Welcome to the ultimate destination for live phytoplankton online. Whether you're feeding filter-feeding corals, sustaining a booming copepod population, or raising rotifers for clownfish fry, you've come to the right place. Our live phytoplankton is 100% alive, species-identified, and harvested at peak density to deliver maximum nutrition to your saltwater aquarium.
Unlike dead, preserved, or powdered alternatives, live phytoplankton remains suspended in the water column for hours, stays digestible for corals and pods, and actively consumes excess nutrients while feeding your tank. Browse our collection below and choose the right microalgae blend for your reef.
Why Buy Live Phytoplankton from Us?
Not all phytoplankton products are created equal. Many store-bought "green water" products are pasteurized, expired, or contaminated. Here's why serious reef keepers choose us:
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100% live cultures: Every bottle contains actively swimming, photosynthesizing microalgae — not dead cells that just cloud your water.
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Species-specific options: We offer Nannochloropsis, Tetraselmis, Pavlova, Isochrysis, and custom blends for targeted feeding.
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High cell density: Minimum 6-7 million cells per ml (100+ million cells per 16oz bottle). You get concentrated nutrition, not tinted water.
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Live arrival guarantee: Ships Monday–Wednesday via Priority Mail in insulated packaging. If your culture arrives dead or contaminated, we replace or refund.
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No preservatives or refrigeration needed (unopened): Store in a cool, dark cabinet for up to 3 months. Open and refrigerate after first use.
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Bred in the USA: All strains are laboratory-grown in sterile conditions — no pests, no predators, no contamination.
Which Phytoplankton Species Is Right for Your Tank?
Different microalgae species have different cell sizes and nutritional profiles. Here's a quick guide to help you choose:
Nannochloropsis – The All-Purpose Workhorse
Best for: Feeding copepods, rotifers, and general reef health.
Cell size: 2-5 microns — ideal for pod grazing and coral capture.
Nutrition: High in EPA (omega-3), proteins, and antioxidants.
Ideal for: Sustaining pod populations, feeding LPS corals, and outcompeting nuisance algae.
Tetraselmis – The Coral Color Booster
Best for: SPS and LPS corals, clams, and feather dusters.
Cell size: 8-14 microns — larger cells that stay suspended longer.
Nutrition: Rich in carotenoids that enhance coral pigmentation.
Ideal for: Acropora, Montipora, Tridacna clams, and gorgonians.
Pavlova – The Hatchery Essential
Best for: Rotifer cultures, seahorse fry, and small-mouthed corals.
Cell size: 4-6 microns — excellent for larval feeding.
Nutrition: High in DHA (critical for brain development in fish larvae).
Ideal for: Clownfish breeders, seahorse keepers, and rotifer production.
Isochrysis – The Gold Standard for Bivalves
Best for: Clams, oysters, scallops, and other filter-feeding bivalves.
Cell size: 4-7 microns — highly digestible.
Nutrition: High in both EPA and DHA; excellent fatty acid profile.
Ideal for: Tridacna clams, feather dusters, and sponge filtration systems.
Our Most Popular Phytoplankton Products
🌿 16oz Live Nannochloropsis – Our best-seller. Perfect for daily feeding, pod maintenance, and general reef health. 100+ million live cells.
🌿 32oz Live Nannochloropsis (Bulk Size) – Designed for large tanks (100+ gallons), heavy feeders, and breeders. 200+ million cells. Save 20% vs. 16oz.
🌿 4-Species Phytoplankton Blend (Nanno + Tetra + Pavlova + Iso) – The ultimate biodiversity pack. Covers all feeding needs from pods to SPS corals to clams. Recommended for mixed reefs.
🌿 Phytoplankton + Copepod Combo – Includes live phyto AND live copepods. The complete reef ecosystem starter kit.
Benefits of Adding Live Phytoplankton to Your Reef Tank
Still wondering if live phyto is worth the investment? Here's what a consistent phytoplankton dosing routine does for your aquarium:
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Boosts copepod populations: Pods cannot breed without microalgae. Live phyo turns a dying pod colony into a thriving one.
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Direct coral nutrition: LPS, SPS, soft corals, clams, feather dusters, and sponges directly consume phytoplankton.
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Enhances coral color: Carotenoids and fatty acids in live phyto improve pigmentation in SPS and LPS corals.
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Outcompetes nuisance algae: Live microalgae consumes the same nitrates and phosphates that bad algae need to grow.
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Improves water clarity: Phytoplankton absorbs dissolved organics, reducing yellowing compounds in your water.
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Essential for hatcheries: Rotifers, the first food for most marine fish fry, require live phytoplankton to survive and reproduce.
How to Dose Live Phytoplankton (Simple Guide)
Dosing phytoplankton is easy, but consistency is key. Follow these guidelines for best results:
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Shake the bottle vigorously before each use — cells settle over time.
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Dose 5-10ml per 50 gallons of tank water for general maintenance. Double that for heavy feeding or pod boosting.
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Dose 30-60 minutes after lights out — corals extend feeding tentacles at night, and pods are most active in the dark.
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Pour into a high-flow area near a powerhead or return pump to disperse evenly.
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Feed every other day for maintenance, or daily for heavy coral/pod tanks.
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Refrigerate after opening and use within 3-4 months. Discard if smell turns sour or color becomes brown.
💡 Pro Tip: If you're trying to establish a pod population, dose phytoplankton daily for the first two weeks after adding copepods. This gives pods a continuous food source and encourages rapid breeding. You'll see pods on the glass within days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Phytoplankton
Q: How much phytoplankton do I need for my tank?
A: For tanks under 50 gallons, a 16oz bottle lasts 4-8 weeks depending on dosing frequency. For 50-100 gallons, 16oz lasts 3-5 weeks. For 100+ gallons or heavy feeding, choose our 32oz bulk size for better value.
Q: Can I overdose phytoplankton?
A: Yes — but it's difficult. Overdosing can temporarily cloud your water and raise nitrates slightly. Start with recommended doses and adjust based on your tank's response. Most reefers actually under-dose. Your corals will tell you when they want more (better polyp extension, brighter colors).
Q: Is live phytoplankton better than refrigerated paste or powder?
A: Absolutely. Dead or preserved phyto just clouds your water and adds nutrients without feeding value. Live cells remain digestible, stay suspended longer, and actively consume nutrients. Powdered phyto often clumps and is poorly absorbed by corals and pods.
Q: Do I need to acclimate phytoplankton?
A: No. Unlike fish or corals, phytoplankton can be poured directly into your tank or sump. No temperature or drip acclimation required. However, avoid pouring directly onto sensitive corals — disperse in high-flow area instead.
Q: How long does an opened bottle last in the refrigerator?
A: 3-4 months if kept refrigerated and shaken before each use. Signs of spoilage: brown color, sour/rotten smell, or visible mold on surface. Fresh live phyto smells like the ocean with a mild green tea aroma.
Q: Do you ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally?
A: Currently we ship to all 48 contiguous US states. For Alaska, Hawaii, or international orders, please contact us for custom shipping rates and live arrival terms. Live phytoplankton is sensitive to extreme temperatures.
Signs You Need More Phytoplankton in Your Tank
Not sure if you're dosing enough? Watch for these indicators:
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Your pod population is declining: Fewer pods on glass at night means they're starving. Increase phyto dosing.
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Corals have poor polyp extension: Hungry corals retract. More phyto often triggers immediate extension.
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Your water looks too clear: A slight green tint is normal in rich reef systems. Sterile-clear water often lacks plankton.
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Nuisance algae is spreading: Live phyto outcompetes bad algae. If you see more diatoms or cyano, you may actually need MORE phyto to starve them out.
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Your mandarin looks thin: Even with pods present, low phyto means low pod reproduction. Boost phyto to boost your pod breeding rate.
Ready to Add Live Phytoplankton to Your Reef?
Stop feeding dead, preserved, or powdered imitations. Live phytoplankton is the most natural, effective way to feed your corals, sustain your pod population, and maintain crystal-clear water. Browse our collection below and choose the right species and size for your aquarium.
All orders ship within 24 hours with live arrival guaranteed. Add phytoplankton to your cart today and watch your reef come alive.
