Plankton?

[MizTanks]

How does ones tank acquire plankton?

[schminksbro]

While plankton can represent any number of waterborn organisms there are a couple of common ways that it arives in ones tank. First is the addition of live rock which contains numerous life forms. The second is the addition of phytoplanton or zooplankton from an outside source.

[Mike]

Typically the small crustaceans on live rocks do survive. These are known in generic terms as "Pods". There are copepods (small) and Amphipods (more readily visible).

The best way to aquire a plankton population is to either buy good live rock or to buy a kit from places such and Inland Aquatics. Another key is to keep the reef free from predators (while they multiply) or have some sort of refugium to house the main population. Never fear the critters do make it into the main display ffrom these seperate vessels.

[graphixx]

another good way to help increase the population of "pods" in the tank is to do some "seeding"

if you know peple that have saltwater tanks ask them if they would give you a cup of their sand. or most pet stores will do the same for free or for a very reasonable price. this will help introduce more "pods" into the tank as well.

[MizTanks]

Weeeeeeell I discovered I've got plenty of pods in the tank. Matter of fact since I've had no fish in the tank that eat pods since I set it up (4 months ago) my little tank is over run with the little buggers. The ones I'm seeing are amphipods. Will all fish feed on em?

[graphixx]

depending on the fish... but yes some fish will graze on them... like the mardarin goby pretty much feeds exclusively on pods and wrasses such as the six line are great little pod eaters.

[Mike]

If you have a good population a mandarin would likely do alright in there and they are cool fish!!!

[MizTanks]

Yea, but then what happens once he/she eats em all up?

[Viva'sReef]

Not familiar with your system but do you run a refugium? Or at least a sump with a small piece of live rock?

The pods will breed away from predators in either of those type of setups, and your return pump will help supply the pods back into he main tank

[jojo22]

If you have a good population a mandarin would likely do alright in there and they are cool fish!!!

Are you suggestion a mandarin in her 8 gallon system with no sump?? I somehow think that it would last a maximum of a month if it did not take to prepared foods.

[schminksbro]

That is the problem. In my opinion it takes a mature tank (at least 1 year old) of around 100 gallons preferably with a refugium and lots of liverock to support a healthy Mandarin. They are voracious feeders and can quickly decimate a population of pods that isn't substantial. The addition of competing "Pod feeders" such as a sixline wrasse can further inhibit success. Provided the correct conditions Dragonets are incredible fish. Unfortunately they have a spotty record in regards to long term (greater than 1 year)success in captivity.


Yea, but then what happens once he/she eats em all up?