Help Center

LIVE ORDERS SHOULD NOT BE IN THE 'DARK' SHIPPING BOX FOR MORE THAN 6 OR 7 CONSECUTIVE DAYS! 

We do not recommend shipping live PyroDinos to a PO BOX or forwarded address (APO) Shipping destinations:

• We ship to all of the USA, Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and most of Canada.  Customers from countries not on this list may inquire about custom shipments (support@pyrofarms.com)

Shipping times:

• Local orders ship Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday using USPS Priority, UPS or FedEx 2-Day
• International orders ship Mondays and Fridays using DHL Express. (~2-4 days)
• Shipping time might vary depending on location, shipment method and other factors.

Shipping cost:

• US Orders over $200 will have free shipping (US Only)
• Orders under $199 will be charged for shipping depending on your chosen delivery method. The full price will be displayed at checkout.
• International customers are responsible for any duties and taxes associated with the order.

Shipping During Extreme Weather and Temperatures

To ensure the safe arrival and health of our live cultures, shipments may be temporarily delayed during periods of extreme temperatures. If the destination forecast shows sustained temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or above 92°F (33°C), we may hold your order until more moderate weather conditions are available.

This policy helps protect your PyroDinos and other temperature-sensitive items from damage during transit. We’ll notify you of any delay and ship your order as soon as conditions improve.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we prioritize the well-being of your bioluminescent organisms.

💳 Payment Methods at PyroFarms

You can choose from several secure and convenient payment options at checkout, whether you're shopping domestically or internationally:

• Credit & Debit Cards – Major card networks accepted

• PayPal – Secure global checkout

• Amazon Pay – Fast and familiar

• Shop Pay – Accelerated Shopify payments

• Venmo – Available for U.S. customers

These multiple payment choices offer flexibility and a smooth checkout experience for all customers.

Your enthusiasm is important to us. We offer a 60-days guarantee for all living PyroDinos

• If your PyroDinos do not produce light (at night) after 7pm in the dark, then send us an email (support@pyrofarms.com) or call us (760-335-0990) with your order number and we will get you glowing again. 
• International customers must pay a shipping fee for all free replacements.

Returns

• To be eligible for a return, goods must be accompanied by proof of purchase.
• For returns, please email support@pyrofarms.com with the subject 'Returns' and include your order number, name and the reason for the return.
• PyroFarms will provide the customer with instructions where to send returned goods. Customers are strongly recommended to get proof of postage when returning goods to avoid "lost packages" situations.
• Please note that customers are responsible for shipping costs of returned items.
• When returned item is received and inspected, customer receives a confirmation email, notifying about the status of the refund.
• If the refund is approved, then it will be processed and a credit will automatically be applied to customer's credit card or original payment method shortly after.

PyroFarms cultivates a marine phytoplankton (microscopic plant plankton) known to scientists as Pyrocystis fusiformis.  P. fusiformis is classified as a dinoflagellate (aka 'Dino').  At PyroFarms we refer to our Dinos as 'PyroDinos'.  We have been growing and selling Dinos for several years and guarantee all PyroDino dinoflagellates for 60 days.  

After delivery:

It is OK to leave the PyroDinos in their white Spout Pouch for up to two months after delivery if they receive daily light.  If kept in the spout pouch, loosen the cap weekly to allow for some air exchange.  Our PyroDinos have enough resources in the pouch to sustain them for over 8 weeks.  PyroDinos will require daily lighting (low to moderate room lighting), 8- 12 hours a day.  PyroDinos will not survive more than 5 or 6 days without daily light.   

DO NOT ADD TAP WATER OR ANY WATER - EXCEPT FOR DINONUTRIENTS

Feeding Dinoflagellates:
Feeding is not actually 'feeding' like you would feed a pet.  Feeding PyroDinos is more akin to fertilizing a plant.  It is good for the plant's health but not absolutely required.  And you can overfeed Dinos as you can over-fertilize a plant.

Maintenance feeding:
Wait for one to two week after arrival until feeding. 

Add small amounts (5%-10% of total culture volume) once every week or once every 2 weeks. 
                                                                                                
   <example for a small 300ml/10oz culture add 1oz/25ml every 2 weeks>

Lighting:

NO direct sunlight or any lighting that adds excess heat to the dinoflagellate culture should be employed.  Indirect (naturally reflective) sunlight is good.  LED lighting is great because it produces minimal heat.  Lighting should be similar to having a small PyroDino culture 4 to 10 feet away from a single 60W light bulb.  Try to keep your PyroDinos in one location throughout the day and night.  

Bioluminescence:

Bioluminescence will only occur at night in the dark while the dinoflagellates are gently disturbed.  Dinoflagellates will not light up during daytime hours!  These tiny plankton have a circadian rhythm or internal clock which helps program them to nighttime and daytime.

Bioluminescence depends on these factors (in order of importance):  1)  The amount of contaminating light in the room (darker = better).  2) The density and volume of dinoflagellates used.  3) The time the dinoflagellates have to generate the light producing molecules luciferin and luciferase into their nighttime cycle.  4) The overall health of the dinoflagellates.

Our support team is always happy to guide you at any step!

support@pyrofarms.com

🌊 PyroFarms FAQ – Bioluminescence at Your Fingertips

💡 Getting Started

Q: I just received my PyroDinos—what do I do?
A: Great! First, place the pouch upright in a room with moderate, indirect lighting (like a kitchen or living room). Avoid direct sunlight or heat. After they settle, loosen the cap slightly (don’t remove it) to allow air exchange. They can remain in the pouch for up to 8 weeks under daily light before needing DinoNutrients or transfer.

Q: What kind of light do PyroDinos need?
A: PyroDinos thrive on daily light exposure. Place them in a well-lit room with filtered natural light or artificial light. Avoid direct sunlight—it can overheat the orb and damage the dinos.

Filtered or reflected sunlight is best (through blinds or curtains), and they also respond well to LEDs or room lighting.

📦 Shipping & Gifting

Q: How long does Priority Shipping take, and can I gift PyroDinos?
A: Yes, we offer a Gift Option to make gifting easy!

• Shipping Days: Monday–Thursday via USPS Priority (2–3 days), UPS and FedEx 2-Day

• Choose Standard 'Priority', 2-Day Express or Overnight at checkout

• Cut-off time: 10 AM PST for same-day shipping (Monday–Thursday)

PyroDinos are safe in the pouch for several weeks when kept upright, in room light, with the cap slightly loosened—perfect for gifting.

💧 DinoNutrients & Feeding

Q: If PyroDinos photosynthesize, why do they need DinoNutrients?
A: Excellent question. While they generate energy from light, they also need micronutrients like phosphate and nitrate that aren't available in a closed system. DinoNutrients:

1. Provide essential trace minerals

2. Dilute the cell density, giving dinos room to grow

3. Improve their health, light output, and lifespan

Think of DinoNutrients like plant fertilizer—optional, but highly recommended for long-term care.

🌱 Transferring & Cleaning

Q: I have a vase I’d like to use—how do I clean it before adding PyroDinos?
A: Follow these cleaning steps before transferring PyroDinos:

1. Wash with dish soap and warm tap water

2. Rinse 3x thoroughly (use distilled water if possible)

3. (Sanitize with Heat, UV or Bleach)  Use a germicidal UV light, pressure cooker/boil and/or 1:20 diluted bleach

4. Rinse again

5. Final rinse with DinoNutrients before filling with PyroDinos

Need help? Email us at support@pyrofarms.com for detailed instructions.

Q: Should I rinse the Bio-Orb before use?
A: Your Bio-Orb is ready to fill out of the box! Some people choose to rinse it with a bit of DinoNutrients before adding PyroDinos, but this is optional.

🔬 Biology & Science

Q: What are PyroDinos?
A: PyroDinos are bioluminescent marine plankton called dinoflagellates, specifically Pyrocystis fusiformis. They’re single-celled, plant-like organisms that photosynthesize by day and glow blue when agitated at night.

In nature, they form the glowing waves you see in tropical oceans. At PyroFarms, we bring that glow to your home.

Q: Can I put PyroDinos in my saltwater aquarium?
A: Yes, but with caution. While non-toxic, they’ll likely be filtered out or eaten. For a stunning effect:

• Add them at night with the lights off

• Turn off filtration for a short time

• Watch the tank light up like a starry sky

Let us know how it turns out!

Q: What about the silicone plug in the glass orb? Should I remove it?
A: Keep it! The silicone plug has a tiny hole that allows for air exchange. Don't throw it away—it’s part of the system.

🌍 International Customers

Q: Do you ship internationally?  A: We currently ship to many international destinations.

Please contact support@pyrofarms.com for the latest on international availability or to be notified when shipping to your region becomes available.

🔗 Quick Links

• Buy PyroDinos

• Bioluminescent Bio-Orb

• DinoNutrients

• (Send your questions to support@pyrofarms.com)