1/2 Gallon Freshwater Phytoplankton

DescriptionFreshwater Phytoplankton – Half-Gallon Bulk CultureWe culture pure Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus species in a 2-quart (1/2 gallon) container, the entry point into bulk phytoplankton dosing for serious operations. At this volume, you’re managing 8-12 million algal cells per milliliter, enough to feed 40,000 daphnia, support 20,000 copepods, or sustain 100 rotifers continuously for 4-6 weeks. Freshwater phytoplankton serve as the nutritional foundation for all natural foods cultures—organisms consuming our microalgae develop robust immune systems and pass nutritional density to fry that consume them.Our half-gallon arrives in food-grade containers with airlock valves for easy pouring and extended shelf life. We culture under moderate lighting (800-1200 lux) to favor chlorophyll content over growth rate—slower-grown phytoplankton retain more carotenoids and B vitamins. Each batch is tested for bacterial contamination and shipped within 3 days of peak density. Temperature stability during shipping is prioritized; we include insulation for seasonal extremes.Dosing for Different OrganismsFor daphnia cultures: 5-10ml per 5-gallon culture container, twice weekly. For copepod tanks: 3-5ml per 10 gallons weekly. For rotifer support: 2-3ml per 5-gallon rotifer container daily. Starter phytoplankton colonies need 500-1000 cells/ml to begin reproduction; our product arrives at 8-12 million/ml, so you’re inoculating from a robust baseline.Who This Is ForMulti-culture operators, commercial hatcheries, institutional aquariums, and hobbyists maintaining 3 species of natural foods simultaneously.FAQsQ: How do I store a half-gallon without quality loss?A: Keep at 65-72°F in moderate indirect light. Seal the airlock valve tightly. Under these conditions, phytoplankton remains viable 6-8 weeks. Shake or stir weekly to resuspend settled cells.Q: Can I culture my own phytoplankton from this?A: Yes. Use 10-20ml as an inoculate for sterile saltwater or freshwater medium. Maintain aeration and 12-hour photoperiod. Expect colonies to establish within 1-2 weeks.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 dustersCopepod Cultures: Primary food source; increases nauplii production ratesRefugium Programs: Sustained microbial food web; supports macroalgae nutrient cyclesNano Setups: Mandarin dragonfish, pipefish, seahorses, specialized planktivoresFreshwater Aquaculture: Daphnia, moina, larval fish rearing, zooplankton culturesStorage & 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.You May Also LikeAlso available in 16ozUpgrade to 1 gallon