Skimmer vs. copepods? Is that a thing?

Hi all - we are looking into changing out the bioballs in our 29g biocube and replacing it with the InTank Media Basket (containing filterfloss, Purigen, and ChemiPure). We are also considering adding a Tunze 9002 skimmer to the back compartment alongside the InTank Media Basket.



I currently have the stock set-up with a bag of Purigen sitting on top of my carbon filter (over the bioballs). The Purigen makes a huge difference in the clarity of the water and both the bag and the charcoal filter are covered in organic material (aka brown sludge) when we change them. So in my mind, it seems to be doing a good job of cleaning out waste from the water.



My question on the skimmer is whether it would also remove copepods from our tank since its job is to remove organic waste (which I think the copepods eat and might also get sucked out along with). Is this thinking completely off base? Having copepods in the tank makes me think that the water is healthy and has the benefit of adding a natural live food source for the fish/critters, so I wouldn't want to loose them. On the other hand, our tank seems to produce enough organic waste that the skimmer seems like a good idea.



Thoughts? Am I totally misunderstanding this situation?