Premium 6 Species Phytoplankton (16 ounce -32 ounce bottle)

Tetraselmis chuii is a nutrient-dense green phytoplankton species that forms the foundation of healthy reef and planted aquarium ecosystems. We culture these in-house under controlled lighting and temperature to ensure maximum cell density and nutritional value. Each bottle contains approximately 5 million cells per milliliter, making it an affordable entry point for phyto-feeding programs.

This species is particularly favored by copepods, whose nauplii consume tetraselmis at an accelerated rate compared to other phyto species. Corals, clams, and filter-feeding invertebrates also show strong feeding responses. We recommend dosing 1-2 teaspoons daily in tanks under 40 gallons, adjusting based on water clarity. Overdosing causes cloudiness; underdosing limits copepod reproduction rates.

Tetraselmis thrives in water columns between 72-78°F and benefits from moderate flow. Tank compatibility is universal—it won't outcompete macroalgae in refugiums and integrates seamlessly with Pod Hotel breeding programs. This bottle is ideal for nano reef setups, frag tanks, or as a supplemental food source alongside 5-Species Copepods 32oz.

Our team hand-inspects every batch for contamination. Storage at 50-60°F extends viability to 6 weeks; room temperature storage maintains peak nutritional content for 10-14 days.

Phytoplankton Biology & Nutritional Profile

Our phytoplankton cultures contain cells ranging from 2-15 micrometers depending on species, with densities optimized for maximum nutritional delivery. Each cell is packed with amino acids, essential fatty acids (especially EPA and DHA), B vitamins, and pigments including chlorophyll and carotenoids. Cell division rates accelerate when nutrient conditions are maintained, allowing cultures to sustain feeding programs for extended periods. These microscopic plants are consumed by copepods, filter-feeding corals, clams, and invertebrates at impressive consumption rates—a single mandarin can consume 3,000-5,000 cells per day.

Compatible Tank Types & Species

• Reef Systems: Filter-feeding corals, clams, zoanthids, sponges, feather dusters
• Copepod Cultures: Primary food source; increases nauplii production rates
• Refugium Programs: Sustained microbial food web; supports macroalgae nutrient cycles
• Nano Setups: Mandarin dragonfish, pipefish, seahorses, specialized planktivores
• Freshwater Aquaculture: Daphnia, moina, larval fish rearing, zooplankton cultures

Storage & Handling Recommendations

Keep cultures at 50-65°F for maximum shelf life (refrigerator recommended). For room-temperature storage, use within 10-14 days for optimal potency. Do not expose to direct sunlight. Shake bottles gently before use to ensure even distribution. If cloudiness develops, reduce dosing by half and allow water clarity to return. Cultures tolerate brief temperature fluctuations (48-78°F) but rapid changes stress organisms.

Why Choose Our Cultures

I've been culturing these organisms for over a decade, and our commitment to quality is evident in every bottle. We test densities before shipping, ensuring you receive exactly what's advertised. Unlike competitors, we never artificially dilute cultures—every milliliter contains the advertised organism count. Our feeding protocols use minimal additives, resulting in cleaner water and faster-reproducing populations. We personally use these same cultures in our demonstration systems, so we stand behind their performance. When you order from us, you're supporting small-batch aquaculture rather than mass-production facilities.