We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Philipsborn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

Hydralife Solutions recognized a huge gap in the availability of natural solutions to combat toxic algae blooms and nuisance algae that plague our lakes and ponds across the United States. We also observed significant negative stereotypes associated with algae and a lack of positive support for the thousands of species of phytoplankton that our waters and world benefit from. We know that certain beneficial phytoplankton, also known as microalgae,  competes with toxic algae for nutrients through rapid consumption while developing into food for zooplankton. Therefore we set out to give water managers and limnologists a cost effective, sustainable and natural solution to nutrient management and toxic algae mitigation in lakes. Basically we provide natural means to fight harmful algae with good algae in order to promote a healthy ecosystem.

This method gives lake managers a competitive natural advantage to phytoplankton that work on their behalf day and night to improve water quality and ensure nuisance algae does not have free reign to nutrients.

We also observed the many issues that face our agriculture community and want to help farmers capture runoff fertilizers in their irrigation ponds through phytoplankton to reutilize them as a biostimulant to sustainably promote soil health and crop productivity on agricultural lands.  Phytoplankton and algae in general makes for an excellent addition to boost soil fertility.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Our business, Hydralife Solutions, was created to give lake managers, HOAs, golf course superintendents and farmers an option to move away from chemicals to treat water quality issues and instead utilize beneficial phytoplankton (microalgae) and zooplankton to promote healthier aquatic ecosystems.

We set ourselves apart  by our ability to produce mass quantities of amazing phytoplankton in a variety of species that will provide results for people and communities interested in taking a natural approach to lake management and water quality. Hydralife provides large quantities of condensed live algae and delivers it to customers’ front door or their lake. Therefore you now have an organic tool that consumes excess nitrogen and phosphorus to feed zooplankton, fish fry and fish and birds instead of letting nuisance and toxic algae run rampant.

Nothing in aquaculture, biology or phycology (the study of algae) is easy but as an organization we utilize the principles of Lean Manufacturing to ensure we are always continuously improving (kaizen) and reducing waste (muda) so our customers and the water we support receive the best phytoplankton and zooplankton available. This promotes a learning environment which is constantly evolving.  However, aquaculture is challenging. Therefore, we always say, the best way to learn aquaculture is to fail because it teaches you how delicate this craft is and those lessons compound overtime into an expertise. It also gives you an opportunity to pick your teammate up and be successful on the next run.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

One of our favorite activities is to enjoy a nice bike cruise along one of Denver’s many bike paths.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people we would like to recognize, specifically those who believe in us and continue to support us along the way. The first is Ki Hung, the godfather of Colorado coral. Ki was the first aquaculture professional that emphasized natural rights.  He taught me to keep anything that passes through our doors alive.  He is the only aquarist I ever met who had sections of his work dedicated as a hospital for sick fish and corals.  The next are our great teachers: the algae, corals and all the other unique organisms that have taught us how special and unique they are.  They have brought so much beauty, joy, patience and knowledge into our lives. We deeply appreciate our customers as well. These individuals and groups sought us out because they are looking for new and natural ways to manage their waters. We would like to thank our advisors, landlords, mentors, teammates and friends for believing in us and supporting us the entire way. Finally, we want to extend our gratitude to all the other aquaculture technicians and water realm workers, who have dedicated their lives and hearts to this.  Through their hard work and passion we make new discoveries everyday that help everyone become a touch more successful.  It has been the highest honor to observe the gifts and special talents of all these people as they work with all the beautiful creatures of mother earth.

Website: https://www.hydralife.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hydralifesolutions/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hydralife-solutions/?viewAsMember=true

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HydralifeSolutions/#

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ8jLm5Eg88LDzbmNB-C2lA

Other: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hydralife.bsky.social

 

 

Image Credits
Director of Agronomy, Pamela Smith and Superindendent Colin Murphy, with the City and County of Denver, Golf Division.

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