Munnid isopods outcompeting copepods

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by Mobalized, Nov 27, 2011.

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  1. Mobalized

    Mobalized Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    Over the past 2 months I have noticed that the copepod population has dropped in the tank while the munnid isopod population (primarily in the sump) has exploded to mass proportions. I have a insane amount of munnids and almost no copepods and wondering if they are just more suited to sustaining themselves in tanks. And if there is any issue with this as they are both herbivore/detritivores
     
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  3. Swisswiss

    Swisswiss Caribbean Reef Squid

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    going to bump this back from the grave, going through the same thing....hopefully 4 years later people will have a little more to say....
     
  4. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

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    I went through this when I first set up my tank, Copepods were EVERYWHERE for a while, then the amphipods "bloomed," preying on the available Copepods if I had to guess, then the Isopods "bloomed" feeding on the amphipods. Once I introduced a fish, a wrasse in this case, it kept all the different types of pods in line.

    I can't imagine having too many Isopods as a bad thing, as long as they're not the predatory kind.

    Just my thoughts.
     
  5. Swisswiss

    Swisswiss Caribbean Reef Squid

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    yeah iv read there populations are self regulating. all this is happening my sump by the way and not having a "big guy" to feed on them i fear they will end up being the top of the food chain down there.... i believe they are not tthe predatory/parasitic type...

    also im guessing thier chances of ending in my DT as a treat for my fish are equally to copepods finding thier way up there correct?
     
  6. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

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    Assuming they make it through the spinning death chamber (return pump)...

    I think you're overthinking it. If you're worried put a small shrimp or small fish down there and don't feed it as often, it'll go for the Isopods. Otherwise, it's really not a problem even if they are predatory/parasitic as there aren't any corals/inverts/fish in there anyways.
     
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  7. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

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    Return pumps don't hurt pods.:)
     
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  9. Zgetman

    Zgetman Ritteri Anemone

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    do you have hiding spots for other pods? Some reef rubble might be able to help out with that. Just my opinion and thoughts.
     
  10. Swisswiss

    Swisswiss Caribbean Reef Squid

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    i have a small turff of caluerpa and cheato on its way
     
  11. Zgetman

    Zgetman Ritteri Anemone

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    That may work... I was thinking something that has tiny holes for them to hide in.
     
  12. Swisswiss

    Swisswiss Caribbean Reef Squid

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    dont get me wrong i have a few monsterous amphipods and some preg. copepods but these little guys really seem to be the most common critter to spot in my sump. i have one my walls (the one with the most algae/cyano growth) covered with them. I got a chance to get a closer look at a couple that where close to one another, suddenly one of the two ( the larger one) deployed its pincers, they looked similar to scorpion ones (I know its absorudly vague but its the best example i can give you).... i was unaware munnid were equiped with these