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06/01/2020, 11:31 AM | #1 |
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Mandarin Dragonet
Hi!
Once again, this is a long term/in the future type question so that I can better prepare for what I want without making any unnecessary mistakes along the way. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I want mandarin dragonets in my tank. That is, in fact, the ONLY fish I am ABSOLUTELY sure of. I also know that they are labeled expert level, are carnivores, hunt and eat constantly, should not be placed in a system less than a year old (and stable), and are peaceful fish often out competed for food. So. Are there any fish and/or corals I should specifically avoid along the way? And how many can I reasonably have and keep alive and healthy? Any other specific advice you have and are willing to share? My system will be 180 gallons, LPS dominant mixed reef. There isn't much I have my heart set on at this point, and I'd rather not get there before knowing what ISN'T an option. Thanks again for your help! |
06/01/2020, 11:37 AM | #2 |
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Ah, in addition to this, has anyone had a high success rate propagating enough copepods in a reef tank to support these fish? Alternatively, what supplier do you recommend & how often should I add them?
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06/01/2020, 12:15 PM | #3 |
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Take a look at this thread. It has some good info to get you started at least
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2707235 |
06/01/2020, 01:01 PM | #4 |
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Agreed, check post 8 in above thread.
You are going to learn how to hatch brine shrimp.
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250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps. |
06/01/2020, 01:23 PM | #5 | |
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Quote:
Avoid wrasses and other fish that hunt for pods Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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06/01/2020, 02:12 PM | #6 |
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If you have a good sump with room, get a big healthy cheato ball lit 24/7 and do not run a filter sock. Pods freely pass through a pump undamaged: they get through my Iwaki monster which is like waltzing with a Cuisinart, and they get through. Even an amphipod made it---many times the size of a copepod. Do not have a wrasse or scooter in competition, and I recommend getting a solitary male or a mated pair. Your 180 should handle it fine once mature.
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Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%. |
06/01/2020, 05:20 PM | #7 | |
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Quote:
wrasses hunt for pods constantly, they will out compete and leave little for the mandarin
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Please don't feed the bears because the bears will become dependent on free handouts and forget how to take care of themselves …... Current Tank Info: 75 Gal. Mixed reef mostly sps |
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06/01/2020, 08:01 PM | #8 | |
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Quote:
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06/01/2020, 11:45 PM | #9 | |
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From what I have read, being weened onto frozen foods is a decent supplement, but not a replacement for the pods. That is, unless you can feed them several times a day, as they graze/hunt/eat constantly. Having said that, I'm certainly not an expert, just slightly obsessed xD. |
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06/01/2020, 11:46 PM | #10 |
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06/01/2020, 11:48 PM | #11 | |
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I'd love to get a mated pair- is it possible to get any more than that, or should I leave it at 2 and not press my luck? Thanks!! |
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06/01/2020, 11:49 PM | #12 |
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06/02/2020, 12:02 AM | #13 | |
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06/02/2020, 08:25 AM | #14 |
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So... another question; how dies one quarantine a fish that has such stringent dietary needs?
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06/02/2020, 09:45 AM | #15 | |
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I really hate the fact that RC has other site blocked, so I cant provide you with link to a good thread with all the info you would need. Search for "Mandarin Goby and QT questions" in google. Should be 1st result posted on July 17, 2017 and go to post #7 and 11 with all the info and more links you will need. |
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06/02/2020, 01:27 PM | #16 | |
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Thanks again for the timely responses and advice- it's much appreciated! |
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06/02/2020, 01:56 PM | #17 | |
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06/02/2020, 02:24 PM | #18 |
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Tags |
180 gallons, copepods, lps coral, mandarin dragonet, mandarin dragonet feeding |
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