You should add copepods to a saltwater aquarium every 1 to 3 months.
You should add copepods to the saltwater aquarium initially and then every 1 month to 3 months you should add more copepods to the saltwater aquarium for saltwater aquariums under 55 gallons or for aquariums with heavy fish populations that eat the copepods.
Add the copepods to your saltwater aquarium after your saltwater aquariums tank cycle is complete or during the brown algae stage.
The regular seeding and addition of copepods to your saltwater aquarium also helps to maintain a diverse and healthy population of copepods, especially if the tank lacks a refugium.
For a new saltwater aquarium you should add and introduce new copepods after the initial cycling process is complete, even during the second week of the cycle.
Adding the copepods early, as the brown algae begins to grow can also help to manage the ugly stage.
And for saltwater aquariums that are under 55 gallons or for saltwater aquariums that have voracious fish like mandarin fish or leopard wrasses, monthly additions of copepods is recommended to maintain a consistent food source.
And for larger saltwater aquariums, a seeding of copepods every few months is sufficient to ensure population stability and diversity.
And if you experience a power outage or other disruption your saltwater aquarium system you should add more copepods to boost the population.
Smaller saltwater aquariums may need more frequent additions of copepods and fish that consume copepods like mandarin fish and wrasses will also require more frequent additions of copepods.
And a well established refugium will provide a safe environment for copepods, which reduces the need for regular re-introductions of copepods and areas that have live rock or rubble provide shelter and support for copepods, which can help to establish a sustainable population.