Mandarins "I want one"

[corals b 4 bills]

I have been in this hobby for many years, one of the reasons for setting up a salt water tank was to have a mandarin dragonette . The first year after set up I bought one, two weeks later he died of starvation, I was devistated. I told myself that I would be a good reefkeeper and never buy another one again until my tank was ready. I have a 155 gal. bowfront with 200+ lbs. LR, and 300 Lbs. LS, with all the goodies, It ocurred to me that while I was looking at my tank this morning the sand was covered with life. Could it be possible that this is the week that I can bring one home? If there is anyone out there with a bit of mandarin experience a brief do's & don'ts would be appreciated, Thank you.

 

[jasonkola]

those mandarin are vary cool. I like them too and tried to keep them but after a few died I gave up. I think two weeks was a short time and you may have gotten one that was not feeding. with a tank your size with a fuge, I see no reason you can't keep one. although your lighting might be a little bright for his needs. if you got pleanty of shaded little hiding places he will like that. also if you got boisterous fish they don't like that much either as they are shy. that is another reason for lots of hideing places. other than that I see no reason you could not keep one. make sure you get one that dosn't have that shrunking stomich look and is feeding off live rocks and sand ect. these are tips I have learned reading up on how to keep them but I didn't have any luck but you have a larger tank that is well established with a fuge so I really see no reason you could not keep one. good luck.

 

[corals b 4 bills]

The tank I had at the time was a 54 gal. bowfront with dbs & 100 lbs. LR. back in 1995.

 

[jasonkola]

how long has your 155 gallon been up? and the fuge? if both are over a year with 2 years being best all should be good.