Copepods seem to just disappear.

[JAWSIII]

Hi all, I have a Trigger Platinum (20 cube) sump. The front area of the sump is designated as the refugium area. In this area I have mineral mud about 2.5 inches thick across the entire bottom and above that is free-floating cheato that takes up a good amount of space. That area has a large population of amphipods of various sizes, some as big as small termites, but No other livestock except some pineapple sponges I recently ( 3 days ago) bought a bottle of "Tigger Pods" they looked orange in color, and were very active in the bottle. I floated the bottle for about 20 minutes, turned off my return pump and skimmer, and released the pods into the refugium area. Using a flashlight I checked on them several times over the next 3 hours and saw MANY of them swimming and jumping about., I wanted to make sure they had enough time to get in the cheato or mud before turning the return back on. After 3 hours I turned on the return and went to bed. FF to tonight, I turned my return of to feed my DT and decided to use my flashlight again to see any pods moving about. To my surprise, I DID NOT SEE A SINGLE ONE and I looked for a good 10 - 12 minutes holding the light still and watching all over. I could clearly see the amphipods scurrying about as usual but Zero copepods Is it possible they all went into the mud? Do amphipods EAT copepods?? I wanted this area to be a breeding ground for copepods. Does ANYONE have a similar experience or any info?

 

[KochergenJ]

I'd say just give it some time and check again. I've added pods a few times and have noticed swings in what I can visibly see on the glass. Some days it's few, other days it's a lot. I'm sure someone with more experience than me will chime in soon.

 

[Cheese Griller]

Misread the post title and thought it said copperbands keep disappearing... was confused for a second there LOL. But I agree with the poster above. Check again in a few days, give them some time to settle in!

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

That's what they do. I usually plan on 3 or 4 total overdoses. They do an will take hold.

 

[Spare time]

Tigger pods do not do well in tanks.

 

[JAWSIII]

Tigger pods do not do well in tanks.

What species do you recommend?

 

[JAWSIII]

Thanks for all the feedback, does anyone know if amphipods eat copepods??

 

[KochergenJ]

Quick google search says yes

 

[KrisReef]

Thanks for all the feedback, does anyone know if amphipods eat copepods??

I would expect them to, but I don't know their diet specifically

 

[Spare time]

What species do you recommend?

Tisbe are pretty common

 

[KochergenJ]

https://www.algaebarn.com/blog/cope...ar to prey,Reduced microcrustacean diversity.
Decent read

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi all, I have a Trigger Platinum (20 cube) sump. The front area of the sump is designated as the refugium area. In this area I have mineral mud about 2.5 inches thick across the entire bottom and above that is free-floating cheato that takes up a good amount of space. That area has a large population of amphipods of various sizes, some as big as small termites, but No other livestock except some pineapple sponges I recently ( 3 days ago) bought a bottle of "Tigger Pods" they looked orange in color, and were very active in the bottle. I floated the bottle for about 20 minutes, turned off my return pump and skimmer, and released the pods into the refugium area. Using a flashlight I checked on them several times over the next 3 hours and saw MANY of them swimming and jumping about., I wanted to make sure they had enough time to get in the cheato or mud before turning the return back on. After 3 hours I turned on the return and went to bed. FF to tonight, I turned my return of to feed my DT and decided to use my flashlight again to see any pods moving about. To my surprise, I DID NOT SEE A SINGLE ONE and I looked for a good 10 - 12 minutes holding the light still and watching all over. I could clearly see the amphipods scurrying about as usual but Zero copepods Is it possible they all went into the mud? Do amphipods EAT copepods?? I wanted this area to be a breeding ground for copepods. Does ANYONE have a similar experience or any info?

While some may be getting consumed, if using praziPro, some may be affected and if you have a mix, at times amphipods will consume smaller copepods

 

[anizato]

sorry my friend. tigger pods are from the northern shores of california, look at their scientific name. They only thrive in colder climates. So they will not reproduce in the tank, they are meant to be fed directly, as a single feed. Which is why we mostly culture them to feed them.
If you want pods in your tank like that, you need to get the Apex and Tisbe pods. Those will reproduce in your tank for sure.
I recommend feeding phyto and reefenhance to the tank so they can reproduce constantly.