Amphipods - need them?

[rainerfeyer]

Hi all,

I had left a thread on RC about my tank being devoid of amphiods - actually have some copepods swimming around (which are difficult to see ), but no amphi's - in a 5g tanks, 20g fuge which does not have sand, only rubble.

There I am somewhat told that sand is needed for Amphiphods to grow/ multiply. Is this so?

Also, is it normal for amphi's to die out? Again, my fuge has rubble and no crabs or fishes.

Lastly, where can I get Amphipods? I do not have any reefers around locally.

Rainer

[new2scrub]

that is a GREAT question! we know things like manderins and corals need copopods,,,,but what needs the larger amphipods??
My system to has become void of both of them over the years causing my manderin to die:(

[iggy]

They are likely present, just not well fed.

[SantaMonica]

Many corals will catch amphipods.

[new2scrub]

think you are right iggy,,,it's only been 2 weeks and i am starting to see amphis in my sump again!