Mandarin Goby req'ts

[MarlinHooker]

My wife would like to add a Mandrin to our 150 g mixed reef tank. How difficult are they to care for? In particular, I'm concerned about their feeding requirements? Thx

 

[SaltyReefs]

Mandarins are a great addition to any tank as long as you have an ample amount of pods for the mandarin to forage. I was lucky enough that when I bought my mandarin he ate frozen and live brine of the bat. I also have plenty of pods for him to eat but love the frozen and the live brine. I love that little guy, I have had him for 5 years now. To play it safe ORA has them and eat pellets if I'm not mistaken.

 

[dgtron]

Very well established tank = Lots & Lots & Lots of pods = Happy Mandarin.

 

[aandfsoccr04]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1492650&highlight=mandarin

 

[kupadupapupa]

I would also like to get a mandarin goby and was thinking about picking one up from blue zoo aquatics. I usually get my fish from there and they claim that they make sure all the fish are eating their "blue zoo mix" fish food before it leaves the shop.

If this is the case it might be well worth buying from them since technically the mandarin should already be accustomed to prepared foods when you receive it. At least that way you don't have to worry about training it to eat prepared foods.

 

[tankmate1986]

Best way explained to me was buy pods from ur lfs. Put them in ur sump with two or three smaller rocks and some micro algae(I chose cheato) let it go for about two months. Than once a week exchange one of the rocks in the sump for one in the dt for about three weeks. By than u should have enough pods in ur tank. Worked for me mines 2 yrs old now and can't be happier or healthier.

 

[MarlinHooker]

Great idea, thx!

 

[EllieSuz]

That is a good idea, switching the rocks around. I might try that. What I've been doing is giving the Chaeto a good shake now and then to push the pods to the return pump. I have a nice, fat Mandarin, so I guess it's working.

 

[MarlinHooker]

good idea as well ...

 

[Fish Biscuit]

ORA mandarins are hit or miss & 3 times the cost of a wild caught. With your size tank it should be fine as long as the tank is mature. Most on here recommend 9 months before adding one.

 

[MarlinHooker]

Yeah my tank is currently in its ninth month ...

 

[kupadupapupa]

Mandarins are a great addition to any tank as long as you have an ample amount of pods for the mandarin to forage. I was lucky enough that when I bought my mandarin he ate frozen and live brine of the bat. I also have plenty of pods for him to eat but love the frozen and the live brine. I love that little guy, I have had him for 5 years now. To play it safe ORA has them and eat pellets if I'm not mistaken.

How do you feed the mandarin? My fish eat all food before it touches the sand. I was thinking about using my turkey baster to squirt food next to the mandarin but that would probably just scare it away. In addition anytime I put the turkey baster in my tank my shrimp and fish won't leave it alone.

 

[rorroreef]

I had a friend who had a 150 gallon saltwater aquarium and he added a dragonet after 8 months and it still died due to not eating. I guess lots of natural food sources are required to keep one healthy and happy.

 

[SushiGirl]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1492650&highlight=mandarin

Please read that link, and also this one.

 

[DopeCantWin]

I had a friend who had a 150 gallon saltwater aquarium and he added a dragonet after 8 months and it still died due to not eating. I guess lots of natural food sources are required to keep one healthy and happy.

What else is in ther that would eat pods?

 

[Ngoodermuth]

My spotted mandarin eats frozen food. I feed him twice a day using a sea squirt, and he usually grabs a few pieces before the wrasses swoop in and clean house...