POD population

[evoIX_Reefer]

I am getting prepped for mandarins and my phytoculture is doing GREAT!

I don't mind purchasing from somewhere to get my pod population going but I was wondering if I could just use what's already in my tank all over my chaeto?

I know there are a ton of amphipods crawling around but from what I read mandarins don't care for amphipods.

Should I just go for purchasing reefpods from reefcleaners?

Thanks!

 

[cmantis]

Tisbe pods are good. Amphipods are too big but your other fish will enjoy them.

 

[evoIX_Reefer]

Good call! looks like that is what I'll go with since most LFSs carry them. Plus they aren't too expensive.

 

[Cu455]

If you are looking for diversity put a wtb ad for macro algae and rock rubble. Grab some from a few different people and you will get a diverse population of pods. If you come to LI o can hook you up with some pod infested macro and ceramic rings.

 

[NYfishies]

If you are looking for diversity put a wtb ad for macro algae and rock rubble. Grab some from a few different people and you will get a diverse population of pods. If you come to LI o can hook you up with some pod infested macro and ceramic rings.

Hi there,

If you do not mind me asking (I am interested in the same concept as the OP) what do you mean by "wtb ad for macro algae and rock rubble"?

Thanks.

 

[beastium]

"wtb ad for macro algae and rock rubble"

He means to post a new thread in the Want To Buy (wtb) forum:
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=10

 

[lnevo]

Thats not at all what OP was asking for or looking for. He's culturing phyto and now ready to culture copepods. He asked if he should use pods from his fuge (amphipods+copepods) or if he should purchase copepods.

Considering that you don't want to use tank water in your culturing (typically). I would say best bet to buy the type of pods you want to grow out. I'm sure though that trying to culture whats already in your tank wouldn't hurt. Maybe setup a second culture and see what you get..

 

[Cu455]

I interpeted as he isn't sure if his macro has pods that the madrin will eat. It probably does have pods in it that the mandirin can eat. I don't see why it matters if he buys pods from the store or gets them from someones tank. One way or the other he will have pods in his culture tank reproducing which he will be able to use to feed his mandrin.

 

[lnevo]

The concern is that the amphipods take over and then you are no longer culturing the copepods that you want.

 

[Cu455]

He means to post a new thread in the Want To Buy (wtb) forum:
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=10

That' it. If you were closer I would have gave you some macro.

 

[Cu455]

The concern is that the amphipods take over and then you are no longer culturing the copepods that you want.

Intresting concept. I can see the amphipods outcompeting the smaller pods. I don't think it will eliminate the copepods population but will keep it lower then with no amphipods. He will still get ample copepods either way.

 

[noelskii]

Unless the Mandarin you get is eating frozen and/or pellets- it won't last long...

 

[lnevo]

If he's doing side by side cultures, it would last indefinitely...

 

[noelskii]

If he's doing side by side cultures, it would last indefinitely...

Is he going to sit there all day everyday feeding the mandarin?

 

[lnevo]

You dont have to sit there all day, you take the pods you've cultured and feed the tank once a day maybe twice and let them get hunted all day.

 

[beastium]

It seems that copepods thrive the most in brand new setups after cycling. Whenever I start a new tank from now on, I try waiting as long as possible before adding anything at all after the live rock so the copepod population reaches a good mass.

There are a lot of copepods that exist but I'm not sure which might be the better than others. I can only recognize a couple diff. kinds.

I want to replenish my pod population too but dont want to buy a bottle for more than $20 which is what i usually see

 

[evoIX_Reefer]

Inevo is correct. I have a great Fuge with sons of life but since copepods are not really easy to see. Amphipods are. Growing but doesn't help verify my coepod population.

I think I'll setup a tisbe culture since I don't want to take chances on My mandarins dying.

 

[evoIX_Reefer]

Also to answer, you sieve out pods from your culture and dump into the tank to replenish the population for mandarins. I'll do this daily and try to space out as I see fit. Only problem is I want a pair.

 

[Paul B]

Here is a video of what I collect and throw in my reef every couple of weeks in the summer.