Question about growing copepods

[cst0215]

I am trying to culture copepods with very limited success. They do not seem to be multiplying. Tonight I looked at the jar while shining a flashlight and see quite a few very small (less than a millimeter) starfish looking organisms. Please see attached photo. Should I clean and restart?

 

[EnterName]

Well, you managed to grow hydroid medusas to me that's cooler than growing pods, but you don't really want to culture them for a reef tank

I have not seen it first hand but some claim they eat copepods. Maybe that's the issue. I personally would let them grow just to see what kind of organism they grow into but that's just my curiosity for these small organisms.

In a pod culture they certainly don't belong. I'm not sure if siphoning them out is enough or if you want to start from scratch.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

First thing I see is hydroids so your culture is contaminated. Use brand new salt water, nothing comes from your tank, it should be a sterile environment, and we are always careful to never cross contaminate. If you haven't already, I would suggest to watch a few diy copepod culture videos on youtube. Or take a full picture of your set up so we can see an offer suggestions. Good luck