How To Culture Live Copepods At Home - Simple DIY Set-up | Blue Reef Tank

How To Culture Live Copepods At Home - DIY Set-up | Blue Reef Tank
This video has been long-awaited and I am so excited to finally share how I culture copepods at home. I'll show you how I start a new copepod culture from scratch using a starter culture that I bought from my local fish store.
Set-up:
All you need is a container (I'm using an IKEA jar) and an air pump to get your home culture up and running.
Over the first few days, I slowly increase the volume of the culture solution by adding new saltwater and dosing phyto to achieve a light green colour. Once you have a full container of the culture solution, you simply need to add phyto as needed. Phytoplankton is the food source for the copepods, however, be mindful not to dose too much at once. Instead, add a little bit each time the water turns clear.
Harvest:
Over the next few days (5-7 days), the copepod population will grow. You'll know it's time to harvest when you see lots of pods swimming around and crawling on the sides of the container.
In the video, I show how I create a DIY harvesting tool using a PBC tub, coupler and mesh. With this tool, I harvest about 3 cups (750ml) each time and distribute the copepods to all my tanks.
Harvesting regularly keeps your pod population healthy and you can remove the excess waste at the same time.
Re-fill:
After harvesting, all you need to do is top up the container with new saltwater until it is full. Once your copepod population is high and growing well, you can harvest every 2-3 days and repeat the same harvesting + refill process.
Split culture:
It's best to have two or more cultures running, in case one of them crashes. This will ensure a constant supply of pods to your fish. If you want to split your existing culture, simply pour half of the culture solution into a new container and gradually top up the old and new cultures with new saltwater (best to do it over a few days) until both containers are full.
I hope the information in this video is helpful. It is always great to culture your own copepods as it is more sustainable in the long run (Cheap with never-ending supply). Your fish will love the pods, especially mandarins and dragonets.
I hope you enjoy this week's content and don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss out on the exciting things to come!
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Stay positive and Happy reefing guys!
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[ Timestamps ]
0:00​​​​​​ - Intro
0:43 - Setting Up Copepod Culture
3:20​​​​​​ - Copepod Close-Ups
4:01​​​​​ - DIY Harvesting Tool
6:45​ - Harvesting Copepods
8:51​ - Re-filling Copepod Culture
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#Copepods #CopepodCulture #HowToCultureCopepods

[@homogobius]

I'm currently cultureing freshwater copepods, and this video was very helpful. thank you from Japan(using translator)

[@ann53090]

Why do I cry when I watch your videos?! 🥺 I love this hobby. And I love that you inspired me to culture my own foods

[@michaelciullo4788]

I'm blown away by the quality of this video.

[@paulmartin2455]

Such a perfect blend of information and visual beauty. Thank you so much for this.

[@cindygriffing9881]

I love the calmness and the excellent quality of this video. Not to mention, how informative the video is. It is my hope you continue to make videos.

[@Blockoidcube]

I love your videos, They are so calming and always a delight to watch. Please keep going 😁😁👍🏻👍🏻

[@settsreef4164]

Amazing vid yet again. Perfectionist comes to my mind watching your vids.

[@kylecheng6745]

This is awesome, thank you!

[@ReksBe]

Amazing how you can inspire people at the other end of the world! I'l be heading to a Ikea soon... ^^ Thanks!

[@skitf_001]

chill vibes from this, bet the nps love those pods

[@alfredorios4416]

This is asceptic perfection. Inspiring.

[@chrismartinez3303]

Awesome video ! I love the always clean up after your messes lol I do home remodeling so I always tell myself the same thing!

[@Mike75W]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@joseluisrodriguez2900]

Thanks a lot, I am going to try this😃👌🏻👍🏻👏🏻

[@PotooBurd]

This is so informative!!! Fantastic reporting!🌻🌼🐝

[@ShaunChan]

Really love your videos. So informative, yet so relaxing... it's magical

[@audraknoll7842]

First time finding him today, and completely agree.

[@nurse.reef.repeatandsomuch1758]

Very beautiful story telling in your video. I really enjoyed it. Keep it up!

[@carlosolmos3836]

Que bien. ¡¡¡ por fin. Muchas gracias.

[@adrian.1983]

Cheers from NY, great job! Love your videos.

[@BlueReefTank]

Thanks Adrian! 😁

[@jacobmills1982]

Your reefing content is the best on KZbin, by far! Music and videos are so relaxing to watch.

[@BlueReefTank]

Glad you are enjoying the content! Thanks for the support Jacob 😎

[@WesleyOliveira-te7fj]

Seu vídeo foi incrível! Parabéns pelo trabalho.

[@TheReadWellPodcast]

This is my new favorite channel. Well done.

[@BlueReefTank]

Thanks for the support Eddy! 😊

[@MyTube4Utoo]

Great video. Thank you.

[@reefjammer7522]

Nice DIY very creative👍🌟

[@nicholaslynch1668]

Great video thanks alot

[@jackiekearney]

Very helpful. Many Thanks for sharing.

[@BlueReefTank]

You're most welcome! 😁

[@samuelcosta7909]

perfeito amigo vou fazer !

[@Aaron-zs7gs]

You make reefing ✨elegant✨😌

[@uygartanyeri]

thank you

[@rangerrussell]

I would love to see a video of you culturing Phytoplankton

[@linlang6896]

自己动手，什么都有👍赞

[@lorenzospina3174]

Good job man 👍.

[@BlueReefTank]

Thanks Lorenzo! :D

[@bombercountybiker2990]

Really useful man! I hope you have a separate harvester for your quarantine tank 😉 keep up the good work

[@BlueReefTank]

Thanks mate!

[@MrGarciaJr]

Culturing phyto, pods and white worms. Dedication!

[@jamesholmes2082]

Hi from the UK mate. Been watching bbs vids and ended up here at your channel. So Impressed with the content I've subbed 😎👍good job man. I'm actually a freshwater tank owner german blue, electric blue and golden rams. Angels and soon to have discus, hence the bbs vids. Rams spawning like crazy atm. Planning to set up a dedicated fish room to angel, discus and ram breeding one day soon. Was tempted to go saltwater for a long long time, then a juwel 450 vision come up at a rock bottom price and i got the discus bug lol. Great looking mandarins btw and your Melbourne sky top view is to die for man lol my late aunt lived In Melbourne. Anyway great content and much love from London man😎👍😁🤠

[@BlueReefTank]

Thanks James! :D

[@RobBoryckiGolf]

AmaZing art work here great job I will mimick this and try it

[@BlueReefTank]

Good luck mate! 💪 Let me know if you have any questions

[@RobBoryckiGolf]

@@BlueReefTank thanks I started one today I will post a video when I have it dialed in. Great job! I think we’re in need for a mandarin again !

[@munkhbayardamba1693]

Thank❤

[@domanicwu4778]

Love all your videos ❤ fully respect with your work. May i know which air pump do you use for culture copepods?

[@allennewland9749]

I just stumbled across this video and WOW! Everything about it inspires me to do more. I can't locate that jar/lid combo. Can you provide a link possibly? Or give details about the approximate size etc? I'm now SUBSCRIBED and going to look through some more of your videos. THANK YOU!!!!

[@steveahtow4205]

Thank you for an informative video. Where did you purchase the acrylic rods from that sit inside the jar

[@gabrielzavala8524]

You have a great video. Its my favorite from all that are out there in this topic. What size push connect tubing fitting and ridgid tube OD & ID? Is a light on top of ikea glass container or heater inside needed or NOT? Do you have a video on making plankton?

[@lavinia210]

Great vid. Where did you get your rigid airline tubing

[@anamariabechara]

Hi! Awesome video! I love aesthetic! Could you share which air pump you are using to regulate to one bubble per second??

[@sam_baron]

Thanks for the great video! I am in the process of making my own copepod culture. My only question about this video is what kind of 50mm Micron mesh did you use? Is it made of Nylon? Polyester? Let me know what is the preferred material @BlueReefTank

[@ahmetmutlu3779]

Thanks for the great videos. I am just wondering Is it possible produce copepods without light ?

[@lycosa2000]

Awesome video. I came here to get a better idea how to culture pods, but I'm leaving with information and a strange feeling like I just watched the sad part of a romantic comedy. I don't think I'm supposed to 'feel' this way after a copepod tutorial. haha

[@MinusTwoTonsils]

Can you tell me, and/or direct me to the parts used to make that airtight seal on top of the containers that holds the tubes. I can’t find the parts needed. Thank you in advance! Love the channel. Your style is great, and I always look forward to it videos.

[@amarmahic1331]

Awesome video, we started our own culture of the back of this video. I find my liquid getting clear overnight and im dosing daily with phyto. Are you only dosing after harvest or on the non harvest days as well?

[@anaksreef6878]

Amazing vid once again! Thanks for this! My culture hasn’t been multiplying. One question, after harvesting, do you continue the same process? Just dosing phyto when the water gets clear?

[@BlueReefTank]

Yep! Just top up with new saltwater and add a bit of phyto until the water is tinted green and nothing else 🙂

[@vladb4607]

Great video!! I’m setting up a copepod culture also, can you share what you used and how you attached the acrylic tube to the lid? And the sizes you used, Thanks a ton, also you should definitely make more “how- to videos” very chill and inspiring!

[@BlueReefTank]

Thanks Vlad! That parts is called RODI Bulk fitting. I just drilled a bigger hole on the lid so the fitting would fit in there and then slide the acrylic tubing through the fitting. That way the tube is always in the middle of the jar. Would love to make more of "how-to-videos" but it's just not getting that much views :(

[@gregstephens2339]

@@BlueReefTank Where do you get the jars?

[@joshuaguy2715]

61k views later 😂

[@BriansAquariums]

Amazing videos as usual. Congrats on the 4k subs man. Which copepods do you culture? Are they tigriopus californicus?

[@BriansAquariums]

Also, are you able to share where you get your mesh at? I've only been able to find it online from China. Thanks.

[@BlueReefTank]

Thanks Brian! This is the Harpacticoid Copepods :)

[@BlueReefTank]

I got the mesh from www.aquaticlivefood.com.au/shop/micron-mesh-20cm-x-20cm-squares/ . There's not that many places that sells them not sure why.

[@BriansAquariums]

@@BlueReefTank Hey thank you 👊

[@brendancordina8748]

Great video, thank you. Where did you get your jars from? Who’s your LFS? I travel 1.5hrs to go to Williamstown aquarium.

[@Sylfon1]

Not only perfection, just a Piece Of Art! I hope you don't mind if I share your work (your youtube) on Facebook? People need to learn from you!

[@BlueReefTank]

Hi Sylwester! Sorry for the late reply and thank you for your kind words! Yes, I am happy for you to share my video on Facebook :)

[@sebandre85]

Like!

[@handysujito2628]

Amazing video!! anyway where do you buy the glass hose? the one you put inside the jar.

[@dangkadventures6787]

its not actually glass. it's called rigid airline tubing and is plastic. I got mine from my LFS

[@Kenny_Edmonton]

Great video, I’ll have to go look for those containers, have any links to what I would need for all the supplies. Did you make the whole in the container, what tubing and pump did you use

[@allennewland9749]

I just asked the exact same question. I can't find those jars on the IKEA website for the life of me. Hopefully someone will give a link or something so we can replicate this. :)

[@SB-ju4yf]

Hi Hansen, do i understand correctly, in order to not crash a culture, you remove any waste together with the copepods, fill up with fresh water and then feed copepods and the waste to your fish tank? How do you keep the temperature stable? Do you put a heater in the glasses? Thanks for your work and answer, Stefan

[@Callikesfish]

Great blog. Where do you get your rodi bulk fitting? Thanks

[@BlueReefTank]

My LFS happens to sell them :) If you're in Melbourne, Australia, you can get them from Williamstown Aquarium

[@youronlycow]

awesome! I'm definitely going to consider this. Can I do the exact same thing in a refugium instead? Also, any idea which phytoplankton I can use? I dont know how to culture my own etc....

[@BlueReefTank]

Sorry for the late reply! You can definitely do it in refugium. You can get a starter phyto culture from your LFS or online.

[@omarcadenas9]

Great video? How do you know when one of the batches crashes?

[@coreythomas9487]

Where did you find the mesh to make the strainer? Your video inspired me to start up a culture, but I can't seem to find the mesh anywhere online.

[@jackie-uo5cm]

do you need a heater for the winter time?

[@dentotri2983]

Hi! Where did you find the micron mesh for the DIY harvesting tool? Thanks!

[@Lexstasy1220]

Just got home from Ikea with a bunch of these jars and all the supplies lol

[@allennewland9749]

@Lexstasy1220 any chance you can link or give a description of the jars? I can't find them on the IKEA website anywhere. Maybe I'm searching with the wrong phrases???

[@Lukipukigeissler]

Hello, just wondering where did you get the 50 micrometer mesh from? Thank you heaps

[@wendellknowles4570]

What are those little fittings on the top of the lids called that the airline tubing connects to if you don't mind me asking.

[@Silentfartz]

Thanks for the content! I culture the same pods from the same container. Where did u get your mesh from?thanks

[@BlueReefTank]

Hi Michael, I got the mesh from here www.aquaticlivefood.com.au/shop/micron-mesh-20cm-x-20cm-squares/

[@Silentfartz]

@@BlueReefTank thank you so much

[@juliandiaz44]

Hi, great video! What do you do with the harvested water? so after you filtered the 'bigger'pods out of there, do you return it to the culture?

[@GVCatalano]

I believe it was discarded, right? He added in fresh seawater what he removed as part of the harvest and then added another new dose of 2caps of phyto.

[@MinusTwoTonsils]

Do you think a reusable K-Cup is fine enough to harvest copepods? I can make a harvest tool but they would be much easier. Curious of your thoughts?

[@iconsphoto1]

The tube you hook up to the hose and put into the glass jar can you link me?

[@JakeDogg-RIP]

Hello my frend, can u please tell me more info on the mesh used in the harvest tool, and where to buy please and thank you 🙏 🥰 🐶

[@danieliborio]

Amazing!! What is the specific gravity of the culture? Thanks

[@BlueReefTank]

Thanks Daniel! The specific gravity for the copepods is 1.026 or 35ppt :) Sorry I forgot to put it in the video

[@WaffleCopterGAMES]

Do you does one cup of harvested pods to a tank on e a day to feed the mandarins? I am determined to get one as the only fish in my pico tank but want to know how many times i need to harvest and feed from growing cultures.

[@viper0419]

How do you keep the Copepods container so clean? Mine dirty up by the end of every week. By the way great job and haven't see any new vids in a while and missing it!

[@BlueReefTank]

Thanks for watching :) I try to clean the containers everytime when I harvest.

[@alexturner7674]

Is that a solid glass tube connected to your air line? How did you do that?

[@kumarkumaran815]

Have to do water change?

[@georgeli8451]

Do u have to do WC for the copepods?

[@luperodriguez4738]

We’re did you get does glass jars? Thanks

[@sergio-dv9kr]

very nice video!!! i have a question...do you remove any waste together with the copepods, fill up with fresh water and then feed copepods and the waste to your fish tank? Thanks in advance!

[@syzygy_ai]

I was wondering about the waste too.

[@RobBoryckiGolf]

Hey mate. What salinity of saltwater to culture your pods? Love the vids

[@BlueReefTank]

I am keeping mine at 1.025 SG. Some say lower (1.019) is better to increase the oxygen content in the water but I haven't tried it yet.

[@alexistejada7297]

Can I do a coffee filter to hatch them? What is the best idea if I will sell it? Can I grab a 591 bottle and get some copepods culture from my 10 gallon tank and sell it? Is that okay? (My 10 gallon tank is just for copepods)

[@scottshipley570]

Do you have the link to the ikea jars?

[@richardzapatero3209]

Hello! Great video! What’s the salinity and temperature? :)

[@BlueReefTank]

Try to keep it at 1.025-1.026 sg and 24-25C water tempature 😁

[@richardzapatero3209]

@@BlueReefTank thank you :)

[@ChampagneCAPO]

I get a lot of pods that look dead at the bottom I still feed them to my fish but is that normal?

[@andredelaocampos6701]

Whats the salinity of the water you add ? Is it at 1025 ?

[@ARandomTrex]

How long you go before cleaning the whole container

[@tomyoung7757]

Two questions. Doesn't harvesting from the bottom remove all your eggs? Also when harvesting pods my mesh also catches all that detritus from the bottom along with the pods. Do I just dump it all in the display then?

[@user-jo7ig2vl6b]

what kind of air pump did you use?

[@yammyvlogs1529]

hi i just wanted to ask what do you call the small crew pipe where you insert the glass tube the one in the middle of the cover thanks

[@BlueReefTank]

It's called Bulkhead fitting for RODI unit. I got mine from my LFS 😊

[@CarlosVinicius182]

Hi! I started my own pods culture, however I don’t see anything , I’m going to the 6th day since the culture started is it normal? As usual your videos are very inspiring!

[@BlueReefTank]

Hi Carlos, I would try to use a different Phyto culture (could be from other reefers or store). I find that the one I got from ebay doesn't have that many strains of phyto and it wasn't doing well until I change the phyto culture

[@WilliamJohnson-me4sh]

Where did you purchase that micron mesh you used for the pod filter?

[@BlueReefTank]

Hi William - I got mine from here www.aquaticlivefood.com.au/shop/micron-mesh-20cm-x-20cm-squares/

[@WilliamJohnson-me4sh]

@@BlueReefTank awesome thank you!

[@oofpokemon5275]

What type of copepods do you culture?

[@JustTobyGaming]

Do you have a link for the jars, by any chance? I can't seem to find them on their website!

[@BlueReefTank]

Here you go www.ikea.com/au/en/p/ikea-365-jar-round-glass-20393252/

[@wesst84]

Where did u get your starter culture and what type of phyto did you use

[@BlueReefTank]

I got my starter culture from Coral creatures and I believe that the strain is Nannochlorpsis oculata.

[@chasesalyers8727]

Where did you buy the acrylic tubing?

[@chasesalyers8727]

I looked through all the comments and couldn't see anything about the tubing inside the jar. Thanks!

[@luisrosario1954]

What did you use to hold the tube line right in the middle of your jar?

[@BlueReefTank]

I am using a 1/4 inch RODI bulk head fittings for that :)

[@luisrosario1954]

Thank you so much

[@redfoot1958]

What size mesh are you using?

[@BlueReefTank]

50 micron but you can go up to 150 I believe

[@feliciafox4205]

So the water doesn't need to be heated, room temperature is ok?

[@BlueReefTank]

Yeah! I keep my room temperature around 24-25C which is the same as my tank 😁

[@suchitraroy3443]

Copepods a soo small yet kings of microbes

[@dominus6224]

For some reason my pods keep on dying… or they aren’t multiplying. How long does it take for them to multiply? I added seachem phytoplankton for them.

[@dougmcmillan2483]

It can depend on temp, water movement and a handful of other things. Ideally keep air line bubbling around 2-3 bubbles per second.