Mandarin Dragonet Requirements

Teebo · Mar 28, 2016

I recently decided to break into the SW hobby with a 5 gallon pico tank, corals and inverts, but have thought more about it before actually starting to cycle it. I think I would rather go up to a normal tank within the nano size specifically because I am interested in keeping a Mandarin, but I still want the smallest tank one will be comfortable in. I know they are known to starve to death due to their picky diet and I will not let that happen if I choose to do this. Their main natural diet is pods, which need a refugium to sustain their natural reproduction cycle. I know many have been known to train theirs to eat prepared foods and I was hoping I could do the same but I need a backup plan. Even a nano tank I will use a small sump with and have the refugium inside the sump? The only way I would do this is if I can have a self sustaining population of pods I dont have to go out and buy constantly, I realize it may be needed to dump in a pod larvae formula once and a while to maintain the population but I do not want to be buying live matured pods just to dump in my tank weekly.

I think they have a really neat personality comparable to a properly kept Betta fish, I love how they peck at food the same way my Betta does.

Thanks

Chrisfish · Mar 28, 2016

Hi there, welcome to R2R , I also am new to saltwater and have a 30 gallon nano reef. I started out with an8 gallon and recently upgraded. I purchased a mandarin from live aquaria. I had been feeding my reef for 4 months plus with pods and plans to set up a hob refugium , but in addition my Mandy loves live black worms so I think there will be plenty for her to eat. I bought her from live Aquaria because they always say what they are currently feeding their fish. This is just my expierence is so please keep this in mind and so I don't get slammed by others on this thread.

3dees · Mar 29, 2016

Mandarin in a 5 gal. tank will fail no matter what you do.

Teebo · Mar 29, 2016

Thanks Chrisfish

@ 3dees - Thanks for reading before you replied.....try again.....

JDavis · Mar 29, 2016

The Mandarin has got many a reefer hooked. My reason to get into the hobby years ago. I really feel a mature tank with plenty of Liverock is the key to keeping them successfully. And yes, a refugium is helpful as well but not a guarantee to success. Let your tank mature to the point it looks like the pods are taking over. Keep from buying anything that would compete for them as a food source. Make sure to get a nice plump one when you buy... no skinny fish. Best of luck in your endeavor.