Copepods are tiny, beneficial crustaceans that play a huge role in a healthy reef tank and are essential for building a strong foundation in your reef. They provide a natural, nutrient-rich food source for fish, corals, and filter feeders while helping maintain a balanced ecosystem. Copepods assist in breaking down detritus and excess nutrients, supporting overall tank stability and biodiversity. Regularly adding copepods helps establish a thriving microfauna population, improves coral polyp extension, and supports pod-dependent fish like mandarins and wrasses.