Growing Pods

[dreeves]

What can one do to increase the population, and maintain a level of pods in the aquarium?
Food, habitat, etc...
Thanks

 

[bang guy]

A refugium is the #1 addition for increasing pod populations.
It can be just a small rubbermaid container with flow from/to the display tank. Add 1/2" - 1" of live sand, a couple of live rocks and you're all set. You don't even need light.

 

[michaeltx]

that or if you cant set up a fuge soon you can take some LR rubble and stack it up in a corner in the tank and it will serve as a pod pile and give them some protection. the rubble needs to be small though not giant pieces of rock.
mike

 

[reefnut]

They eat phytoplankton from what I understand so if your not already dosing DTs or something like that, it might help.

 

[bang guy]

Thanks for mentioning "Pod Piles" Mike! Great idea.

 

[michaeltx]

thats what I had to do in my tank a few years ago didnt have the money or room to set up a fuge and it worked great.
Mike

 

[dreeves]

Well thanks everyone...I already have a refuge setup with sand, caulerpa and a mangrove...and I have pods in it. Was just curious as to what I could do to increase the population and maintain a larger population.
I think I will try some phytoplankton though, see what that does.
They are interesting little critters to watch going about their business.

 

[michaeltx]

you can put rocks piles in the fuge it will help by giving them somewhere small to breed and feel comfortable. doesnt hurt anyway.
MIke

 

[dreeves]

Thanks all.

 

[clown-lover]

Does anyone have some pictures of pods they can show me????

 

[michaeltx]

here are a few different ones but there are many many many different ones LOL
Mike

 

[clown-lover]

ok, well i've read all over this forum that people just start to see these things in their tanks and can't figure out what they are....once they realize it's pods everything is okay....but how do they turn up in the first place? I don't think i've ever had them and they sound so good that now i want them!!!

 

[michaeltx]

if you put LR in your tank you have them!!! but the may not show up till the population gets to a point that there are a lot out at night. until it gets to that it will be spuratic trying to find them
Mike

 

[clown-lover]

I've got LR....i guess I'll have to pay more attention to my tank at night.....

 

[dreeves]

The pods in both my fuges are at it all the time...the lights stay on 24/7 so they dont know what darkness is in Dan's house...

 

[bang guy]

Not if you only added a handful a day.