Copepods

jpontier212 · Apr 27, 2016

I got a container of copepods from one of my lfs like 2 months ago and put them in my fuge. I have had green and red gracileria in there with a 6lb piece of live rock. I can't really see the copepods in there but i just recently acquired a Mandarin goby from my mom as a surprised gift for my son. My question is if i can't see them, (mostly due to bad eyesight and low movement in my fuge/sump), could it be possible that they are there? And if not, what can i do for a copepod supply/farm?

eliramos · Apr 27, 2016

How many lbs of live rock do you have in your tank
And how big is your tank?

saltyphish · Apr 27, 2016

They are tiny and tough too see. Add the water movement with the light shimmering on the surface even harder. Try waiting until lights out and looking with a flashlight. Definitely want to be sure you have plenty with that mandarin. Also not sure what size tank you have but a refuge is a great place to build up a good pod population.

jpontier212 · Apr 27, 2016

I'm sorry guys lol. I keep forgetting details. I have a 55 gallon glass aquarium with a 20 gallon diy sump. Filter socks, sac 301 protein skimmer, diy 2L gfo reactor, jebco 1400 return pump. 6lbs of live rock in the refugium. About 50lbs of key largo dry rock in my DP.
I got live stock of
1 yellow tang
1 gorgeous maroon clown
1 lawnmower blenny
1 royal gramma (gorgeous as well )
8 turbo snails
5 hermit crabs
2 Emerald crabs
1 coral banded shrimp

eliramos · Apr 27, 2016

I think you should be okay as long as you have plenty of rock how long has the tank been setup for?

jpontier212 · Apr 28, 2016

eliramos said:
I think you should be okay as long as you have plenty of rock how long has the tank been setup for?

It's had water in it since jan 29th but completed the nitrogen cycle 3 weeks ago

Radman73 · Apr 28, 2016

I'd start some research on trying to train the Mandarin to eat frozen. 55gal is probably jus barely big enough to support one and that would be with a well established population.

Do you have any other pod eaters in the tank? That will make it even more difficult. I have seen some people create brine shrimp "nurseries" that they use to provide a food source. Google in tank brine shrimp nursery and you should find an idea or two that may work if it doesn't take to frozen.

They're beautiful fish. I promised my wife one once the 220 is up and running for 6-12 months. Good luck!

Chrisfish · Apr 28, 2016

My mandarin also eats live black worms and frozen foods in addition to lots of pods. Several threads on here in regards to this, very important that they have plenty to eat.