Copepods and plankton

[Tsweet]

I was trying to add copepods to my 125g FOWLR tank. Cannot tell if it is working or not.
1. what is the correct process to add ( i do not have a refugium)
2. How can i know if they are multiplying or not. I do not want to keep spending money on them if not.
Thanks

 

[MrBryan723]

How are you adding them? You should be able to see the tiny little things on your glass if they are doing well. Maybe you need to try acclimating them longer? They are very small, and thus very sensitive to paramaters. Have you tried to do a culture yet? Even in a fowlr tank they might still be eaten.

 

[MrBryan723]

Maybe adding another filter feeder like clams is possible? I would doubt a shrimp species would work, but maybe a filter feeding larger shrimp?

 

[Tsweet]

i added 2 separate batches directly to the tank from Algae Barn 6000 each. I added at night after lights out and then added phytoplankton ever night for two days then once every other day.

 

[saltwater60]

i added 2 separate batches directly to the tank from Algae Barn 6000 each. I added at night after lights out and then added phytoplankton ever night for two days then once every other day.

Small inverts are very sensitive to changing parameters how did you acclimate them? Salinity the same temp the same or did you just dump them in? Also how much live rock do you have? They tend to hide or be eaten.
also what are you adding them?

 

[Tsweet]

I did just dump them in at night. I have a large amount of Live rock about 90 LB. The y were of the Tsbe (sp) variety from Algae Barn. I added two containers of approx 6K each over 3 nights and Phytoplankton also. I have not seen any so far so I think it was an expensive lesson.