Copepod, amphipod and more... oh my!!!

After adding chaeto to my DIY fuge yesterday, I'm seeing lots of pods on the glass of my aquarium. They really like the suction cup of my thermometer.

I'm wondering if there is a website or other resource that can help me identify each type that I am seeing. I know some on the glass are copepods. I'm also seeing some swimming (more like twitching) in the water, but I can't get a good look at them. I also see another type that I'd like to identify. It is probably 3 times as long as a copepod with a long slim body. It has at least 10 legs, and a dark spot in its middle.

I've been examining the glass of my tank with various magnifiers I have, each with different magnification powers. It's awesome to see these tiny creatures living in an environment I created. ;D

 

Google amphipod - as I think thats the longer one with multiple legs your describing

Steve

 

larger thing is an amphipod
there are tons of types of copepods... Ocean Pods: FAQ

 

The pictures I found of amphipods do not really look like what I saw, but perhaps it is merely the angle the pictures were taken. If I could find a photo from the top instead of the side, that might help.

I'll keep looking.

 

talking about pods, i want to ask, i've got this deserted tank left at the corner of my room for months, nothing in it, just some sand and rocks and some uneaten food. but just recently i've discovered some pods in it. so, does the pods mean my tank is stable? coz i've not been running my filter as well, pretty sure the water parameters are bad.