Leopard wrasses and mandarins

[Kremis]

I currently have a female blue star leopard wrasse in a 180 gallon tank with a female mandarin. The mandarin does not eat any prepared foods, the wrasse is a pig. They have lived together for a few years now. My question is, if I was to add another female leopard wrasse (or 2) would that still maintain enough pods in the tank for the mandarin? I also have a candy hogfish that might be eating pods.
the tank has a refugium and a good amount of rockwork, and is 4 years old.

 

[Denisk]

I wouldn’t see their being an issue. Depends how large the refugium is but I can’t imagine in 180 gallon you’re running low on pods.

 

[Kremis]

I wouldn’t see their being an issue. Depends how large the refugium is but I can’t imagine in 180 gallon you’re running low on pods.

the whole sump is a half full 70 gallon with half of that being dedicated for the refugium

 

[Denisk]

the whole sump is a half full 70 gallon with half of that being dedicated for the refugium

In that case I think you’re more than fine.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Figure that major pod eaters, such as mandarins or leopard wrasses need 50g of established aquaria worth of pods. 180g w/refugia is more than adequate to add another leopard.

 

[code4]

You could add one of Paul B's feeders to insure the mandarin gets plenty of food if you are concerned.