copepods

[aslmx]

are they beneficial and should i add some, where do i get them and what kind and how many. 75 gallon reef

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

I would add some micropods, which are free swimming, and group near live rock. They feed on floating detritus and algae spores in the tank, and feed smaller fish like dragonetts.

 

[CJO]

Copepods are definitely beneficial. They eat detritus and are a good food source for many fish and LPS corals. There are several types out there commercially sold, the most prevalent are Tigriopus californicus and Tisbe biminiensis. The Tigriopus californicus (Tigger Pods) are large and generally free-swimming, so they are eaten by more fish but must be replenished. Tisbe (ReefPods) are much smaller than the Tigriopus and generally live in the rocks, so you can seed your tank with them and they will populate it over time.

CJ

 

[shred5]

Your tank already has copepods if you used live rock and most likely still if you didn’t use live rock. Nutrients and food mainly algae and detritus will determine the amount you have in a reef. High populations mean you have higher nutrients this is the main reason you see more during cycling of the tank.