When to add copepods

[JoubbieReefer]

My tank (Redsea G2+ 350) is in the final stages of cycling. I’d like to add a mandarin to my tank eventually and wanted to confirm that I should add copepods as soon as the cycle is complete to get the ball rolling. I’m also planning to add two clowns and a cleanup crew.

What’s the best copepods to buy -

• AlgaeBarn Galaxy Pods
• Reef Nutrition Tigger-Pods
• AlgaeBarn Galaxy Pods + OceanMagik Phyto Combo⁠

Any recommendations or watch outs for the cleanup crew?

 

[KrisReef]

An old school live rock start were popular because often they came with hitchhikers included pods that would eat and multiple scavenging off the stuff on the rocks.

If you started with dry rock, your tank may be empty table for pod scavenging?

I can’t remember which pods are the best scavenging creatures in a new tank, but many of the vendors have described which pods are best for various purposes.

The pods + phytoplankton are good for being self contained, and in general, the larger pods need a matured situation to survive and thrive.

I don’t know any harm in adding pods as a way to encourage “aging” towards self sustaining pod populations.

HTH.

 

[vittpsu21]

My tank (Redsea G2+ 350) is in the final stages of cycling. I’d like to add a mandarin to my tank eventually and wanted to confirm that I should add copepods as soon as the cycle is complete to get the ball rolling. I’m also planning to add two clowns and a cleanup crew.

What’s the best copepods to buy -

• AlgaeBarn Galaxy Pods
• Reef Nutrition Tigger-Pods
• AlgaeBarn Galaxy Pods + OceanMagik Phyto Combo⁠

Any recommendations or watch outs for the cleanup crew?

I added mine right after cycle finished, used a reef2reef sponser for mine reef by steele, tons of providers out there. I also from the same person ordered a magnet stirrer so I could dose phyto more easily. I have a billion pods everywhere a year in, though I do culture phyto and pods at this point and reseed quite often.

Apoc and Tisbe are the most common pods I have used but they work very differently, Tisbe are benthic and will hide in rocks, sand, etc and will usually colonize pretty easy. Apoc are more open water swimmers I believe and still colonize but maybe not as easy? I believe that he offers a package that has a mixture of a ton of different types though that specialize in starting your tank off for exactly what you are doing and thats what I did. I also wasn't sure when I first started but mostly followed his guidance...here is a screenshot of what I ordered at first. If it was me though I would just interact and ask a vendor (I was also going to go with Algaebarn at first but went a different direction). I am sure any of the vendors would be happy to help you

This has just been my experience but Kent is very easy to work with... I also dose 125ml a day of phyto split into microdoses every hour. @Reef By Steele

 

[JoubbieReefer]

I started with wet, live rock. I have found two snails on the glass which is awesome. Haven’t seen any pod activity and thought it would be good to add. Seems like there’s no harm.

 

[Seregus]

Do not forget to add phyto plankton too. For new cycled tank and if adding copepods will provide food for them.

 

[saltwaterfish.com Verified Sponsor]

Copepods are beneficial for so many reasons. I'd say Tisbe are the most common but in my tanks, I try to have a variety. Once the tank is cycled, adding a nice supply will ensure the tank is off to a great start, even if you lose a few. Enjoy!