I think most pods are way too large and yes most will gladly eat anything smaller than they are. The food has to be dense enough for them to "run" into it but water pollution is a concern. Steve did mention that he had squid success with denser food and not great water so I do think the density is key but he has access to ocean life where we are stuck with prepared. Rotifers by themselves may still be too large but a plankton mix might have a chance.
I was NOT suggesting removing the fry but keeping them in a breeder net inside the main tank (internal nurseries have the best success with seahorses and offer much higher water quality and water movement options) and then changing the outer tank water.
No power heads where they swim or part of the plankton soup will include baby octo (a review of other threads has a lot of them going out the overflow or into power heads the first day). If AD can find fine mesh for a net that will allow fresh water in but no octos out, water movement can be created outside the nursery. Even if more food than desired stays in the net, the water can be refreshed. Pushing them against the net is also a concern and is why I suggested blowing water up from the bottom rather than through the sides. An air line can also produce current and could be placed inside the net but I don't know if the bubbles are a concern. Such a long wait and so little time to try for success.
I was NOT suggesting removing the fry but keeping them in a breeder net inside the main tank (internal nurseries have the best success with seahorses and offer much higher water quality and water movement options) and then changing the outer tank water.
No power heads where they swim or part of the plankton soup will include baby octo (a review of other threads has a lot of them going out the overflow or into power heads the first day). If AD can find fine mesh for a net that will allow fresh water in but no octos out, water movement can be created outside the nursery. Even if more food than desired stays in the net, the water can be refreshed. Pushing them against the net is also a concern and is why I suggested blowing water up from the bottom rather than through the sides. An air line can also produce current and could be placed inside the net but I don't know if the bubbles are a concern. Such a long wait and so little time to try for success.