I've seen various threads regarding pod hotels but none that fit my requirements. Im looking for guidance regarding the DIY making of a pod Hotel solely for the purpose of growing a thriving group of pods for increased fish nutrition.
I have a Rio 180 (40gal breeder) with a canister filter (floss, matrix media and carbon/phosguard) and an internal skimmer. I'd like to get a reasonable pod population going using a plastic breeder box but am unsure of what to put inside the box or where to place the box.
I'm happy to add some of the existing live sand but don't have any rubble to add. Would the copepods and amphipods happily host some more of the matrix media? Or would chaeto be required? I'm not looking for nutrient export from the chaeto and ist purpose would be solely for the purpose of pod cultivation.
Also, where would the box be best placed? I'm happy with pretty much anywhere but thinking that the box would be best placed on the sandbed suction cupped to the back of the tank.
Anything else I could add to the box that would serve as a suitable home for the pods?
Thanks for any responses
FTS:
Breeder box:
I have a Rio 180 (40gal breeder) with a canister filter (floss, matrix media and carbon/phosguard) and an internal skimmer. I'd like to get a reasonable pod population going using a plastic breeder box but am unsure of what to put inside the box or where to place the box.
I'm happy to add some of the existing live sand but don't have any rubble to add. Would the copepods and amphipods happily host some more of the matrix media? Or would chaeto be required? I'm not looking for nutrient export from the chaeto and ist purpose would be solely for the purpose of pod cultivation.
Also, where would the box be best placed? I'm happy with pretty much anywhere but thinking that the box would be best placed on the sandbed suction cupped to the back of the tank.
Anything else I could add to the box that would serve as a suitable home for the pods?
Thanks for any responses
FTS:
Breeder box: