Photos courtesy of www.shrimpdiseases.com
Copepods are a group of small pests jumping around in our tank. They are often use as indicators of good water parameters- water rich in micro-organisms. Beside copepods, we have the cyclops, seed shrimps and many more. Often shrimp sites and many sources say they are harmless in which I doubt so.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copepod
Recently I did an experiment by setting up a tank full of these small jumpers and creatures, hoping to see better percentage of offsprings that survive. To my horror that 2months of experimenting kill more shrimps than it can possibly produce. 9 out of 10 pieces of pregnant CRS which were placed into the tank after cycled, die within 1 month. Most offsprings which hatched and visible all vanished within these 2 months.
During these 2 months, all parameters are well maintained. No major happeings. No addition other stuffs except some bacteria powder to substain the population of these tiny crustaceans.
I not very sure whether these pest are the killers but I am sure they are not well liked and I guess the only way to get rid is by introducing fishes. I have set up another tank, initially full of these small pests, has introduce "boraras" and introduce another 5 pregnant crs. Will observe and see how it goes.
So meanwhile please stay tuned.
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