Best way to microscope copepods?

[afboundguy]

What's the best way to scope pods? I finally have a microscope that is a legit microscope and I tried scoping two of my pod cultures but they were moving so fast it was extremely hard to see them.

I thought I saw an old MACNA presentation on YouTube where someone suggested using rubbing alcohol to kill and immobilize them but wasnt sure if that was the best way or not.

 

[Gregg @ ADP]

Use methyl cellulose. Doesn’t kill the organisms.

 

[afboundguy]

Use methyl cellulose. Doesn’t kill the organisms.

Does it slow them down still? And then would I just throw them into the tank after?

 

[MasterClassReefs]

Get yourself a Bogorov tray or Sedgewick-Rafter cell

 

[afboundguy]

Get yourself a Bogorov tray or Sedgewick-Rafter cell

Thanks. Little more than I'd like to spend right now but that will definitely be on the long-term plan.

 

[Gregg @ ADP]

Does it slow them down still? And then would I just throw them into the tank after?

It slows them down by making the water more viscous.

I can’t imagine the methyl cellulose would have a negative impact on your tank water (it’s a food thickener), but I’ll let you decide if you want to put them back in your system.

 

[afboundguy]

It slows them down by making the water more viscous.

I can’t imagine the methyl cellulose would have a negative impact on your tank water (it’s a food thickener), but I’ll let you decide if you want to put them back in your system.

Thanks. I ordered a bottle of 3% for $10 and I'll give it a shot and if it doesn't slow them down enough I'll try using rubbing alcohol to kill them but if rather not go that method.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

Jewelers Loupe, observe them in the Aquarium. In the early morning, when the lights are just coming on, they will be on the glass where’s there is film algae. After lights are all up. In the gravel observed through the glass.

 

[Gregg @ ADP]

Thanks. I ordered a bottle of 3% for $10 and I'll give it a shot and if it doesn't slow them down enough I'll try using rubbing alcohol to kill them but if rather not go that method.

It works pretty well. I’ve also used psyllium seed husk powder, but I like the MC more.

 

[afboundguy]

It works pretty well. I’ve also used psyllium seed husk powder, but I like the MC more.

Looking forward to giving this a try and should have it by next week.

Get yourself a Bogorov tray or Sedgewick-Rafter cell

I actually plan on trying to make one myself. I found some 6"x6"x1/2" clear acrylic for under $15 and I have routers so worth a shot.

Jewelers Loupe, observe them in the Aquarium. In the early morning, when the lights are just coming on, they will be on the glass where’s there is film algae. After lights are all up. In the gravel observed through the glass.

This wouldn't work for me. I am trying to scope the 9 different species I culture to see if they are in fact those specific species.

I actually don't need anything to see the pods on my tank as I have so many since I culture the 9 species and dose every 1-3 days. Even with a total volume of about 70-75 gallons and a pair of breeding mandarins in the 35 gallon display tank I see pods everywhere!

I did end up buying one anyways as it was only $10 so I'll give it a shot and for that short of money could be cool to look at the tank regardless!