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Culturing and storing copepods

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Kylie, Jun 6, 2011.

  1. Jun 6, 2011 #1
    Kylie

    Kylie Inactive User

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    I'm starting a new project of culturing copepods. I had started a few weeks ago to supplement my scooter dragonette but he died today while I was away at work. I'm not sure what happened. In any case, I won't be getting a new dragonette of any kind until after our move at the end of July. 
    What I'm curious about is how can I best store copepods in the fridge and how long can they live dormant? Does anyone have suggestions on how to collect the pods from my cultures without also getting the junk along with it into a storage container? They are so tiny that any sort of filter that I can think of wouldn't work very well. 
    I'm hoping that I can continue my culturing and store enough pods to boost my tank back up and maintain a high population after the move in preparation for a new dragonette. 
    So, any suggestions?
    Thanks,Kylie
     
  2. Jun 6, 2011 #2
    ruggerkc North Liberty , IA

    ruggerkc Experienced Reefkeeper Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member

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    I don't have any aswers but Reef nutrition sells a plankton culture manual.

    http://www.reefnutrition.com/specialty_feeds.html
     
  3. Jun 6, 2011 #3
    Clown

    Clown Inactive User

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    I have the above manual you could borrow for a while. You can use coffee filters to strain your pods.
     
  4. Jun 6, 2011 #4
    Bennyboy515

    Bennyboy515

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    Are they like brine shrimp? In a 2 liter I turn the air off after 2 or 3 days and let everything sit for 20-30 minutes with a flashlight laying on the counter right next to the upside down 2 liter. You will notice the pods congregate where the bottle starts to funnel down. I use and aqua lifter pump to extract the pods to a little wine glass. Then put a little green water in there for food and they should be good ay? I don't see how a coffee filter wouldn't catch all the eggs and gunk too, but would love to learn another way. I have come to believe that they are almost impossible to keep in my small 55 gallon tank, I've had success for a year then it died, very sad. I researched that they will eat two tablespoons of pods a day, so that little tiger pod vile that cost 25 bucks you would need 1-2 of per day. I have a great idea for an automatic system using 3 timers and an air pump and an aqua lifter pump and a small light that will focus on the funnel of the two liter. Just change water and add eggs once a week.
     
  5. Jun 7, 2011 #5
    Kylie

    Kylie Inactive User

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    Bennyboy, thats a great idea with the light. I have them set up in large-ish zip lock containers with and air system and lights and such. If I could get a flashlight like that, it wouldn't be as efficient at getting the pods as a coffee filter but hopefully then I could use a pipette or turkey baster to just suck up the live pods that congregate into my storage container.

    Anyone know how long they can live in a fridge if they are in the proper setup? I don't move until the end of july so just about 2 months. Not sure if they would last that long.. Do you think I could start storing them now or should I wait a couple weeks?

    I guess I could always start culturing and label my containers as the day that I stored them.. then let everyone know my results /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif
     

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