Mandarin Goby

[KieranK]

I am interested in getting a mandarin goby for my tank. I am new to the whole reef tank hobby thing, and have found out that these fish mainly eat pods. However i heard it is possible to have a mandarin goby that eats frozen. I am confused to where i can buy one that will eat frozen food. My tank has been running for around 4 months. Its a biocube 29, and has 1 clown 1 coral beauty and 1 royal gramma. Some help with my struggle would be much appreciated.

Kieran

 

[footballdude2k3]

If you can find an ORA tank bred mandarin, you are going to have a much better time with getting it to eat frozen food, as for the best way, go to a fish store, ask them to feed frozen in front of you, if it eats it, you are much better off. I would be a bit wary of this guy in a 29 though, even if they are eating frozen, they generally spend all day trying to hunt for pods, cannot fit too many in there.

 

[Bowin]

I would wait several more months before trying a mandarin just yet(maybe even a year or more due to your tank size). Someone gave me that advice when I first started and I'm glad that I listened to what they were saying. They have no stomachs and are constantly searching for pods to eat. A tank of your size is already a risk and would need even more time to mature it's pod population. They are fun and beautiful fish but there's no need to add any unnecessary struggle to enjoying this hobby. Finding an ORA mandarin would be a challenge and obviously more expensive but possibly your best and only chance at success with one at this early stage. My advice is to always research heavily before purchasing any livestock and let the urge to be successful be stronger than the urge we get to add some of the pretty creatures we stumble upon. I know it's not what you wanted to hear but I hope that it helps. Good luck and happy reefing!

 

[NanaReefer]

There's no way a Mandarin will survive in that tank with those fish. 1) to many fish already in a 29, 2 of which are deemed semi-aggressive. 2) the Mandarin would not be able to compete for food with those fish in that tank. 3) Mandarins are special needs fish. ORA or not they eat 16hrs a day. Unless you have the pod population to sustain them, you'll need to feed them 4-6x a day.
You seem to be stalking your tank according to tank size and not actual water volume, which is closer to 20g's then 29g.
Please don't put a Mandarin in your tank unless it is the only fish