Golden Fats Live Golden Phytoplankton - Reef Genetics

Tisochrysis lutea — commonly called T-iso — is one of the most nutritionally complete phytoplankton species available to reef hobbyists. Its small cell size ensures broad compatibility across filter feeders, and its elevated DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) content makes it particularly effective for supporting copepod and rotifer reproduction, larval development, and the long-term health of microfauna populations in display tanks and refugiums. Reef Genetics cultures this strain in-house and harvests it at peak cell density, so what arrives at your door is genuinely live and nutritionally dense rather than a preserved or diluted product.

For reef tanks, Golden Fats is compatible with SPS and LPS corals, clams, feather dusters, sponges, and other suspension feeders. It can be broadcast dosed into the water column, drip fed over time, or target fed to specific corals depending on how your system is set up. Combining it with frozen or powdered coral foods is a straightforward way to build a blended feeding strategy without adding complexity. When dosing, turn off return pumps, protein skimmers, and UV sterilizers for roughly 20 minutes to allow the phytoplankton to disperse and be consumed before it's stripped from the water.

Gut-loading is where T-iso consistently earns its place in serious husbandry programs. Enriching copepods and rotifers with Golden Fats before feeding them to fish or corals significantly increases the nutritional value those animals receive — particularly the DHA transfer that supports coloration, spawning behavior, and fry survival. Home pod cultures benefit from regular dosing as a primary food source, and the 32oz bottle is sized appropriately for maintaining cultures up to 40 gallons.

Choosing the right bottle size depends on tank volume and how you plan to use the product. The 8oz bottle is practical for tanks up to 40 gallons or for starting a small home algae culture up to 10 gallons. The 32oz bottle covers tanks in the 50–100 gallon range and is the better option for hobbyists running larger refugiums, active pod cultures, or multi-tank setups. Because this is a live product, refrigerate it promptly upon arrival and use it within the recommended window to maintain cell viability.