinguished from one another by genetic sequence analysis. Because of this, most cultures contain more than one species of Nano. Unlike Iso, these algae are not mobile and can actually be found in fresh, brackish, and full saltwater environments. As such, freshwater clams and filter feeders can also benefit from the freshwater cultures of Nano. Nannochloropsis is able to accumulate huge amounts of astaxanthin, a pigment that improves red, yellow, and orange coloration. Zeaxanthin is carotenoid alcohol, and can also be found in Nano. It is also a pigment that enhances red, yellow, and orange colors. Spirulina is another source of this pigment. Finally, the pigment Canthaxanthin is also present in this phytoplankton. As with the other two substances, it enhances gold, yellow, and orange colors. Nano is also rich in EPA. Basically, this phytoplankton can help your livestock’s pink, red, orange, and yellow colors deepen and pop. Who doesn’t love naturally brilliantly colored animals?

Due to the fast-growing and quick reproduction of Nano, it can be added to the aquarium to hinder the growth of unwanted pest algae. It will easily outcompete these other species and is easily caught and consumed by all filter feeders, so it will not become a nuisance in and of itself. These properties, along with its three-month shelf life when refrigerated, make it a top choice for aquarists. So, what do copepods eat? Well, this phytoplankton may be one of the best options!

Tetraselmis Suecica

Tet is single-celled, motile algae. Although not as much information is easily available on this species, it is known to be rich in lipids, DHA, EPA, and arginine. Arginine is an important amino acid, as it is a neurotransmitter that aids in blood circulation. It also has a role in injury healing, removing toxins like ammonia from the body, and maintaining a healthy immune system. To keep your fish and inverts in top shape, it is easy to understand why an arginine-rich diet is beneficial. It is also one of the most carbohydrate-rich microalgae, which means it has more digestible glucose than other phytoplankton. Pods and other foods enriched with Tet are an easy addition to your feeding regimen that can keep your fish as healthy as possible!

Thalassiosira Weissflogii

Phytoplankton very magnified

Also occurring in fresh, brackish, and full saltwater, Thal is technically a diatom that is not motile. It can grow in less-than-stellar water conditions, including in chlorinated water! Iron, nickel, zinc, nitrogen, and silicates are all used by Thalassiosira, and these are limiting factors for its growth. This means if you discover that you have high metal concentrations in your tank through ICP or lab testing, adding Thal can greatly benefit your tank by removing these potential dangers. Due to the fact that it actively uses and depletes silicate in aquaria, it can be dosed to outcompete nuisance diatoms that grow over our sand and rocks. Thal is preferred by many filter feeders as it is larger in size than the other species on this list and can be used by older fry and larval invertebrates. And, individuals attach to one another and can form longer chains of Thal, so even the coarsest of filter feeders can utilize this species.

Closing Thoughts

As we can see from the above information, live phytoplankton has many benefits to offer your tank and livestock. If you find yourself wondering “what do copepods eat,” “what else can I feed my corals,” “how can I grow my pod population,” or “what are some natural defenses to nuisance algae” it may be time to look towards implementing a dosing regimen for phytoplankton. If you want to get the best bang for your buck, many companies are now offering mixed-species cultures to feed your livestock, so you get the benefits of each individual phyto. Some even include species not covered in this article, but these four types are some of the most prominent and beneficial ones available to hobbyists.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  5. Kevin says

    Live photoplankton is the most useful stuff I’ve ever put in my aquarium. Very helpful, thank you.

    Reply

  9. Jared Friedrich says

    That is why I am ordering all my macro algae and copepods from you guys because I trust what you have in them. Scary pouring a jar of stuff into your tank when you really don’t know what could be in it

    Reply

  22. themarqker says

    I love how informative this website is about all of its products allowing us to buy the best option for our aquatic friends!

    Reply

  48. Karen Johnston Nation says

    so many planktons! Is zooplankton like powered reef roids not good for copepods? I bought a batch from lfs today but next time I iwll order from you guys but was in a hurry to get my yellow clown goby to eat. She sold me reef nutrituin tiggers. It says large but pretty tiny and I know they get much bigger because I have seen some in my tank already. I am afraid they will get to big for their small mouths so my questions are : how do I get them out once they get to large for them to eat If they havnt consumed them all? ? I hope I idnt make a big mistake beacause I already poured a little in there! I really didn’t want this for my 10 gallon but I would like copepods for sure for my biggertank that is almost done cycling. Can I add right after cycle to my big tank? If refrigerated how long are they good for? The bottle was package 3 weeks ago already! Tisbe probably would have been a better choice but she didint have any and I was afriad they would be to small to eat right away! Wish I could have found cyclopeeze locally or baby brine.

    Reply

  52. danieldoherty2 says

    Always satisfied with Algae Barn. Packaging is always perfect and the items are all high quality. Pod it up!

    Reply

  65. Steve says

    I was thinking of getting some Chateo but never grew this before. Does it require intense light and what about water movement . Any help guys would be greatly appreciated ??

    Reply

  81. Robert Palmer says

    A Lot to read and acknowledge when you are a Beginner …. I’ve bought the 4 unique 16 oz. … once a month should do it for a NEW TANK!!!~ 🙂

    Reply

  98. Josimar Chali says

    Well I just ordered for the first time some Pom Pom macro algae and Ecopods,I’m so exited to get my order!!!

    Reply

  99. Matthew Lunsford says

    Semi new to the saltwater realm however excited to begin the journey. Currently have a 100 gallon tank setup with a 30 gallon sump/refugium!

    Reply

  106. Stephen Torres says

    Have learned so much from all your informative blog posts. And my little scooter blend loves when I get a shipment of pods from you guys!

    Reply

  118. Chris K. says

    Thanks for sharing some facts on phytoplankton along with photos. I’ve noticed my corals can’t get enough phytoplankton.

    Reply

  127. Tiffany Watson says

    Search for info on tank feeding they said…. algae barn to the rescue… down the rabbit hole of information I will go! ?

    Reply

  129. markfmvl says

    since these phyto are live when added to the tank, how easily do they colonize and become residents as part of the ecosystem of you tank?

    Reply

  133. lavishtour says

    Im just adding Pods now. Do they reproduce on their own or do i have to do something to help them along?

    Reply

  140. Joaquin Diaz says

    This was a very informative blog post, like your usual. I’d like to know more about Phytoplankton, maybe a few profiles on more species. Also, profiles on fishes would be really nice. I’ve been trusting y’all advice and my reef tank looks great. Would love to see what you guys recommend for individual fish species

    Reply

  154. cruzryanc says

    I’m happy to have found AlgaeBarn.com. Looking forward to my one stop shop for all of my aquarium needs.

    Reply

  162. Ryan says

    This Phyto made my pod population explode was dosing twice a day need more will have to order again soon by far the best product I’ve used

    Reply

  163. N J says

    I wonder if anyone has tried doing math about how many mL of phyto feeds enough pods to support something like the coveted dragonet?

    Reply

  187. mistersova says

    Everything I have ever gotten from here has been A+++++

    My sea lettuce, clams, phyto…. such high quality

    Reply

  193. bigredreefer says

    I am so interested in trying phyto in my tank I really think my corals would thrive from the use. but, I am nervous.

    Reply

  200. Tanner Funai says

    Love the CADE products to come as well as the 5280, Pioneer Pods and of course the Apocylopse. Can’t wait to try your OceanMagik phytoplankton!

    Reply

  208. Ellery Wong says

    Been manually dosing Nanochloropsis primarily for Tridacna clams but we’ll see if it helps with fighting other nuisance algaes.

    Reply

  225. Phyllis Skoglund says

    Well I’ve been looking for more information on SALT WATER REVIVALS all my salt life. I’be been living in and by the ocean for the past 20 years.

    Reply

    • mterry9239 says

      Yes. Mine has went down drastically. Took about 3 weeks for it to REALLY show it helps, but once it started my tank cleared up dramatically.

      Reply

  302. mterry9239 says

    I use 2oz AlgaeBarn Phyto every other day. I have seen more growth and better overall coloration since I have started. I also replenish with EcoPods once a month. Thanks AlgaeBarn and will continue to do service with you.

    Reply

  316. Jerry B says

    It’s been about 20 years since I last had a reef tank. “Bio balls” and “trickle filter” were the words being tossed around back then. Looks like I have much to learn… I feed frozen food and some pellets but this is a whole new level for me! Looks like I have a lot of reading to do.

    Reply

  327. Jennifer Whitaker says

    I noticed a huge difference in coral growth when I started dosing with Phyto! I definitely need to order more!

    Reply

  359. cctran says

    Interesting article. I appreciate the in depth analysis of the microorganisms in the bottle. Really shows that the research has been done to ensure that we are not getting a bottle of snake oil. My first order is being shipped out on Monday and will definitely document progression as a casual reef hobbyist with a low tech build.

    Reply

  370. Christopher Kerr says

    Good info to know! I’ve never fed any phyto before. I’ll definitely look into starting now!

    Reply

  375. Krista Frost says

    Interesting article. I’m just starting up my first saltwater tank and want to go as natural as possible.

    Reply

  382. Jolene says

    I am interested in raising my yellow watchmen goby fry, I am wondering if you will supply Parvo pods or s- rotifers?

    Reply

  401. Matthew Antolovich says

    Nanno and Nano are used interchangeably in the article, but aren’t they two separate types of phyto?

    Reply

  404. Jennifer Kennedy says

    Live phyto is soooo much better for your aquarium than the stuff you can buy on the shelf at the LFS. So worth it!! Thanks, Algaebarn!

    Reply

  411. Robert Palmer says

    Most Definitely Great Information Seeing I Am Stocking my tank monthly with live phyto and pods…I try different pods every other month 🙂 You Can Never Have Enough Thanks to the intense / Advanced Filtration systems of Today!
    Thanks @ALGAEBARN.COM
    Robert…

    Reply

  415. becks17 says

    This is great info and has really turned me onto always keeping live phyto available in my feeding rotation.

    Reply

  421. Heather O'Sullivan says

    Great information. Recently started to build a pod population to feed a seahorse tank I am looking to setup. Have noticed my algae issue quickly diminished but didn’t make the connection to adding the pods and dosing phyto.

    Reply

  425. David Ekers says

    I need to experiment with phyto in the softy tank I’m starting. May have a mandarin (captive bred like ALL of my fish) and this would help the pod population.
    Not going to dose to my reef; way too much filtration going on for this to be available for food.

    Reply

  455. Cody Baker says

    Love all the info you share, you have some great tips and your copepods are hands down the best!

    Reply

  478. Kim says

    I just entered my first order. I am looking forward to the day when I can confidently add a Mandarin Dragonet. Algae Barn’s great deal on pods is making it happen.

    Reply

  479. Kim says

    I just entered my first order. I am looking forward to the day when I can confidently add a Mandarin Dragonet. Algae Barn’s great deal on pods is making it happen.

    Reply

  480. Steve Ozark says

    I feed phyto to copepods in the display and sump 3x a week. I add rotifers to the display daily and my corals and tank cleanliness really show the results!

    Reply

  483. PHIRANY SUN says

    Now this was informative. So much more to the saltwater world to learn. Thank you all who commented and gave advice to us newbies!

    Reply

  484. Namon Mcwilliams says

    Just ordered some phytoplankton, unfortunately it’s back ordered but can’t wait to see the impact on my reef.

    Reply

  493. Alicia white says

    I realize that different phytoplankton have different smells, I bought one from an exotic fish store and it smelled like eggs and the ocean OMG, but when I ordered the Ocean Magic from algaebarn it actually has no smell in my opinion, so I’m really happy about the no smell thing lol

    Reply

  507. rocco morra says

    Just getting ready to setup a Recife 40 gallon cube reef aquarium, no room for a refugium in the AIO setup as it is now. Can I add pods and photo to tank directly? If so, how much would be needed for tis size?

    Reply

  540. Kokass Angeles says

    Has AB thought about working with Neptune/BRS or someone similar to develop a phyto dosing system? Something that occasionally stirs and keeps product chilled for dosing? There is definitely a need, though how niche I’m not sure. I’m thinking of building one – but… it would be easier if integrated with my other systems.

    Reply

  559. radavis12 says

    I just ordered my first stuff, and so far I love it. My tank has a lot of filter feeders, so I will probably need to order more as time goes on.

    Reply

  560. radavis12 says

    I just ordered my first stuff, and so far I love it. My tank has a lot of filter feeders, so I will probably need to order more as time goes on.

    Reply

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