can i successfully culture copepods in this setup

[sweetie_22]

i was thinking of trying this out - using a clean glass jar with an air bubbler in it, and hanging it on the side of my nano with the top just out of the water.

i'd add these copepods, http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/110ml-COPEPODS-110ML...%3A1%7C294%3A50, and then if needed, feed them this stuff, http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-Marine-Copepod-F...%3A1%7C294%3A50.

so, would this actually work? would i need to feed them separately or would the copepods be enough on their own? what kind of maintenance would i need to do - would i need to do regular water changes or anything like that?

[rustyfox9]

For copepods to thrive, you'll need a large surface area, I had to get creative and use a rectangular tupperware tub initially.

I'm a bit skeptical about buying pods on ebay, unless it's from Reef Phyto. The copepod feed you've chosen is a good one, you don't need to maintain the same level of green water as you would with Live Phyto.

When it comes to maintenance, remember to top off with RO water as evaporation still occurs. My approach is to remove some water with pods, strain it using a Reef Phyto strainer, and then add the pods to the tank. Afterwards, I top up the culture with fresh seawater.

It's logical to change the water in the pod culture when you're doing a tank change, but it doesn't need to be done often if you're using Reef Phyto copepod food. However, with Live Phyto, you'll need to change the water more frequently.

[sweetie_22]

ok thanks for the advice, so a big surface area is needed, i'll keep that in mind, and yeah i was thinking of using a tub or something if the jar doesn't work out, also good to know about the ebay thing, i'll make sure to check the brand, and thanks for the tip on the water changes, i'll just do it when i do the tank's water change

[nixora]

I've had no problems with these guys, they do both food and pods. Having rotifers in your culture is also worth considering. I found everything I needed at Reefworks, they're a great resource.

http://www.reefworks.co.uk/

They've got a section dedicated to copepods, worth checking out: http://www.reefworks.co.uk/default.asp? ... bpage=4293

Also, found this thread to be really helpful: http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/show ... p?t=300659

[sweetie_22]

Thanks for the info, I'll look into getting a bigger container for the copepods, maybe something like a rectangular tub. I'm a bit hesitant about buying from ebay, I've heard mixed reviews about the quality of the pods. The copepod food you mentioned seems good though, I'll definitely consider that.

I'm not sure about the water changes, do I need to do them regularly for the copepods or just top them off with RO water? And how often should I change the water in the culture, is it the same as the tank or does it depend on the food I'm using?

[rustyfox9]

One thing that put me off about Reefstock was the lack of transparency on pod concentration. You're essentially buying a 50ml tub without knowing if it contains 50 or 100 pods - or any number in between.

I'd personally opt for DT's over Reefstock, unless I was getting the ultra concentrated live Copepod culture pack. DT's, despite not disclosing the initial pod count, seem like a better choice to me.

[sweetie_22]

thanks, i'll start reading up some more then

[brixo]

I've tried both DT's and reefworks copepods, personally I think reefworks are the better option. You get a really good amount of pods with them. I've also used DT's Phytoplankton, I've tried a few different ones but I find DT's to be the best. I get mine from midland reef.

As for the setup, have you thought about using a small container like a kiddies goldfish bowl? You can pick one up on ebay, just search for it. Then all you need is a small pump, some tubing and an airstone. Just leave it on a bright window sill and in 3-4 weeks you'll have plenty of pods.

[sweetie_22]

ive got a small blue one from pets at home, but cant recall the name, 8 litres i think, its meant for fish or small pets, temp is my only concern