copepods and amphipods

[j.zises]

I've seen a lot of different companies/distributors selling copepods and amphipods as a food source strictly for feeding. I was wondering if anyone out there has used them for seeding the tank to obtain a breeding colony. I just started up a 40 gal reef, no fish yet, but was hoping to throw a mandarin, or maybe a pair if i can get lucky. I was wondering if this is a viable option or if i should just start stocking the tank and wait it out.
Thanks in advance!

[TimeConsumer]

I seeded my refugium and tank a few times in the past and still occassionally pour in a new batch every few months. It's usually a small amount, 100 or less. The pods were there before I ever added any, but I like to do it to increase the diversity and add some new genetics to the mix. Although I doubt having inbred copepods causes any serious problems.