Question: How to Determine Copepod Populations?

[dbjonesjr]

After setting up a new tank only a month ago using dry rock I am seeing tons of pods. Is this to be expected? I have about 15 lbs of mature rock from another tank and added about a 12 ounce cup of Chaetomorpha into my refugium. Should I expect a large pod population already? And how would I determine if my population is sufficient for pod eating organisms?

 

[Rjukan]

New tanks usually get an explosion of them early on, then the numbers thin out on their own. Imo I wouldn't try adding anything that relys on pods as main source of food, ie mandarins, for at least several months. And that's only if you have a sump, fuge, and lots of live rock.

 

[dbjonesjr]

New tanks usually get an explosion of them early on, then the numbers thin out on their own. Imo I wouldn't try adding anything that relys on pods as main source of food, ie mandarins, for at least several months. And that's only if you have a sump, fuge, and lots of live rock.

Right I’m aware - I keep a mandarin in a 40 breeder currently. Doing just fine. I just have never set up a tank (with dry rock) and seen pods all over like this.

 

[tupes]

The pods probably carried from the Cheato and the mature live rock that you are using.