New Tank/ Pod Condo questions

[IrishFist25]

I have a 75g tank with a 30g sump, approx. 120 lbs of LR and 2 inch live sand bed. Tank has been running for 5 weeks. I added first fish last week(pair of occ.clowns) they are awesome and doing fabulous! I was at my LFS earlier today and was practically given a scotter blenny. I knew they were picky eaters, but wasn't aware that their main food source was pods(similar to mandarins)until after I got home and he was already acclimating. I have seen a few pods in my system, mostly when changing filter socks. I know they live in the LR and I have a good bit of LR, but I also know that I cant have a large population of them this early into my tanks life. I have looked into making 1 or 2 pod condos for my DT. they can fit behind my existing LR and not be noticeable from the front of the DT. I can buy some pods to populate them with and hopefully be able to sustain a natural population after that. problem is, I've read that a tank this young doesn't have the food the pods need to survive and they will just die, my tank probably wouldn't be able to sustain this population for another few months. I could buy phytoplankton to feed them, but I would have to feed them in my DT(no room in sump) ive read that you shouldn't put phyto in your DT. So I need suggestions or advice on what I should do. keep in mind that I cant put anything else in my sump. I can put 1-3 pod condos in my DT and they can be moved easily for cleaning and whatnot. I would also prefer to not have to buy a small aquarium and set up a whole pod operation in it, if its avoidable. Thank you in advance

 

[IrishFist25]

bump

 

[btucker7587]

I put two cups of phyto in my tank twice a week. (sometimes 3) You shouldn't have a problem with it. Make sure your skimmer is turned off for a bit. I also turn off my reactors.

My new tank is 4 weeks old and I have been dosing phyto. I also have the pod condos in my DT and my sump and I breed the pods in a separate tank.

 

[wetWolger]

Given your situation, and your tank size and design...I think your best bet to keep the scooter alive is to actually culture the copepods yourself, rather than expect your display to grow them for you.

 

[IrishFist25]

update

update

Update!!!, so I have made a pod condo and bought some tigger pods from my LFS. The condo I made was from PVC with caps on both ends, I drilled so many holes into the pipe and caps that it looks like a wiffle ball. I put some filter padding into the pipe along with the pods I bought and placed the pipe behind some rock work. you cant see it from the front, but you can from the side (its worth it if it works) I will try and get some pics posted so you can see it later. thank you and any other advice is much appreciated

 

[btucker7587]

Cool beans. Post a pic. Here Is what I am using...

 

[IrishFist25]

Here is what i made

Here is what i made

Its very easy and cheap to make.