How to Add Copepods to a Reef Tank
Adding copepods correctly helps give them a better chance to settle into the system instead of being pulled immediately into filtration.
Before you add them
Choose a time when fish are less active, ideally later in the day or near lights-out. If possible, add the copepods to a lower-flow area, a refugium, or a part of the system with rockwork, macroalgae, or other protected habitat.
Step-by-step
- Shut off the return pump.
- Wait for the overflow to stop draining.
- Add the copepods to the display tank or refugium.
- Leave the return pump off for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Restart the system.
Why this helps
This gives the copepods more time to settle into rockwork, algae, substrate, and other protected areas instead of being pulled immediately into filtration.
Where to add them
In many systems, copepods can be added either to the display tank or to a refugium. A refugium or lower-flow area often gives them a better chance to settle and establish.
What to expect
Do not expect every copepod to remain visible in the water column. Many will move into rockwork, algae, and substrate. In tanks with heavy predation pressure, repeated additions may be helpful.
Good conditions for success
Copepods do best when the system has habitat, stable conditions, and at least some protected areas where they are not immediately consumed or filtered out.