Copepods and Dead Rock

AllSignsPointToFish · Oct 28, 2015

Back when I last had a reef tank, I used cured live rock to start my reef tank. Over time, I ended up with bristleworms and swarms of copepods in my tank that I had always attributed to the use of live rock since I never made any attempt to purposely stock them.

Now, it seems many recommend starting with dead rock to control unwanted pests and invertebrates. Are folks doing anything special to start up the copepod population when they begin with dead rock? I am considering seeding my sump with live rock, but first I wanted to see if anyone had some suggestions.

jgraz · Oct 28, 2015

I started my DT with all dead/dry rock. But I put a good amount of rock from my previous tank in the refugium. I think seeding is great. I'm not one to pay for pods and such especially when so many people will give away macro. Between a couple small pieces of nice rock, a bit of macro, and if possible a scoop of sand you will be good to go. Even better would be to try and get 2 or 3 local reefers to get you a little of each for variety.

AllSignsPointToFish · Oct 28, 2015

Yeah, I don't know many local reefers...only a couple.

How long did it take for the new display tank to seed with the copepods? I'm just curious and understand if you can't really answer that question.

jgraz · Oct 28, 2015

To be honest I don't really know. I just remember noticing some one day. I added a mandarin at about 6 months and after about 2 weeks I stopped seeing him. Assumed he died. At around 1 year I added another and he is now fat as can be. That is pretty much my gauge.

drstratton · Oct 28, 2015

I had to start my tank over after it sat empty for 4 years. I had to acid wash my rocks, so, no copepods. I decided it was worth it to just go ahead and buy some. I bought them from Algae Barn, they are an R2R sponsor. If you sign up for their newsletter you get a bygo free. I bought the pod/phyto combo, 6000 pods. It will be here today! I will also be getting a mix & match special package from IPSF today, I want to add as much diversity back into my tank as I can and it will help it to be a much healthier system.