Amphipods, Copepods, and bristtleworms in Austin

[Hanali]

Can anyone in Austin help me out. I need to find a method of bringing to "life" my sand. Due to neglect a long time ago I let my tank go to waste and now I am rebuilding it.

I am trying to restart it and need a small culture to get my tank jump started.

[Isis]

See if you can do a sand swap? Switch a few cups with other members to get diversity.

[GaryP]

A few other options to enhance the biodiversity of your live sand. Split a bag of the commercial live sand with another member or check out the "Reef Grunge" from GARF. Someone here has an excess of microstars they are looking for a home for as well. They would be a good addition as well.

If you are going to be at the meeting, I can bring you a some amphipods (grammarus shrimp). I usually pick out a couple of dozen from my sock filters every time I clean them.

[demodiki]

Buy/get some chaeto from a lfs or another member. That stuff usually comes loaded with pods.

[GaryP]

Buy/get some chaeto from a lfs or another member. That stuff usually comes loaded with pods.
Good idea.

[Hanali]

What is chaeto, I have never heard of it?

I would like to come to the next meeting just to check it all out. I believe it was on the 26th so I think I will be ok and make it up there.

I do not mind swapping and heard odd things about the grunge... is it any good?

[GaryP]

Chaetomaorpha. A macro algae people use in their refugiums. Some fish will eat it, such as Foxfaces. You can also use Caulerpa. A lot of fish eat Caulerpa, such as Tangs. Your fish get fresh veggies and the tank gets a starter population of pods.

[greatwit]

I would not recommend putting Caulerpa in your display tank, since I have seen it take over a tank before. Chaeto is fine for fuge, display or sump, since it does not anchor onto your rocks.