Copepods

[neeker4]

So I was just looking into my 1.5 month old tank and noticed I have some fairly big copepods. They are probably 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch. How big can they get if they go unchecked? I understand they are good for the tank but I am just curious.. I will try to get a pic if I can...man they are fast!!!

[mr_X]

they are amphipods. copepods are very hard to see. the largest they get is what you are witnessing. they are also beneficial creatures.

[neeker4]

I stand...rather sit corrected. Thank you Doug... Thereare alot of them now that I take a few minutes and watch where I saw the biggest one. Do they colonize rocks or just live where there is food? How often do they breed, and how would I get rid of them if they start to take over the tank??? That was a lot of questions, I know, but I am still new to this fascinating hobby.

[melosu58]

Some good reading

You Can't Tell Your "Pods" Without A Program by Ronald L. Shimek, Ph.D. - Reefkeeping.com

[mr_X]

they won't get out of hand. the population will grow according to the available food. the more food you add to the tank, the more worms and pods you'll see.