New Manadrin in new Tank

jgvergo · Jun 21, 2016

I have a 100 gallon system(DT 85, Sump w/ fuge 30). I have Xenia in the sump. I ordered Coco pods and Amphi pods for the Mandarin, but they won't arrive for a couple of days, What is the bets way to introduce them to the system? I'd like to have them grow in the refugiuim so I have a steady state available as food.

Thanks,
John

hybridazn · Jun 21, 2016

Is the Mandarin already in the tank? If so you're already behind the 8 ball, you will need to add new pods to the tank weekly (if not more frequently) to make sure it's well fed.

If you don't have the fish yet I would just add the pods to the fuge area in your tank so they populate and will eventually swarm the display. When you see them crawling on the glass of the display is large numbers I would say you are safe to add a mandarin, but this will take months and months.

jgvergo · Jun 22, 2016

I already have the Mandarin. I got it from the local fish store. He was there for weeks and was happily eating frozen brine shrimp (I watched him eat at the store). So, I decided it was ok to get him. I do have cocopods in my tank, but not a huge amount. I ordered some more that will arrive today. Should I still add them to the sump?

Diesel · Jun 22, 2016

Yes to sump and tank.
Make sure to watch your mandarin to eat frozen Mysis as by the LFS.

jgvergo · Jun 22, 2016

I have been feeding him a combination of frozen brine and mysis shrimp with garlic. He has been eating.

Edward Seaton · Sep 17, 2016

Are coco pods good for your tank?

jgvergo · Sep 17, 2016

Edward Seaton said:
Are coco pods good for your tank?

Absolutely! They are a very good source of food, especially for Mandarins.

saltyfilmfolks · Sep 17, 2016

Edward Seaton said:
Are coco pods good for your tank?

BEAT DRUM!

Copepod for tanks coco pods for brownies

... lol, phones.

(welcome to reef2reef)

good folks here! Are you lookin at Mandarins?

Edward Seaton · Sep 17, 2016

saltyfilmfolks said:
BEAT DRUM!

Copepod for tanks coco pods for brownies... lol, phones.

(welcome to reef2reef) good folks here! Are you lookin at Mandarins?

Not looking just got one and now I am looking for food for it. The pet store says they can get me some Friday but that is a long time to go without food.

saltyfilmfolks · Sep 17, 2016

Edward Seaton said:
Not looking just got one and now I am looking for food for it. The pet store says they can get me some Friday but that is a long time to go without food.

got it!
every one is different, some will eat frozen sooner. and they dont just eat cope pods, it includes amphipods and iso pods, or like mind pretty much a cheeseburger too. Weaning can be tough too.
Try mimi mysis, oyster eggs, and baby brine frozen rotifers..
this is aquarium depot. the ONLY thing I will buy from them is bugs. IMO IME get some on the way
https://aquariumdepot.com/live-food
I used to order the macros and pods pack with free shipping for $20, the macros were pretty lame but the pods were always generous. better than what any lfs here ever had.