Help me settle a debate (copepods/amphipods)

[vanguard]

We have two tanks, 8 and 16 months old and they've been seeded with pods from reef cleaners. When you shine a flashlight on the tank at night you can see copepods and amphipods but there could always be more. They also crawl around the sump, heaters, boxes of media, etc. We also have a refugium but the nature of it makes it hard to get your head in there and really look.

One of us wants to buy more and the other thinks that "nature finds its balance" and it's wasted money.

What do you think? Should we buy pods in hopes of increasing the population?

 

[Reefer Matt]

We have two tanks, 8 and 16 months old and they've been seeded with pods from reef cleaners. When you shine a flashlight on the tank at night you can see copepods and amphipods but there could always be more. They also crawl around the sump, heaters, boxes of media, etc. We also have a refugium but the nature of it makes it hard to get your head in there and really look.

One of us wants to buy more and the other thinks that "nature finds its balance" and it's wasted money.

What do you think? Should we buy pods in hopes of increasing the population?

Hello! What’s your goal for the pods? Why are you adding them?

 

[Vinaka_vakalevu]

Truly I don’t think there is any negative to supplemental additions to your in tank pod population. Over time one strain is likely to outcompete the others so adding new strains back in will usually increase diversity for a little while

 

[Dragen Fiend]

I wouldn't actively add more if you already see them in the tank. Even with tanks you want to maintain a balance in the ecosystem by letting it sort itself out. Unless there is a shortfall for feeding purposes. I see no reason to spend money.

 

[vanguard]

Hello! What’s your goal for the pods? Why are you adding them?

Ummm, it's got what fish crave?

We do have wrasses but mostly it's a fairly non-scientific idea of creating a diverse ecosystem.

 

[Reefer Matt]

Ummm, it's got what fish crave?

We do have wrasses but mostly it's a fairly non-scientific idea of creating a diverse ecosystem.

In that case, it’s your money and decision.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

There's always a risk when adding stuff to the tank. But pods aren't only an integral part of the clean up crew they're also a food source for some fish. While some tanks can sustain a healthy population, others require a sanctuary that they can reproduce free from predators and then there are others that need to continue adding them to keep the population robust.

Although people may consider spending money for pods as a luxury expense, I personally would never consider it a waste of money

 

[Sophie"s mom]

We have two tanks, 8 and 16 months old and they've been seeded with pods from reef cleaners. When you shine a flashlight on the tank at night you can see copepods and amphipods but there could always be more. They also crawl around the sump, heaters, boxes of media, etc. We also have a refugium but the nature of it makes it hard to get your head in there and really look.

One of us wants to buy more and the other thinks that "nature finds its balance" and it's wasted money.

What do you think? Should we buy pods in hopes of increasing the population?

I add them monthly to my tank. But I have a few fish that eat them. As well, I plan to have a Mandarin Dragonet, and that is the only thing they eat. Some pods will certainly reproduce, but others will not. I personally see no downside to adding them. They are a great part of CUC.

 

[Cell]

In my opinion its a waste of money if you don't have a wrasse or Mandy or something eating them all day and would starve if not replenished.

 

[Cheezle]

I add 1-2 cups of my LFS reef stew every week but that's because I have a mandarin and make sure she never has to worry about going hungry. I've got active pods on my glass day and night but still add more any chance I get, can never have too many imo

 

[vanguard]

I add 1-2 cups of my LFS reef stew every week but that's because I have a mandarin and make sure she never has to worry about going hungry. I've got active pods on my glass day and night but still add more any chance I get, can never have too many imo

My LFS would surely include a little ich in there for good measure

 

[Cheezle]

My LFS would surely include a little ich in there for good measure

LOL funny you say that, the old LFS I went to always had bryopsis issues with their tanks and of course, I ended up with it too. I battled it for probably a year and a half before I stopped going there completely and picked up a new LFS.. haven't had issues with bryopsis since.. wonder why

 

[Daniel@R2R]

I always need more pods...

 

[vanguard]

Today we bought a new bella goby. He's doing well in QT right now. Like a noob, I fed him shortly after adding him. However, he ate! We're happy.

While we were there we saw a bottle of tiger pods on the counter. I picked them up to make my wife happy. Even if they don't benefit the tank, $20 to make her happy is a good deal.