Expert/experience Help

[VERVE]

Question for the experts/experienced aquarist.
My aquarium has been running for 9 months now, my ammonia is at a constant 0, nitrates are about a 5 and a tiny bit more than 0, and nitrites are at a 0. I have no algae growth. I have live rock and live sand only. All the rock is nicely purple, I have a 150 saltwater aquarium, most fishes in there are angels, tangs a pair of beautiful clowns.
In all about 10 fishes med and small size, plenty of room in the aquarium.
My question is, I would love to add as the last fish a Mandarinfishes/Dragonets, I do not have refugium, my temp is at a constant 79 degrees with plenty of water flow. I understand these type of fish are finicky eaters and very peculiar as to what they eat. So, the question is, should I purchase one or not.
I have never lost a single fish, they are all very healthy, vibrant and most importantly are a joy to watch.
Any thoughts or suggestions in this matter please.
This is the best place to ask ....

 

[waterfaller1]

Are there any wrasses or other fish that hunt for pods? Scooter?
Is it possible to add a refugium..just to insure the constant supply..or even a separate tank specifically set up to breed copepods? { It's really easy to do} I have a pair in my 75 gal., I do have a refugium..I feed the pods specifically, and also add bottles of pods several times a year to give their numbers a boost.

 

[SSweet1]

mandarins

mandarins

I would say if you have alot of rock then just get a big fat one and you should be fine. Mine eat frozen brine and my spotted even eats mysis. Chances are if they are fat and healthy in the LFS then they are eating something! Carrie

 

[anative]

If you can't add a refugium I've read of people having success by creating a Pod Pile which is basically a small pile of live rock rubble where the pods can grown and thrive without being completely picked over by the fish.

Jon

 

[VERVE]

Well, I do not have room for a refugium, and no wrasses, only what I mentioned before. Can I breed pods on a 10 or 5 gal. ?

 

[VERVE]

My other concern is that the fish eat extremely fast, by the time the mysis reaches have way down it will be consumed by the other fish.

 

[SSweet1]

I use a turkey baster and feed the pigs first and then look for the mandarins and target feed them and they get plenty this way. A rock rubble pile like Jon said would be a great idea also.
Carrie

 

[VERVE]

Great idea, but where do I get a turkey baster long enougn to reach all the way at the bottom without having to stick my arm in the water

 

[tricky]

It's not really for basting turkeys, but try this.

Rick

 

[VERVE]

Can anyone help me grow pods ?

 

[waterfaller1]

I had a great article..I am looking for it. Meanwhile here is this...

http://reed-mariculture.com/zooplankton/copepod/care.asp

 

[VERVE]

Thanks Carol