Live foods for reef tanks

Marine Spec cultures live nannochloropsis phytoplankton, marine copepods and baby brine shrimp in house, in sterilised natural seawater from the Jurassic Coast. Phytoplankton feeds corals and copepods, copepods feed fish and corals, and brine shrimp suit mandarins and young copperbands.

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Each product page has its own storage notes, and brine shrimp and copepods are best used within 1 week. All 3 are cultured in house.

3 products

Products

Marine Spec live nannochloropsis phytoplankton in 250ml and 500ml pouches side by side Marine Spec live nannochloropsis phytoplankton pouch full of dark green culture
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Live food

Live nannochloropsis phytoplankton UK, 250ml or 500ml

Feeding corals and copepods, or starting a home culture

From £5.99
Marine Spec live marine copepods 250ml pouch, front label Close up of live copepods suspended in the Marine Spec pouch
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Live food

Live marine copepods UK, 250ml pouch for reef tanks

Feeding fish and corals and seeding pod dependent species

£13.00
Marine Spec live baby brine shrimp 250ml pouch, front label Back of the Marine Spec live baby brine shrimp 250ml pouch with label
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Live food

Live baby brine shrimp 250ml for mandarins and young copperbands

Picky eaters such as mandarin goby and young copperbands

£9.99
Blue lit tiered frag racks on display, a custom build by Marine Spec Need something made for your tank Start an enquiry

Questions about Live foods for reef tanks

Where do I keep live phytoplankton when it arrives?

In the fridge. Shake the bottle gently each day so it does not settle. It is best used within 4 weeks of purchase, although it can last longer.

What time of day should I add copepods to the tank?

At lights out. Turn the flow pumps off for 30 minutes and add the copepods near rock crevices. It is typically safe to add the whole pouch.

Why are the copepods at the bottom of the pouch?

They often settle to the bottom during shipping. A little live phytoplankton is added to the pouch to help them arrive in good condition, and you should use them within 1 week.

Can I start my own phytoplankton culture from your bottle?

Yes. The nannochloropsis is described as ideal for home cultivation, so you can start a culture for a steady supply for your reef.

Which fish eat live baby brine shrimp?

Picky eaters such as Mandarin Goby and younger Copperband Butterflyfish, plus small fresh and saltwater fry. Corals also take them. Adjust the amount to suit your reef.

Do I need to switch off my skimmer when dosing phytoplankton?

The product advice is to temporarily disable any UV sterilizer or skimmer when you dose, and to dose in the morning or evening.

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How to use ABC reagents, and why you recalibrate

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Magnetic nori feeder front, a grid of openings over the nori tray

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Nori clip, feeding ring or magnetic nori feeder: which should you use?

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15 October 2026

How to hold Maxspect bio spheres in a sump or tank

A bio sphere holder keeps 1kg of Maxspect Nano Tech bio spheres in place with water flowing through...

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Marine Spec live nannochloropsis phytoplankton in 250ml and 500ml pouches side by side

15 October 2026

Is live phytoplankton good for corals? What it does and what to expect

Live phytoplankton feeds a reef tank, but how much corals take directly is debated. Copepods and filter feeders...

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