I need some help with beginning a copepod colony

[crys]

I have a im 20 and I am interested in beginning and sustaining a copepod population. I’m planning on using eheim bio media as a safe place for the copepod to live. I’ll be using phytoplankton to feed the copepod in the initial stages. I’d be getting a com

I’d appreciate any input or experiences )

 

[crys]

Combo pack deal from algae barn*^

 

[LesPoissons]

Buy a bottle and dump in the tank if you want to seed it or boost population. Copepods will live everywhere in a reef tank. They don’t need a safe spot per se- they are everywhere on the rocks hiding out, in the sump, in the overflows etc. Phytoplankton (IMO) is a great addition to every tank but can def be over dosed so be careful. Also turn your skimmer off for an hour after you dose phyto. In my experience- UV will also decrease the pod population.

 

[crys]

Buy a bottle and dump in the tank if you want to seed it or boost population. Copepods will live everywhere in a reef tank. They don’t need a safe spot per se- they are everywhere on the rocks hiding out, in the sump, in the overflows etc. Phytoplankton (IMO) is a great addition to every tank but can def be over dosed so be careful. Also turn your skimmer off for an hour after you dose phyto. In my experience- UV will also decrease the pod population.

Thank you I’ll keep that in mind. Is the only way to check if the copepods are doing well by checking at night with a light?

 

[Oropher]

IM20? with limited filtration chamber is not ideal for pods breeding.
Instead you can use the main tank for pods breeding.
However for this early stage, don't put any planktivores. It's better if you only have herbivore fish in the tank so the early pods population could survive and multiply.

 

[najer]

As above, live phyto to feed the pods.

 

[LesPoissons]

Thank you I’ll keep that in mind. Is the only way to check if the copepods are doing well by checking at night with a light?

Yes you can check it tonight with a flashlight. A red light I’ll also help you see them. You have to stare at it a while to be able to make them out . I have a hard time seeing any crawling around in my tank but my fish health tells me they are there and doing fine.

 

[crys]

Thank you all, I just ordered copepods/Rotifers and phytoplankton.
I received a 10% off coupon at copepod.ca that’s redeemable within the next two weeks which I don’t plan on using.
So here it is U16F-RX34-NE7Q