Tisochrysis Lutea: The Microalgae Superfood Your Aquariums Needs

Nutrition is everything in marine aquariums. The food you feed your corals and invertebrates determines their health, color, and vitality, so it is important to feed them the best! 

In this article, we will spotlight one of nature’s most remarkable microscopic powerhouses - tisochrysis lutea! 

What Is Tisochrysis lutea?

Tisochrysis lutea (formally known as Isochrysis galbana), is a golden-brown unicellular marine phytoplankton that is becoming increasingly popular in the aquarium hobby. This tiny planktonic marvel measures a teeny tiny 3-6 micrometers in diameter and is invisible to the naked eye, yet it is packed with nutritional benefits that can completely transform your saltwater aquarium ecosystem. 

Found in coastal environments worldwide, Tisochrysis lutea is a microalgae that has been carefully cultivated to become one of the most nutritionally complete food sources available for aquarium marine life. 

Nutrition From Tisochrysis lutea

What makes Tisochrysis lutea stand out is its amazing nutritional composition, plus we make it right here in store! It is rich in essential fatty acids which contain high levels of DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids that boost coral tissue development, help with immune function, and promotes vibrant coloration. Because of Tisochrysis lutea’s balanced protein content, it provides corals and invertebrates with easily digestible proteins that can be used for growth and development. 

Tisochrysis lutea has a comprehensive vitamin profile, providing your tank inhabitants with vitamins A, C, D, E, and B-complex, supporting overall health. It also contains the natural pigment fucoxanthin which enhances natural colors in corals and invertebrates. 

Tisochrysis lutea Is Perfect for Filter Feeders

If you have filter-feeding invertebrates such as corals, oysters, clams, and fan worms, Tisochrysis lutea is essential inside your aquarium. Tisochrysis lutea is the perfect size to allow invertebrates to effectively capture and process this nutritional food, boosting healthy growth and stunning coloration. 

Tisochrysis lutea boosts coral health and growth

Corals readily absorb Tisochrysis lutea, converting the nutrient-dense profile into visible benefits. If you feed your corals Tisochrysis lutea you will see improved polyp extension, faster growth rates, and enhanced coloration that really make your corals pop!

Tisochrysis lutea enhances larval development

For hobbyists who are keen on breeding marine organisms, Tisochrysis lutea is an invaluable asset. It is one of the best foods during the larval stages of shrimp, fish, and other invertebrates, known for dramatically boosting development and improving larvae survival rates. 

Tisochrysis lutea creates a healthier marine ecosystem 

Regularly dosing your aquarium with Tisochrysis lutea will help establish a more natural food web. The microalgae Tisochrysis lutea is easily consumed by rotifers, copepods, and other microorganisms, enriching the entire food chain and creating a more balanced and self-sustaining marine ecosystem. 

How to use Tisochrysis lutea 

Adding Tisochrysis lutea into your feeding regime is super simple! 

Direct Feeding

Also known as target feeding, direct feeding is a method where fish, corals, and invertebrates are fed directly. Add the recommended amount of Tisochrysis lutea directly to your aquarium water 2 - 3 times a week. Direct feeding is best suited for aquarium organisms with large mouths, such as LPS corals. 

When target feeding, use a pipette to directly feed specific filter-feeding organisms inside your aquarium. 

Enrichment Medium

Tisochrysis lutea can be used to enrich other foods like brine shrimp or rotifers to create a feeding culture. You can then feed the brine shrimp/rotifers to other tank inhabitants like saltwater starfish, juvenile fish, community fish, corals, and crustaceans, knowing that they are getting the best nutrition possible. 

Continuous Dosing

Dosing aquariums provides your aquarium with consistent replenishment of nutrients. At Reefco Aquariums we offer a diverse range of dosing pumps to meet your aquarium’s needs. Our favorite dosing pumps are:

Ecotech Marine Versa VX-1 Dosing Pump

The Versa by EcoTech Marine is an extremely versatile, precise peristaltic pump designed for different saltwater aquarium applications including auto top-off (ATO), dosing, and automatic water changes. 

Key features include:

• Precise dosing 

• DC stepper motor with planetary drive mechanism for high reliability

• Bluetooth connectivity so you can easily connect with the Mobius App

• Available as a single pump or expandable 4-pack system to meet your aquarium size

• Versatile programming with up to 30 dosing pump points

• And more!

The EcoTech Marine Versa combines precision for small-volume dosing with speed for large-volume applications, making it perfect for both well-seasoned hobbyists and newbie reef keepers.

HYDROS Dosing Pump

The HYDROS Dosing Pump is an affordable solution for automating liquid supplements like Tisochrysis lutea. Key features include:

• Quiet operation

• No back siphoning

• Control via the HYDROS App

• Long pump life

• Amazing accuracy 

Neptune Systems DOS QuietDrive Dosing System

The Neptune Systems DOS QuietDrive is a programmable dosing system that works with Neptune Systems Apex Controllers. Its ability to dose Tisochrysis lutea comes from:

• Dual pump heads that can handle different solutions simultaneously

• Programmable software through the ApexFusion cloud interface for customizable dosing schedules

• Precise dosing with a stepper motor for increased accuracy

• Technology that reduces pump noise by 400% while still running at high speeds

• Compatibility with the Neptune Systems DOS Dual Reservoir accessory that holds up to 2 liters of liquid on each side

• Easy maintenance with snap-on/off pump heads for simple tubing replacement

The Neptune Systems DOS QuietDrive Dosing System helps automate precise liquid supplement administration, reducing how much you manually have to maintain, while also improving parameter stability inside your aquarium - a win-win situation! 

Tisochrysis lutea at Reefco Aquariums

At Reefco Aquariums, we are proud to always offer premium quality Tisochrysis lutea cultures that are:

• Highly concentrated: Tisochrysis lutea provides you with exceptional value and efficiency per dose

• Laboratory cultivated: Grown in a controlled environment to ensure maximum nutritional value

• Contaminant-free: Free from nasty organisms that could harm your aquarium

• Ready to use: No complicated preparation required

Summary 

Tisochrysis lutea is truly a microscopic powerhouse that can revolutionize your saltwater aquarium. By incorporating this nutrient-rich food, you will provide your fish, corals, and other invertebrates with a balanced diet that will promote vibrant colors, growth, and overall health. 

Visit us in-store or online to add Tisochrysis lutea to your aquarium care regime, and get ready to witness the remarkable transformations for yourself. If you want to learn more about Tisochrysis lutea or what other nutritional superfoods we offer, contact the Reefco Aquariums Team today. Happy reefing!