Augmented Plankton | ≤800 μm | Specifically formulated for aquaculture of Cnidarians, Bivavles, Tunicates, and Sponges
Specifications
This
formulation provides twenty-one essential amino acids; thirteen major,
minor, and trace elements, including selenium (1.9 mg/kg); Omega-3 and
-6 HUFAs (19.6 mg/g and 0.2 mg/g, respectively);
fourteen vitamins; and beta carotene (302 mg/kg).
Application
This
formulation has undergone extensive application in commercial marine
aquaculture and university facilities raising cnidarians, tunicates,
marine bivalves, and sponges.
Observers
have noted superior feeding response and overall improvement in polyp
extension (where applicable), as well as noticeably intensified
coloration and improved tissue growth rate when applying this
formulation (to the exclusion of all others) on a routine basis to
satisfy cohort feeding requirements.
Additionally,
the low phosphate content per unit mass of this formulation enables
greater feeding frequency with lower nutrient impact than is possible
when using non-Captiv8 Aquaculture feeds. Furthermore, Integr8 Reef
(and all other Integr8 formulations) is preservative-free, and does not
incorporate: preservatives; pH-modifying components; food colors
(artificial or otherwise); animal byproducts; brewer’s yeast or the
like; grains and/or other terrestrial crop components; Artemia cysts; or
oils.
Integr8
Reef is a dry blend, which consists of: marine zooplankton (Arthropoda)
and phytoplankton featuring rich fatty acid, amino acid, and biopigment
profiles; specific immunostimulants; protein biosynthesis stimulants;
and biological pigment precursors. These components operate in synergy
to yield improved cohort robustness, feeding response, rate of tissue
synthesis, and richness of color when applied on a consistent basis.
Keep
out of reach of children and unauthorized persons. Arthropod component
may be considered an allergen to some users (specifically, those with
shellfish allergy); therefore, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and mucous
membranes. Store in a cool, dry location away from sunlight.
Unmixed
product does not require refrigeration. Store tightly-sealed, in cool,
dry location. Do not permit contamination of container with moisture or
foreign material. Do not dispense unmixed product into system; follow preparation steps, below.
Preparation
Integr8
Reef must be adequately saturated with water prior to application;
failure to saturate components will result in loss to surface skimming
devices. Depending upon method of application, system water or
purified water may be utilized in saturation process; review entire
information below.
In
a clean mixing vessel, mix in a ratio of ~5:1 water (mL) to Integr8
Reef (g) (ex. mix 100 mL water with 20 g Integr8 Reef). If a thinner
fluid consistency is desired, then use more water.
Cap
and shake vessel to thoroughly saturate Integr8 Reef components, and
allow to sit for 1 - 2 minutes prior to use. Prior to each use, shake
vessel to re-suspend components.
Determining
mass of Integr8 Reef required: If applying this formula in systems
raising cohorts of suspension-feeding sessile invertebrates (e.g.
cnidarians, poriferans, sedentarians, bivalvians, ascidians, etc.), then
apply 0.20 g of Integr8 Reef per square foot of colonized area per day.
Modify application frequency and mass of Integr8 Reef applied per
cohort requirements.
Recommended:
Determine mass of Integr8 Reef required during a period of no more than
12 hours, then add this amount to a clean mixing vessel with adequate
water from the system to form a suspension with the desired fluid
consistency. Allow vessel to remain at room temperature. If using
system water, then entire contents of vessel should be used within 12
hours of initial mixing. This approach is recommended because the
temperature of the suspension will closely match the system temperature,
as opposed to using a suspension which is considerably colder due to
refrigeration. Target individual cohort members, or apply suspension in
close proximity to circulation pump discharge, as appropriate.
Metered
Application: If mixing a larger amount of Integr8 Reef suspension than
will be required for 12 hours, then substitute purified water for system
water in the preceding instructions, and store Integr8 Reef suspension
at T≤40°F outside of periods of use. Pour required volume of mixture
into syringe or separate dosing vessel. Do not contaminate mixture with
system water. The use of a magnetic stirring platform to maintain
homogeneity of the suspension is recommended if application will be
performed with a dosing pump. Locate point of entry in close proximity
to circulation pump discharge. If applying manually, then shake vessel
prior to application to ensure homogeneity of suspension. Target
individual cohort members, or apply suspension in close proximity to
circulation pump discharge, as appropriate.
Feeding response
The
feeding response elicited by Integr8 Reef (and, for that matter, all
Integr8 formulations) is due to the combination of components, which is
entirely appropriate for cohorts composed wholly or in part of
suspension-feeding marine invertebrates and finfish, and which
(importantly) incorporates specific compounds recognized by the
chemoreceptor system of these organisms; this response is observed
within cohorts including sessile and motile invertebrates, as well as
finfish, all groups reacting positively to the introduction of Integr8
formulations to their environment. The videos below provide some
indication of the reactions that are commonly observed among complex
cohorts composed of invertebrates (sessile and motile) and finfish
species (included either as part of a polyculture or as an algae/pest
control measure). Regarding Cnidarians, specifically, polyp extension
associated with the upstream introduction of Integr8 generally occurs
within 60 seconds, though it is not uncommon for the reaction to occur
within 5 seconds, particularly in systems within which Integr8 is
regularly applied. The feeding response has been observed to last for
several hours in some systems.
It is important to state that
the feeding response elicited by Integr8 formulations is not a matter of
a reaction to sudden exposure to "unusual" pH or temperature, which is
involved when target feeding a preserved or refrigerated suspension,
respectively; this distinction is made because a tactical response to
target feeding, such as extended polyps suddenly recoiling when a cold
and/or acidic suspension of food is directly applied, gives some
observers the impression that the food is being ingested due to
suitability and positive feeding response of the target organism or
colony. A squirt of cold or strongly acidic or basic water will have
similar results, and does not reliably indicate acceptance or
recognition of the substance as a food.