Where will they come from?

[aaron1129]

So I am just starting my cycle, and I used pukani I cured, and I used dry sand from macro rocks. I am starting to wonder where will the copepods, amphipods, and other little micro fauna come from since I am starting with a system that does not inherently have these forms of life. I understand bacteria just occurs everywhere and just needs the environment to develop into a large culture. But, I don't think other little critters are going to pop out of the air the way bacteria does. Will they make their way into the system as I buy coral frags and add them to the tank. I assume live rock is where the origin source typically come from. Would it be a good idea to buy a small piece of LR from my LFS to help start micro fauna colonies?

any other thoughts on this?
thanks guys.

 

[thegrun]

They need to be introduced into your system. Since you should be dipping all new coral frags before placing them into your system which will kill and pods, you will either need to add a rock from a trusted fellow reefer or purchase one. I would not trust a rock from a LFS to be pest free.

 

[aaron1129]

Yeah I was going to add that, I certainly plan on dipping, I have had planarian flatworms, bubble algae, red bugs, and apatsia before, so I understand how much of a nuisance these things can be. That is the main reason I went with dry rock and sand. My LFS is really good, I won't mention their name since i don't want to be advertising or anything, but he is also a reputable online retailer, I just happen to live near his small retail store. So I have considered buying a small piece, but i don't really want to risk it. Would adding a piece of cheato from a fellow reefers refugium be a viable option?

 

[Kenreefer]

LFS live rock is not pest free got Aiptasia from their LR.

 

[aaron1129]

LFS live rock is not pest free got Aiptasia from their LR.

Yeah I have too.. aiptasia is tough to get rid off. I think once it is in the tank there will always be the potential for it to pop up, no matter how much you keep it under control.