Why are copepods good for my fish only tank?

[angelaw]

I've had my fish only saltwater tank for about 3 years. It's a 300l tank with a porcupine puffer, emperor angel, longhorned cowfish and a foxface. All have been in the tank for at least 2 years. Although I've had the tank a few years, I never have any problems with it until recently. The puffer had hex (treated successfully) and there has been a sudden spike in nitrate (over 100) and a massive copepod bloom. All other parameters are fine. I've been doing regular water changes and treating for the nitrate, but am yet to get it under control. It stabilised for a couple of days, but today it's spiked again. I've never really given much thought to copepods as I don't have any fish that would eat them, but now I'm wondering if they could do any harm? There are so many that the water looks cloudy! Should I be happy to have so many? If no fish are eating them, do they just continue to breed? I don't have a sump, just 2 external filters, uv and a skimmer.

 

[Webslinger]

CUC and fish food

 

[GaryE]

Perfect time to add a dragonet

 

[angelaw]

If there has been such a massive bloom, I must have done something to create the perfect environment for them. Is it possible I'm overfeeding? I haven't changed my routine at all.

CUC and fish food

 

[angelaw]

Always wanted one, but with a puffer and cowfish?

Perfect time to add a dragonet

 

[Webslinger]

If there has been such a massive bloom, I must have done something to create the perfect environment for them. Is it possible I'm overfeeding? I haven't changed my routine at all.

they will regulate themselves. No worries

 

[MightyMO]

I know some gobies only eat copepods...

 

[tautog83]

biodiversity , and like previously stated good part of clean up crew. if you see a lot now wait until midnight and look with a flashlight