Aquacultured Live Feeds

At Top Shelf Aquatics, our aquacultured live feeds are carefully grown in-house to support the long-term health and biodiversity of reef aquariums. This collection features nutrient-rich phytoplankton, hardy macroalgae, and several species of copepods—all harvested fresh and conditioned for maximum effectiveness in both display tanks and refugiums.

Phytoplankton serves as a foundational food source for filter feeders and is also used to gut-load our copepods, enhancing their nutritional value. Macroalgae like Chaetomorpha and Ulva help reduce excess nutrients while providing shelter and long-term support for microfauna. Our live copepods—including species like Apocyclops, Tigriopus, and Tisbe—offer a balanced mix of midwater and benthic behavior, making them ideal for feeding fish, corals, and seeding sustainable populations.

Aquacultured Live Feeds

Aquacultured Live Feeds
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Top Aquacultured Live Feed Picks

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Live Mixed Copepods (Tisbe & Apocyclops) - Reef Genetics

Live Mixed Copepods - Reef Genetics

Starting at $15.99
TSA Sustainably Aquacultured Copepods – Tisbe & Apocyclops Blend
This blend combines two powerhouse copepod species—Tisbe biminiensis and Apocyclops panamensis—for maximum coverage across your reef tank’s water column. With both benthic...
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Answers

Aquacultured Live Feeds FAQs

How often should I add live phytoplankton or copepods to my reef tank?
The frequency depends on your system’s needs. Many reefkeepers add phytoplankton several times per week or even daily in systems with heavy filter feeders, while copepods are often introduced weekly or biweekly to maintain healthy populations. For new tanks or systems with mandarin dragonets or picky fish, more frequent additions may be beneficial. Monitoring coral health, fish condition, and nutrient levels will help guide your dosing routine.
Can I add copepods directly to the display tank, or should they go into the refugium?
Both approaches work, depending on your goals. Adding copepods to the refugium gives them a safe space to reproduce and helps seed the population gradually into the display. Introducing them directly into the main tank provides immediate live prey for fish like mandarins and wrasses. For best results, many hobbyists do both, seeding the refugium while occasionally dosing the display to support finicky feeders.
Do I need to turn off pumps or filtration when dosing live feeds?
Yes, it’s recommended, especially when adding copepods. Turning off pumps and filtration for 30 to 60 minutes allows pods to settle into the rockwork and substrate instead of being pulled into mechanical filters. For phytoplankton, this isn’t as critical, but reducing flow can help increase the chances of direct capture by coral polyps and other filter feeders during feeding sessions.
How should I store live phytoplankton and copepods to keep them viable?
Phytoplankton should always be kept refrigerated and shaken daily to prevent settling and maintain even cell distribution. Copepods can be stored short-term in the refrigerator, but it’s best to use them as soon as possible after arrival to ensure maximum vitality and survival when added to the tank. Always check product labels or seller recommendations for specific storage guidance.
Are aquacultured live feeds better than wild-collected options?
Yes, aquacultured live feeds are considered safer and more consistent than wild-collected options. Because they are cultured under controlled conditions, they are free from parasites, hitchhikers, and environmental contaminants that can pose risks to your reef system. They also provide more reliable nutritional profiles and density, making them a superior choice for both hobbyists and professional aquaculture operations.

Dive deeper

More info and buying tips

Dive Deeper: Info & Tips for Aquacultured Live Feeds

Live feeds play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and balance in a reef tank. Whether you're looking to seed a new system with beneficial pods or keep your corals well-fed with nutrient-dense phytoplankton, aquacultured options are the most reliable and reef-safe route. Unlike wild-caught sources, cultured live feeds offer greater consistency and lower risk of introducing unwanted hitchhikers or parasites.

We carry carefully selected strains of copepods and phytoplankton that are grown and maintained under controlled conditions. These live feeds support everything from filter-feeding corals and inverts to finicky fish like mandarins and wrasses. Whether you're starting a new tank or bolstering an established one, incorporating aquacultured live feeds helps sustain a healthy reef ecosystem over the long haul.

Aquacultured Live Feed Options We Offer

Our selection of aquacultured live feeds includes:

  • Phytoplankton Cultures
    We offer Tisochrysis lutea, Tetraselmis chui, and Rhodomonas salina—three phytoplankton species with varying cell sizes and nutritional profiles. These are ideal for feeding corals, clams, sponges, and for supporting a healthy pod population.
  • Copepod Strains
    Choose from Tigriopus californicus, Tisbe biminiensis, Apocyclops panamensis, or a blend of species. These pods are suitable for refugium seeding, nutrient control, and feeding fish that rely on constant access to live prey.
  • In-House Reef Genetics Line
    Our Reef Genetics pods and phyto are grown under controlled conditions to ensure purity, density, and consistency—ideal for systems that prioritize sustainability and performance.

These feeds are easy to integrate into regular tank maintenance and are especially useful for new system cycling, supporting coral health, or feeding sensitive fish species.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Live Feeds

  • Start with a Clean Dose
    Always shake phytoplankton bottles before use to ensure an even distribution of cells. If adding copepods, turn off filtration for 30–60 minutes to allow them to settle into the rockwork and refugium.
  • Target Feed or Broadcast
    Phytoplankton can be broadcast dosed into the tank or added directly near filter feeders with a pipette. Copepods can be added to refugiums or main displays depending on your livestock.
  • Use at Night for Coral Feeding
    Coral polyps extend more at night, which increases the chances of capturing phytoplankton and pods. Feeding after lights out can improve results.
  • Refrigerate as Needed
    Phytoplankton should be refrigerated and shaken daily to maintain viability. Copepods can also be refrigerated short-term, but are best used soon after arrival.
  • Pair with Nutrient Export
    Live feeds support nutrient cycling, especially in systems with macroalgae and refugiums. Regular use can contribute to more stable tank parameters over time.