Should I add copepods now?

chiroboy126 · May 25, 2023

Hello all,

My 75-gallon tank has been set up for 2 months now. A little about my build:

-80lbs dry rock, 2 inches live sand, 30-gallon sump w/refugium.
-water parameters are pretty much perfect- tank is fully cycled.
- 2 clowns are the only livestock added right now

I've read several things about copepods and think I may be confused about when to add them. My clowns have been in there for 2 weeks now. I don't see any algae growth as of yet but the tank is still very young and I have not turned the lights on. My question is- should I add copepods now or do I need to wait?

Thanks in advance for your patience, learning every day!

CasperOe · May 25, 2023

Yes! Yes, you should add them now! And as many as you can justify!

chiroboy126 · May 25, 2023

CasperOe said:
Yes! Yes, you should add them now! And as many as you can justify!

Do I need to add anything else to feed them? I don't imagine there's much nutrients for them with my tank being so new and lightly stocked.

CasperOe · May 25, 2023

chiroboy126 said:
Do I need to add anything else to feed them? I don't imagine there's much nutrients for them with my tank being so new and lightly stocked.

Phytoplankton.. There are many different varieties and makes of them!

If youre based in America, shop around at Algaebarn.. They have what you need- and guidance on how to do it!

Jay'sReefBugs · May 26, 2023

You can add them pretty much as your system has been stabilized

floridareeflabs · Jun 5, 2023

Hello,
Add them early and add them often. We always recommend adding multiple species and to does minimum once a month but depending on tank inhabitants you may need to dose weekly. If you have a sump and lots of rocks between display and sump as well as sand you may be able to eventaully sustain populations and dose less but in the end dosing will still be required to have a well rounded water column! Also, dosing phyto will help keep populations up as well as ensure your pods are the most nutritious for whatever is consuming them as well as it helps out-compete nuisance algae and bacterias in your tank. Both Tetra and Nano are great to dose on a regular basis 1-2 times a week.