reefer7891
Community Member
I have a 2 month old mixed reef tank. It is going through a cycle and the first major algae bloom is dying off. I noticed a large amphipod population near my zoa garden and noted the rocks were very clean where I knew they made their homes. I am running a very low tech 55 gallon and want to prevent this from happening again. I wanted to seed the tank with more beneficial organisms and Algaebarn had a BOGO on their Ecopods Phyto combo so the choice was easy. I also got a free order of brine shrimp brine.
So I purchased an order of Ecopods and Magic Ocean. Despite the weather delays I received the product in a timely manner. Below is my observations on the product and service:
SHIPPING: Less you’re a brick and mortar guy you know there have been shipping issues around the country and livestock is tough to ship. It was sent out Monday and I got it Weds in the mail. They only ship Mon-Weds so that they can hold their live guarantee. Shipping is free on orders over $40 so all their products including coral, macro algae, CUC, and inverts have great value. Some complain about their shipping but I appreciate the fact they care about the product you receive. Besides if you cannot wait a week. Then reefing is likely not for you
SERVICE: When my ordered was delay due to weather I contacted the customer service via email. They were very personable and understanding. They worked with me to make sure I was happy.
PRODUCT: I must say I was very impressed with the livestock. I could see a dense cloud of microscopic pods and hundreds of pinhead sized free wrigglers. They were very small so I scoffed at the idea of a feeding frenzy with my fishes. I turned off the pumps and dozed the phytoplankton, fed the fish, and dumped both jars (32oz total) into the tank. I immediately regretted my decision as my jawfish, Kaudern, and RGB went to town. Luckily the best hunter my ruby wrasse was uninterested mostly spending his time hunting tiny worms and larger amphipods. (Highly recommend adding at night). With the pump off I can see all the wrigglers before they were picked off and hope that the pod cloud survives.
I really like the MagicOcean phyto. If anyone here has ever used preserved or artificial phyto, you know of the horrible stank. Not with this product. For $10 you get 16 oz and only need 5ML per 20 gallon. Dosage is every day for 2 weeks then from there I guess you can increase or decrease depending on your tank.
SUMMARY: Overall I am very impressed with what I received. About a month ago I added a plug with a small amphipod population and right now they are the most important member of my CUC. I literally remember saving 3 pods and putting them back on their Favia pod. I am hoping these copepods have the same success. At the very least my corals and fish got a fresh meal that will likely extend their overall health and happiness. At best I will have a thriving ecosystem where my tank is as close to natural reef as possible. Regardless they deliver what the promise and I appreciate every bit of research and applied science for our benefit.
A+ Highly recommended if you are looking to try something organic for your tank.
Tank day of arrival:
Area where my amphipods colonized. Notice the clean algae spots even in sunlight the pods do a great job.
Really cared for shipping. Included a heat pad to ensure survival.
Pods:
So I purchased an order of Ecopods and Magic Ocean. Despite the weather delays I received the product in a timely manner. Below is my observations on the product and service:
SHIPPING: Less you’re a brick and mortar guy you know there have been shipping issues around the country and livestock is tough to ship. It was sent out Monday and I got it Weds in the mail. They only ship Mon-Weds so that they can hold their live guarantee. Shipping is free on orders over $40 so all their products including coral, macro algae, CUC, and inverts have great value. Some complain about their shipping but I appreciate the fact they care about the product you receive. Besides if you cannot wait a week. Then reefing is likely not for you
SERVICE: When my ordered was delay due to weather I contacted the customer service via email. They were very personable and understanding. They worked with me to make sure I was happy.
PRODUCT: I must say I was very impressed with the livestock. I could see a dense cloud of microscopic pods and hundreds of pinhead sized free wrigglers. They were very small so I scoffed at the idea of a feeding frenzy with my fishes. I turned off the pumps and dozed the phytoplankton, fed the fish, and dumped both jars (32oz total) into the tank. I immediately regretted my decision as my jawfish, Kaudern, and RGB went to town. Luckily the best hunter my ruby wrasse was uninterested mostly spending his time hunting tiny worms and larger amphipods. (Highly recommend adding at night). With the pump off I can see all the wrigglers before they were picked off and hope that the pod cloud survives.
I really like the MagicOcean phyto. If anyone here has ever used preserved or artificial phyto, you know of the horrible stank. Not with this product. For $10 you get 16 oz and only need 5ML per 20 gallon. Dosage is every day for 2 weeks then from there I guess you can increase or decrease depending on your tank.
SUMMARY: Overall I am very impressed with what I received. About a month ago I added a plug with a small amphipod population and right now they are the most important member of my CUC. I literally remember saving 3 pods and putting them back on their Favia pod. I am hoping these copepods have the same success. At the very least my corals and fish got a fresh meal that will likely extend their overall health and happiness. At best I will have a thriving ecosystem where my tank is as close to natural reef as possible. Regardless they deliver what the promise and I appreciate every bit of research and applied science for our benefit.
A+ Highly recommended if you are looking to try something organic for your tank.
Tank day of arrival:
Area where my amphipods colonized. Notice the clean algae spots even in sunlight the pods do a great job.
Really cared for shipping. Included a heat pad to ensure survival.
Pods:
