e55MD, they are difficult to quarentine, but that is the only way I have done it. They need a pretty large and established QT. I would not go smaller than a 30 gallon with a small MI. I treat with copper. Usually, by about 9 days, they act a little cramped in the QT and I add them to the display at that time. The key is to get them healthy and eating from the water column (I know 9 days of copper is a little short. If they can stand being in the QT longer, then you can keep them in the QT for a longer period of time. I think a larger, perhaps 75 gallon, QT would work better). When eating from the water column, they will usually start eating everything. You will hear sponge this, sponge that, pair this, pair that in regards to their diet and lifestyle, but they can do well on prepared foods, your own seafood concoction, and without a mate. Feed them a lot!!!! I think most MIs are underfed, but that is just my opinion. They seem to constantly want to eat, thus I drop food in the tank as often as I want. If you can't handle the bioload, then don't consider buying one. You know you are feeding enough when they have broad shoulders and a small pot belly. I have never been able to feed my MI enough to have a barrel shaped, fat, fat belly. The closest I have come is when they eat nori all day. In your tank, they should have a belly bulge and broad shoulders.
They are still a challenge, but not impossible. They are DEFINITELY NOT a beginner's fish nor should they be considered for small tanks, IMO, those under 180 gallons (however, people have kept them in smaller tanks than 180). They need more room than an active tang, IMO. I have been successful, but I have been keeping SW tanks for about 16 years,. I am also a physician with my college degrees being chemistry and biology. My background education is very helpful for this hobby. With that said, I am glad to partake in the discussion to help those along.
