Copepods or amphipods

[BestMomEver]

not sure I spelled those right.... it’s too early...

I’ve always been amazed at all the critters in my tank. Hubby and I used to sit in front of a dark tank with a flashlight and watch them. In recent years, companies have been raising copepods and selling them in bottles, but I think amphipods are better. Maybe it’s because I can actually see them! I’ve noticed, however, that not many people sell them. Does anyone know why this is and do you have a preference? Just curious...

 

[redfishbluefish]

Check with your LFS.....I think one in central New Jersey sells them.


Also do a google search for "Amphipods for sale" .....you'll get a number of hits.....even Amazon sells them HERE. I'd also suggest providing a breeding area in your sump....I've used this blue netted looking scrubbing device in the past, and they seem to like that for breeding (hiding). I'll see if I can find it and add a picture if I do.


EDIT TO ADD: I couldn't find the one I was using....maybe my wife saw it in the fish room and took it back, not knowing what I was doing with it. Anyway, they are called Body Scrubbers, and I see Walmart sells them for $2/each, and unbeknownst to me, they come in various colors. Pods love them for a home:

Now, don't tell my wife!

 

[BestMomEver]

I

Check with your LFS.....I think one in central New Jersey sells them.


Also do a google search for "Amphipods for sale" .....you'll get a number of hits.....even Amazon sells them HERE. I'd also suggest providing a breeding area in your sump....I've used this blue netted looking scrubbing device in the past, and they seem to like that for breeding (hiding). I'll see if I can find it and add a picture if I do.

Ive found some in the past. Thanks for the link. Unfortunately, I have a sump but no refugium. My water drops down, is filtered and skimmed and goes back up. I have to pour copepods directly into the tank when the lights are off otherwise my six-line Wrasse would have them gone in seconds! Like I said, though, I like amphipods because I can see them. When we were in this hobby years ago, copepods weren’t even talked about. Odd how that happens.

 

[BestMomEver]

Oh... I am nowhere near NJ.... Alabama... our LFS has nothing that innovative. ;Dead

 

[redfishbluefish]

I just posted the info about the pod motel (above). I've got to believe you've got a small spot in your sump to fit one of these fine motels. Doesn't take up much room.

 

[cracker]

Red fish do You take this pad & shake it into the tank? i think this is a good way to get bugs from the sump into the display. I don't agree with ,the return pump theory.

 

[NoWaiAma]

Prolly allows them to find their way in via the return as they see fit.

I’m trying to figure out a sustainable method with no sump currently

 

[redfishbluefish]

Red fish do You take this pad & shake it into the tank? i think this is a good way to get bugs from the sump into the display. I don't agree with ,the return pump theory.

Nope! It just stays in the sump as a breeding ground for the pods....that now "auto-feeds" your DT. Not sure why you're bothered by your return pump sucking up the wayward pods up to your DT. It's a fun ride for them, I'm sure. I once had ten small clownfish in my sump that I was raising, and one day I walk into the fish room, and two of these 1/2 inch clowns are in the DT.....I was amazed they survived a trip through the pump (MAG 9.5), up 3/4 inch pipe, and out a fanned LocLine fitting. So tiny little pods....no problem.

 

[cracker]

Well these Bugs mostly cling to the Macro And body scrubbers in your case. I just think not many break free . Then they have to with stand the intense pressure in the impeller housing.
Just an OP is all. The clowns trip is miraculous !
Also You think a sponge in a darker section would be good? I think these critters are light shy .

 

[BestMomEver]

I just posted the info about the pod motel (above). I've got to believe you've got a small spot in your sump to fit one of these fine motels. Doesn't take up much room.

I do have a few places. I just can’t imagine it working. I have two areas...one is where water comes in from DT and through a filter sock. Then the water flows over a baffle into a larger compartment that contains a skimmer and return pump. If I put them on the filter sock side they will probably get skimmed before they ever get into the tank. If they’re on the other side.... we’ll, they’ll likely get skimmed or sucked into the pump. The pump is not an issue, but the skimmer.... not so sure.