Mandarin Dragonet

[CassandrAlys]

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!

[CassandrAlys]

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?

[cvrle1]

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

[Vinny Kreyling]

Agreed, check post 8 in above thread.
You are going to learn how to hatch brine shrimp.

[djryan2000]

Originally Posted by CassandrAlys

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!

Avoid wrasses and other fish that hunt for pods


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[Sk8r]

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.

[outssider]

Originally Posted by djryan2000

Avoid wrasses and other fish that hunt for pods


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+1

wrasses hunt for pods constantly, they will out compete and leave little for the mandarin

[cvrle1]

Originally Posted by outssider

+1

wrasses hunt for pods constantly, they will out compete and leave little for the mandarin

Hmm, I wasnt thinking about this before. So even if I use mandarin feeder that Paul B created years ago, wrasses would still not be recommended? I am guessing if mandarin would get weened on the frozen food that would change things, but it is always a crap shoot if that happens or not.

[CassandrAlys]

Originally Posted by cvrle1

Hmm, I wasnt thinking about this before. So even if I use mandarin feeder that Paul B created years ago, wrasses would still not be recommended? I am guessing if mandarin would get weened on the frozen food that would change things, but it is always a crap shoot if that happens or not.

Hi! Thanks for the link, I'll definitely devour that in a bit!

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.

[CassandrAlys]

Originally Posted by Vinny Kreyling

Agreed, check post 8 in above thread.
You are going to learn how to hatch brine shrimp.

Hatching Brine shrimp sounds super fun, actually! Thanks!

[CassandrAlys]

Originally Posted by Sk8r

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.

Got it. No wrasse, no scooters (damn), no filter sock. I hadn't decided for sure on the fuge, but that is definitely a solid reason for one that I can totally get behind.

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!!

[CassandrAlys]

Originally Posted by outssider

+1

wrasses hunt for pods constantly, they will out compete and leave little for the mandarin

No wrasses, check. Thanks!

[CassandrAlys]

Originally Posted by cvrle1

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

Ack! I just read through that link and the following ones to make a brine shrimp...hatchery? I love it! Thanks so much for sharing!

[CassandrAlys]

So... another question; how dies one quarantine a fish that has such stringent dietary needs?

[cvrle1]

Originally Posted by CassandrAlys

So... another question; how dies one quarantine a fish that has such stringent dietary needs?

From bit of reading I did before since they have thick slime coat, copper cant be used. You also cant do regular QT like other fish as they will starve in clean and sterile tank. Need to do a TTM method or Chloroquine Phosphate, depending on what fish may have.

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.

[CassandrAlys]

Originally Posted by cvrle1

From bit of reading I did before since they have thick slime coat, copper cant be used. You also cant do regular QT like other fish as they will starve in clean and sterile tank. Need to do a TTM method or Chloroquine Phosphate, depending on what fish may have.

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.

Found it, thanks! I was planning on using the modified TTM anyways to hande Ich and Velvet, so that works out pretty well Do you think it would be okay to just add store bought pods straight into each QT bucket after every transfer? I know it'd be more expensive that way, but I think it would be a short term solution that would ensure they don't starve. Thoughts? If that doesn't/won't work, do you have any other potential solutions? ...Also, how MUCH of a bag/bottle should I add each time?

Thanks again for the timely responses and advice- it's much appreciated!

[cvrle1]

Originally Posted by CassandrAlys

Found it, thanks! I was planning on using the modified TTM anyways to hande Ich and Velvet, so that works out pretty well Do you think it would be okay to just add store bought pods straight into each QT bucket after every transfer? I know it'd be more expensive that way, but I think it would be a short term solution that would ensure they don't starve. Thoughts? If that doesn't/won't work, do you have any other potential solutions? ...Also, how MUCH of a bag/bottle should I add each time?

Thanks again for the timely responses and advice- it's much appreciated!

Truth be told I have no idea. I didnt get that far yet haha. Im sure someone else will chime in that has answer for you though

[CassandrAlys]

Originally Posted by cvrle1

Truth be told I have no idea. I didnt get that far yet haha. Im sure someone else will chime in that has answer for you though

Understood!