What is PhycoPure™?

     PhycoPure™ is a supplement for the discerning aquarists' reef tank. It is a microalgae blend. It is not a chemical, it is a blend of live microalgae-including zooxanthellae. Many of these selected microalgae were isolated originally from reef habitats (Tahiti, Hawaii, amongst others). It is not a magic bullet but is arguably a very important component/ addition to the natural flora/fauna of a reef ecosystem.


Is it true you contribute profits towards aquatic conservation and/or research?

     Yes. We contribute a percentage based on our annual profits to either a research project or aquatic conservation efforts. We believe in sustainability.

What is so unique about PhycoPure™ ?

     PhycoPure™ is composed of 7 different genus of microalgae, 7 different types. A general misconception is that “all microalgae have the same nutritional content-they are all the same.” This is not true. There are vast differences between the different types. Having said this it should be understood that there is no single microalgae that can meet all the nutritional needs of an organism. Another general statement is that, researchers have pointed out that nutritional value follows this rule of thumb: red microalgae have the overall best nutrition, then the brown/ golden-browns then the greens (the cyanobacteria being in a different category). Also as a general statement, because of the difficulty involved in raising the reds and some brown-golden-browns, and browns, people turn to the greens, because they are easy to culture… many of them are considered to be weeds. The technology behind the PhycoPure™ product enables all sorts of hi-nutritious, fastidious types to be mass produced in hi-density with virtually no peripheral contamination. The product therefore contains a unique profile of microalgae not found in any other product on the market, presently. It has a size range of particles ranging from 2-3um to 25um, a size for a wide range of filterfeeders. The species selected for the blend have been successfully used to mass culture; larval shrimp, clams, oysters, mussels, geoduck, larval sea urchin, larval sea slugs, copepods, enrich rotifers, enrich artemia, and larval crabs. In our lab we are raising Dendronephthyas, Scleronephthyas, deep sea gorgonians, chili corals, amongst others, which are fed exclusively with PhycoPure™. Another unique component of this blend is the presence of zooxanthellae (clades A and B).

     Amongst groups of researchers and aquaculturists there is a debate about particle size and its relationship to feeding. Some culturists believe that there should be an abundance of small microalgae in the environment, regardless of nutritional quality. A majority of others believe that it is much better to have less numbers but larger sized, hi-nutritious microalgae (quality over quantity). There is an energetic issue involved. Does it take less energy to feed on small lo-nutritous particles that are in your face? Or is it better to expend a little more energy and feast on a larger algae that can satiate feeding needs for a period of time? Think of it this way: Would you rather eat a lot of popcorn all day or have one or two meals of chicken, steak or fish (or in the case of PhycoPure™ a buffet)?

Is cell count or biomass important?

     It is easy to have a high cell count if you have a lot of small cells or if the algae has been processed, concentrated via centrifuge or settled. Biomass is the weight of bio-material per unit volume. It is quite possible to have a low cell count with a high biomass number. This would mean that there are larger cells in the mix (with potentially greater nutritional impact).


Is the blend really live?

     Yes the blend is live. It virtually comes directly from the growth system into the package. The product is not subjected to harsh processing and has no preservatives. We batch produce in order to meet weekly demands. Our goal is to keep the quality as high as possible and feel that it would compromise our goals if product were stored for any extended period of time. This product is live and we continue to bring it up to bloom for several weeks after being produced. In the lab we have product that bloomed in 3-4 days after sitting for 5-6 months. We do not recommend keeping the product for so long for several reasons: 1) we advertise a specific composition. This will change over time as some genus may die out over time or be over grown by the more aggressive varieties in the blend, and 2) The environment for any live organism being stored in a package without its optimal or minimum optimal conditions is fairly stressful. This will impact nutritional quality and quantity of the algae. The ideal situation is that everyone produce their own microalgae and keep it fresh and continuous. This is not always possible and is not a small task. From the feedback we have received we feel that PhycoPure™ can effectively accommodate your phyto needs-give it a try!

Are there nitrates and phosphates in the product?

     Yes there are. The levels are necessary in order to prevent the algae from crashing. There is a lot of biomass in the package and needs the presence of nitrates/phosphates to remain alive. Be aware that the levels found in the blend dilute out to unmeasureable amounts. Once fed are typically 0.00008mg/L nitrates and 0.000003 mg/L phosphates per feed. Each batch is assayed on a spectrophotometer which is orders of magnitude more accurate than most colorimetric testing.


Where does the water come from?

     The water used in this product comes from the Atlantic Ocean. It is filtered, ozonated, charcoal filtered and uv-sterilized. We test for pathogens.


Can I culture this product?

     Yes. But it is not recommended. The blend has 7 genus and one or two are weed types that will out grow the others. If you want to culture your own it is best to start out with a pure starter-contact us.


Is the smell normal?


     Yes. In an age of sterile packaging and product presentation we do not expect smells. This is a live product from ocean waters. Certain species will give off a sea vegetable smell ranging from sweet vegetable to cabbage smelling. This is ok, perhaps this is what makes it a preferred food source for some filter feeders. A sulfurous smell is not normal and should not be used.

How do I store this product?

     As stated on the package. Agitate frequently. Store the package in the refrigerator and keep it flat. The extra air space/bubble is important for gas exchange.


How do I use this product?

     As we developed this product aquarists have reported back to us, that a continuous supply (1 tsp per 10 gallons per day) had the best overall impact on their tank. The second best approach would be 2 tsp per 10 gallons 3 times per week. We have seen an 8oz package dumped into a 50 gallon tank with no ill effects but this is extreme and do not recommend doing this. It would be best to spot feed and turn off filtration for a short period of time. Second best, to add the recommended amount and turn off the filtration for a short period of time. And last place award, to pouring in the dosage while the filtration is on.


Will it cause a bloom in my tank?

     The species selected for the blend are true phytoplankton. They do not grow on substrate (ie sides of the tank) they are free floaters. In order to encourage bloom formation in the lab it takes perfect parameters and a substantial presence of nitrates and phosphates, iron, trace elements and in some cases silica to produce a bloom. In the lab this takes 4-7 days. In order to successfully obtain a bloom the culturist has to start with a specific number of cells per mL. If this number is not obtained then the odds are significantly reduced that a bloom from the blend will occur. If one follows the recommended usage listed on the package, this magic number will not be reached and a bloom will not result.

     The short answer is no. The algae from this blend will not bloom in a typical reef tank environment.

     Since a reef tank is a live ecosystem with rock, sand and other live inputs there is a high probability that other microalgae exist in the system. It is therefore possible that other microalgae could bloom up coincidentally, such as oceanic chlorella (yellow/green), hair algae or some benthic that grows on the sides of your tank, these are not components of the blend. If this happens, it is probable that a water quality parameter has fallen out of balance, in which case, we recommend a water exchange. If you are curious about the type and or cause, for a limited time we will accept samples (include the product batch number) to examine the bloom organism and run a check on water quality with our spectrophotometer and Hach DR-3000.

How do I reach you?

We welcome you questions and comments at info@phycopure.com


Several side notes

     Send us a picture of your reef tank and as time and material permits we will select shots for use in a calendar and those selected will get free product for a month.

     We do not retail but could surely help you find someone who has the product.