Restarting Copepod Culture

[BigAl07]

I've got a robust and thriving Copepod culture going that's been rock solid now for about 8 weeks. I feel like they need a "water change" or even a Fresh Start and into a newly sterilized container. I'm going to be starting some significant "Traveling" in the next 2 weeks and will be OUT of town more than IN TOWN for about 8 weeks. I want to make sure everything is as "Crash Proof" as I can for the people looking after my system and feel like a CLEAN/FRESH Culture is key to that.

Any suggestions? I have some "micro" strainers for capturing BBS and some even finer but I'm not sure if this is the correct path or not.

Ideas?

Suggestions?

WARNING?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I harvest my culture 100%, clean the container well, fill it up with new saltwater and new phyto, and then add a little of the pods to the new culture. Its easy.

I bought mesh of different micron sizes and made sieves with them. I have 50 and 100 microns. So I just drain the water through the diy sieves.

 

[BigAl07]

I harvest my culture 100%, clean the container well, fill it up with new saltwater and new phyto, and then add a little of the pods to the new culture. Its easy.

I bought mesh of different micron sizes and made sieves with them. I have 50 and 100 microns. So I just drain the water through the diy sieves.

That's pretty much exactly what I had in mind but I wasn't sure if I was on the right track or not.

Appreciate the information :)

Allen in NC

 

[BigAl07]

I harvest my culture 100%, clean the container well, fill it up with new saltwater and new phyto, and then add a little of the pods to the new culture. Its easy.

I bought mesh of different micron sizes and made sieves with them. I have 50 and 100 microns. So I just drain the water through the diy sieves.

How do you know/decide which net to use? I have the following:
120-micron , 300-micron, 560- micron and a 900-micron sieve and I have no clue which one(s) to use to harvest my existing culture for a "Re-Start".

 

[BigAl07]

I harvest my culture 100%, clean the container well, fill it up with new saltwater and new phyto, and then add a little of the pods to the new culture. Its easy.

I bought mesh of different micron sizes and made sieves with them. I have 50 and 100 microns. So I just drain the water through the diy sieves.

How often do you 100% harvest your copepod culture?
How much Phyto do you feed your culture and how often?
What strain of Phyto are you using or do you purchase "Blends"?