Copepod diversity

bug5447 · May 8, 2020

Hi, I'm looking to add pod diversity to my tank. Looking at Reef Nutrition pods, they suggest Tigger pods or Artic pods for Mandarins. Does anyone have any feedback on one versus the other? Or, would you recommend getting both to further boost pod diversity? Thanks.

muzikalmatt · May 8, 2020

I recently added both to my tank. From what I've read, the arctic pods do better at surviving/reproducing and anecdotally that appears to be true in my tank. Tigger pods are much larger and easier to spot and I can't say I see too many remaining in my tank a few weeks later. I do see a ton of smaller pods. I suppose they could be juvenile tigger pods, but I'm not sure. I'm definitely no pod expert. I like to add multiple types for diversity and overall better survive-ability. I think if I had to do it again I'd keep the tigger pods for feedings and use the arctic pods for seeding the tank.

Sosuke · May 8, 2020

Tigger pods don't work as well for mandarins IME because they don't usually establish well in tanks and are open water swimmers.

Miller535 · May 8, 2020

I suggest taking a look at algae barn, they have a ton of different pods you can buy, you can even buy there 5280 which is like 4 or 5 different kind. They even sell mandarins there and feed them 5280

You also get WAY more with algae barn then you do with reef nutrition

Perthegallon · May 8, 2020

bug5447 said:
Hi, I'm looking to add pod diversity to my tank. Looking at Reef Nutrition pods, they suggest Tigger pods or Artic pods for Mandarins. Does anyone have any feedback on one versus the other? Or, would you recommend getting both to further boost pod diversity? Thanks.

get the eco pod from alage barn

Reef Nutrition · May 11, 2020

bug5447 said:
Hi, I'm looking to add pod diversity to my tank. Looking at Reef Nutrition pods, they suggest Tigger pods or Artic pods for Mandarins. Does anyone have any feedback on one versus the other? Or, would you recommend getting both to further boost pod diversity? Thanks.

We have 2 species of copepods that we offer. Both species are great for mandarins. Apex-Pods (Apocyclops panamensis) and Tigger-Pods (Tigriopus californicus). The Apex-Pods have a better chance at populating a reef tank since they are small, reproduce faster and are not bright red. Tigger-Pods tend to get picked off, which is why most hobbyists culture them separately. Arcti-Pods are not alive. This product is just a copepod concentrate.

You can find our products at fish stores. Let me know if you need help finding a store that carries us. Alternatively, you can order direct from us. We are running a free shipping promo for this month. Our Grateful Live kit is what I recommend. It contains 1- Tigger-Pods, 1 - Apex-Pods and 1 - 6 oz. Phyto-Feast Live. Here is the link to the promo: https://reefnutrition.com/promo/stay-home/.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. We've been selling copepods and algae into the hobby for 15 years, so we look forward to serving you.

Best,
Chad & Team Reef Nutrition

jda · May 11, 2020

Get some amphipods too. They used to be prolific on live rock and offer a larger treat than the smaller varieties.

Some small glass/grass shrimp can also be fun, but they don't last long - do not get the freshwater variety on accident.

WvAquatics · May 11, 2020

Reef Nutrition said:
We have 2 species of copepods that we offer. Both species are great for mandarins. Apex-Pods (Apocyclops panamensis) and Tigger-Pods (Tigriopus californicus). The Apex-Pods have a better chance at populating a reef tank since they are small, reproduce faster and are not bright red. Tigger-Pods tend to get picked off, which is why most hobbyists culture them separately. Arcti-Pods are not alive. This product is just a copepod concentrate.

You can find our products at fish stores. Let me know if you need help finding a store that carries us. Alternatively, you can order direct from us. We are running a free shipping promo for this month. Our Grateful Live kit is what I recommend. It contains 1- Tigger-Pods, 1 - Apex-Pods and 1 - 6 oz. Phyto-Feast Live. Here is the link to the promo: https://reefnutrition.com/promo/stay-home/.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. We've been selling copepods and algae into the hobby for 15 years, so we look forward to serving you.

Best,
Chad & Team Reef Nutrition