Copepods

[Nexus6]

Im starting to see lots of copepods, amphipods or whatever they are. Small white specks darting across the water, usually found benthic. Is there a way to reduce the population? Also what are the pros and cons of these little critters?

[Mech]

From a quick look, I've seen people use a UV Steriliser which should kill them. But I don't know any sure way except from what I have read, Google UV and copepods

[KenCotigirl]

Like everything else reduce feeding. Don't over think this. Their population ebbs and flows over time. Outside of the recommended feeding schedule anything that reduces their population will in way or the other harm the shrimp.

Ken

[Nexus6]

I will look into uv sterilizers, but ive never heard of it killing copepods.

Ken, i dont even feed my opaes and it seems the copepods are growing. Do they eat the same thing opaes eat? Such as the algae?

[KenCotigirl]

How old is the tank? For me, in new tanks soon after shrimp are added I will notice a increase in copepods. I find in established tanks the copepods are in the substrate. Few are actively swimming. Only a few times a year do I notice a small swarm near the surface directly under the light. Don't waste your time or money with uv 'sterilizers'. I use them in my koi pond to help clarify water. Kill floating algae. Overkill for your shrimp. They probably eat what our shrimp eat. Organic matter in the water column and in the substrate.

[Nexus6]

Tank is about 2 months old. I think ill just leave them. I dont see any harm done yet.

[Nexus6]

Im actually seeing more and more of them, a lot of them are just under waters surface too. This is starting to concern me. I wish someone knew a safe way to get rid of these buggers!

[Mech]

are they big enough to get a photo?

[Mustafa]

Why are you concerned? They are harmless. Plus, if you feed every few weeks they will probably disappear anyway as your shrimp population grows (and eats their food). I used to have little critters in some of my tanks but they are all long gone.

[Nexus6]

Theres just so many of them, and i dont even feed my opaes at all..

[mcdaney]

Theres just so many of them, and i dont even feed my opaes at all..

If there's more demand than supply (of food/algae), the population will likely plummet. Just give it time especially if your tank is big.