Do Copepods Deplete?

Darbna · Jun 24, 2016

So my 125 Gallon has been running a few months now, and everything is Happy. I am actually in the process of getting another tank, 265 Gallon and plan on running both. I know, it will be a part time job but I love it. Anyhow, I have put some pods in the refuguim a few times in the Chateo since I have rarely seen any pods climbing on the rocks like I used to when the tank was cycling. Before fish were entered my tank was crawling with copepods and amphipods. I run a 55 Gallon sump and have 2 sock filters on. I wouldnt think that would capture all pods since most dont make it into the water column. Was seeing if anyone had any feedback on this.

Diesel · Jun 24, 2016

Cut two or three holes in your socks.
I hear you thinking "that is crazy"..... Maybe!
But in the rig
Get mind you save your pods with it and you keep beneficial nutrients in your tank.

Zenlikeyoda · Jun 24, 2016

My filter socks were catching some. When it was ready to change them out I would glove up and flip the socks inside out to see if I could save a few of the bigger ones. But in the long run I still had plenty hiding in the rocks and sand more so than in the Chateo.

Darbna · Jun 24, 2016

Zenlikeyoda said:
My filter socks were catching some. When it was ready to change them out I would glove up and flip the socks inside out to see if I could save a few of the bigger ones. But in the long run I still had plenty hiding in the rocks and sand more so than in the Chateo.

Do you guys see any climbing on the rocks same as always. I know the come and go but I literally see none anymore, at night with flashlight.

MikeyAl · Jun 25, 2016

Darbna said:
So my 125 Gallon has been running a few months now, and everything is Happy. I am actually in the process of getting another tank, 265 Gallon and plan on running both. I know, it will be a part time job but I love it. Anyhow, I have put some pods in the refuguim a few times in the Chateo since I have rarely seen any pods climbing on the rocks like I used to when the tank was cycling. Before fish were entered my tank was crawling with copepods and amphipods. I run a 55 Gallon sump and have 2 sock filters on. I wouldnt think that would capture all pods since most dont make it into the water column. Was seeing if anyone had any feedback on this.

What fish do you keep?

Darbna · Jun 25, 2016

Flame hawk fish
Purpl dotty back
Half dollar size blue hippo
Kole tang
Yellow tang
White cheek tang
A blue dot goby
3 female lyertaile Anthias and one male

Few shrimp
And snails and hermits

MikeyAl · Jun 25, 2016

Some of these will definite work on your pod population. But some predation is good- it will cause them to breed.

I think you will be okay. You can always reseed.

Zenlikeyoda · Jun 25, 2016

Darbna said:
Do you guys see any climbing on the rocks same as always. I know the come and go but I literally see none anymore, at night with flashlight.

I do not see as many of the larger ones on the rocks (more of the little ones on the glass walls and sand touching the walls) but when I re-scaped my tank and removed some of the rocks for a more simple and "open" look I saw quite a few of the large pods "jump ship" after a short period of time the rocks being out of the water. I was scoping them up and putting them back into the tank. It was amazing how many I found jump off the rocks in search of water when I didn't see them crawling around the rocks when I checked for critters before placing them out to dry. So I wouldn't be as sure that you guys are "depleted" of the pods they are just amazing at hiding!