Am I doing this right? Copepods

[ReefDad86]

In preparation of adding a Dragonet, I decided to try and boost my copepod population.


Here’s what I’m doing: 1 gallon jug with air pump, added pods and periodically feed phyto

Are all of those little white specs copepods?? If I sit and stare, I can see some larger ones swimming in the jug, but the everything else seems static

If these are indeed copepods, what now? Dump them in the tank with the pumps off?

 

[MichaelB]

In preparation of adding a Dragonet, I decided to try and boost my copepod population.


Here’s what I’m doing: 1 gallon jug with air pump, added pods and periodically feed phyto

Are all of those little white specs copepods?? If I sit and stare, I can see some larger ones swimming in the jug, but the everything else seems static

If these are indeed copepods, what now? Dump them in the tank with the pumps off?




View attachment 77052

I recommend getting one from hightide Aquatics I believe he trains them to eat frozen foods. Something that most don't do. It probably won't be fun to keep adding pods long term.

I hear that they can clean out a tanks population crazy fast and slowly starve. Unless more are constantly added or have a larger tank with a solid breeding population.

 

[AndynotDrew]

I would also recommend High Tide Aquatics. Yes, there’s a price difference, but there’s a value difference as well. I bought a green spotted mandarin 3-4 weeks ago after discussing it with Kenny. Little guy has been smashing brine and mysis every time it’s offered (2-3 times a day) since day one. Seems to prefer brine a little more.
I’ve also dumped a bunch of pods in. As of now a collective half gallons worth over the last month. Added phyto to the bottles like you’re doing too.
The mandarin is pecking all day long and super active. Always looks full. I’m no expert but it sure seems like a happy fish, and I’ll be the first to say it’s in a tank that’s way too premature for your average mandarin.

 

[clownvan]

I would also recommend High Tide Aquatics. Yes, there’s a price difference, but there’s a value difference as well. I bought a green spotted mandarin 3-4 weeks ago after discussing it with Kenny. Little guy has been smashing brine and mysis every time it’s offered (2-3 times a day) since day one. Seems to prefer brine a little more.
I’ve also dumped a bunch of pods in. As of now a collective half gallons worth over the last month. Added phyto to the bottles like you’re doing too.
The mandarin is pecking all day long and super active. Always looks full. I’m no expert but it sure seems like a happy fish, and I’ll be the first to say it’s in a tank that’s way too premature for your average mandarin.

so you were the one that took off with the mandarin