Best approach for copepods

[Keko21]

Hi All,

My Reefer 350 is cycling and I’m just planning ahead for introducing copepods. It seems like a refugium would be the best case scenario however in order to keep my stock ATO reservoir, skimmer and Reefmat 500 my sump doesn’t really have the room for a designated refugium or atleast not in the right spot (see attached.)

I cant move my reservoir to the left because the skimmer will block it. Water goes through the Reefmat and overflows directly behind it to the skimmer chamber. I had the extra space so i put my rock to to the right.

1. Can i just introduce the pods to the rock for a happy home?
2. If yes will they make it past the skimmer and foam filter to the DT?
3. Can I utilize that space as a pseudo refugium?

Thanks!

 

[Crustaceon]

You could just dump them into the display. They'll find their way to the sump anyways.

 

[davidcalgary29]

Macroalgae makes an excellent nursery for all sorts of 'pods; I'd cultivate it in your sump. I have chaeto growing in my return chamber, but other areas could work as well.

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Ud just need an acrylic box or tupaware with holes drilled in it for a safe haven. Put some rubble rock or the most porus rock u have in it.
+1 on the macro.
D

 

[Keko21]

So I dont even really need a refugium per se- I can just throw some macro in wherever I can and throw a light on it?

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

U can but it'll clog you skimmer intake pump
D