~ Oh Copepod, Oh Copepod, W-T-F do I do with you? ~

[Anonymous]

I'd like to have a healthy population of copepods/amphipods/whatever other cool pods for all the fun benefits ... but first, a question.

1. I'm probably going to hook up one of those CPR hang on tank Refugiums. The 'fuge is where I should cultivate them right?

2. Once I order them and receive them, do I simply introduce them into the fuge and let them do their thing? I've read about food pellets for them, so I guess that sounds like a good idea, but I was wondering if there are any special cultivation tips.

3. To get them into my main display aquarium:
a. they will find their way into the display tank themselves by swimming/crawling along the baffle system
b. I should occassionally "harvest" them from the 'fuge and toss 'em in the display tank
c. Aliens will do it. Pay no mind.

4. If I use live sand in the aquarium, that comes with copepod "spores" (uh, what's the right term? larvae?) in it? If so, should I put ONLY live sand in the refugium? The main tank will have a DSB made from 3 sized aragonite substrate.

5. If they ARE able to move themselves between the 'fuge and display tank on their own, will they find solace in the fuge (aka will this save their population from overpredation?)

Ok, I guess that was five not one question. My bad.
Thanks a lot people!

 

[Anonymous]

Whenever I set up an aquafuge we basically put in the DSB in the fuge, hang on tank, plug pump in - when it's full of water add algae and let it do it's thing. The pod's will populate the fuge and occasionally some will enter the main tank on a regular basis.

 

[Anonymous]

thanks!!

 

[liquid]

If you wanted, you could feed the 'fuge a little bit of flake food or something. Certainly couldn't hurt.

Shane

 

[Lifer]

I myself would not buy copepods or amphipods unless you can't wait. They will occur after not too long from your live rock and from the bases of new corals and such that you add. Don't buy special food for them. They eat darn near every little tidbit. They will move from the fuge to the tank on their own.

 

[Anonymous]

I have tons in my sump and they get sucked up in my return pump and make their way into the tank. I have tons and tons I like to watch them

 

[Anonymous]

Awesome. Thanks guys!