Are copepods & amphipods smart enough to...

[Projects with Sam]

I have a pad in my refugium I use to prevent stuff from going into the tank and every week or so I like to clean it so I get consistent behavior from my skimmer and floss roller.
Its heavily populated by copepods and amphipods in the time its in the tank and I hate killing them all when I hose it off.
Is there any chance they're smart enough to move down the pad to the water if I hung it for a few hours before cleaning it?
Below are images of it being hung before cleaning:
View attachment 3114794View attachment 3114793

 

[fullinfusion]

In my honest opinion if you have them in there you've got a huge abundance of PODS throughout the tank and I really wouldn't worry about it but I'm sure others with a lot more experience and I have will chime in on your question.

 

[Goaway]

They're pretty dumb. I tried with my filter socks and they hang there to dry, instead of dropping off into the water below.

 

[Fish Styx]

Likely not, but as has already been said, I wouldn't be too concerned about the loss as your population is clearly thriving.

 

[Double monti 61]

My 15 gallon tank has enough to keep my royal gramma picking them off the glass,rock and substrate.

 

[fish farmer]

I would believe ability to crawl in moisture vs. completely submerged would be the limiting factor.

 

[Projects with Sam]

My 15 gallon tank has enough to keep my royal gramma picking them off the glass,rock and substrate.

healthy looking guy! Thanks all! guess I'll just do the deed!

 

[TinnysReef]

I’ve bought them before on filter sponge - most jump off when I’d swirl it in the water, but I liked hanging it over the tank and watching them jump in the water. Not all would jump but most would.