Live Rock Question - Re: Mandarins

[Myka]

I have read that it is suggested that Mandarins be kept in tanks with a minimum of 75 lbs of live rock. I am wondering if the 75 lbs of LR should all be in the display tank, or if the LR in the refugium and the display tank combined should be 75 lbs?

I have a 33g, and am wondering if I could possibly be successful in keeping a Mandarin in it? I don't really want a bigger tank...

 

[count mackula]

It depends.

It's not really the amount of live rock that matter, more the number of copepods and amphipods on it. The live rock in your refugium should support these lil guys, but you will need to have some way to get them into your display tank so the Mandarin can get at them.

I've seen mandarins that will eat mysis and/or cyclopseeze, if you see a specimen at the LFS, get them to feed it. Mandarins are pretty common, wait until you find one who will accept prepared foods. Fortified brine and roe (like from sushi) are also common mandarin foodstuffs. I wouldn't say the fish could get ALL his needs from these foods, but they could supplement what he picks off of the live rock and sand bed.

 

[leebca]

You might be interested in this article:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-02/nftt/index.htm

Be cautious about sushi type fish roe. Much of it is 'seasoned' with soy sauce, etc. to help retain its freshness and to give it a flavor to humans. If you feed these, make sure they don't have additives.

Good overall nutrition suggestions:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=785228

 

[Myka]

Thanks so much for the links, very helpful! As suggested in the article, I will hold out until I find one that will eat prepared foods at the LFS.

 

[thor32766]

good article

 

[Myka]

count mackula: So you figure I'd be able to keep a Mandarin in my 33 as long as I am very particular about keeping the pod population up?