32 oz Freshwater – Copepods

DescriptionFreshwater Copepods – Natural Cleanup & Fry FoodWe culture wild-collected Mesocyclops and Thermocyclops copepods that establish self-sustaining populations in freshwater aquariums. Unlike daphnia, copepods hide in substrate and decor, continuously consuming detritus, dead plants, and bacterial films. This makes them invaluable for fry tanks—they provide on-demand nutrition without degrading water quality. We culture at densities of 8,000-15,000 organisms per 32oz bottle, shipped in aged freshwater that matches your tank’s conductivity range (150-300ppm).Freshwater copepods range from nauplii (larval stage, 0.1-0.2mm) to adults (1-2mm), offering fry multiple food sizes as they grow. Adult copepods fresh 5-8 weeks, producing 50-200 nauplii per female over their lifespan. In stable tanks with light bioload, introduced copepods reach carrying capacity (roughly 500-1000 per gallon) within 6 weeks. Our team hand-inspects for copepod parasites and contaminating species before shipment.Application & MaintenanceDistribute the entire 32oz bottle across your fry system or culture container. Copepods survive in 2-10 gallon minimum setups. Feed with 2-3ml Freshwater Phytoplankton weekly, or rely on algae growth from ambient room light. Perform 25% water changes monthly. No heater required if room temperature stays 65-76°F. Copepods tolerate 6.0-8.2 pH and moderate nitrate levels (below 40ppm).Who This Is ForBreeders managing fry survival rates, hobbyists stocking nano tanks that benefit from biological cleanup, and aquaculturists seeking low-maintenance food production alongside water quality management.FAQsQ: Do copepods reproduce in my aquarium?A: Yes. Once established, copepods breed continuously in stable tanks. Fry consume nauplii faster than they multiply, but the population sustains itself for months without additional inoculations.Q: Can copepods survive in planted tanks?A: Absolutely. Plants and copepods create synergy—plants produce oxygen and consume nitrate, while copepods graze algae and recycle organics. This is our preferred long-term system.Copepod Biology & Performance: Our cultures feature multiple copepod species that thrive in diverse aquarium conditions. Copepods measure 300-500 micrometers and reproduce rapidly when fed quality phytoplankton—typical reproduction rates reach 40-60 nauplii per female per week under optimal conditions. These organisms are exceptionally nutrient-rich, containing essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and carotenoids that enhance fish coloration and immune function. Nauplii (larvae) are preferred by mandarin dragonfish, seahorses, and newly-introduced fish; adults work excellently for cleanup and as supplemental feeding for larger species.Compatible Tank Types & Species:Reef Systems: Mandarin dragonfish, pipefish, seahorses, anemones, corals, clamsNano Tanks: Small gobies, dottybacks, specialized plankton-eatersRefugium Systems: Integrates with macroalgae, maintains biodiversityBreeding Programs: Condition adults, feed nauplii to newly-introduced juvenilesCompatible Invertebrates: Ornamental shrimp, amphipods, isopods, spongesStorage & Handling Recommendations: Keep cultures at 50-65°F for maximum shelf life (refrigerator recommended). For room-temperature storage, use within 10-14 days for optimal potency. Do not expose to direct sunlight. Shake bottles gently before use to ensure even distribution. If cloudiness develops, reduce dosing by half and allow water clarity to return. Cultures tolerate brief temperature fluctuations (48-78°F) but rapid changes stress organisms.Why Choose Our Cultures: I’ve been culturing these organisms for over a decade, and our commitment to quality is evident in every bottle. We test densities before shipping, ensuring you receive exactly what’s advertised. Unlike competitors, we never artificially dilute cultures—every milliliter contains the advertised organism count. Our feeding protocols use minimal additives, resulting in cleaner water and faster-reproducing populations. We personally use these same cultures in our demonstration systems, so we stand behind their performance. When you order from us, you’re supporting small-batch aquaculture rather than mass-production facilities.You May Also LikeAdd Freshwater Phyto to feed your podsFreshwater Daphnia 32oz — another great live foodNeed more? Get the 1 gallonEcosystem Starter Pack — 5 live cultures