Scooter blenny and mandarin dragonet and feeding?

Jendee3773 · Jan 6, 2021

Hi! I have been reading lots of threads here over the past year but this is my first question that I haven’t really come across being already discussed yet. I have a 220 gallon system that has been up and running a little over a year. I just added a scooter blenny (named Scooter, yes, I’m one of those that names their fish) and I absolutely love him and would like to add a Mandarin dragonette it in the future. I did add copepods to the system, something called “tiger pods“ by reef nutrition when I added Scooter. I want to make sure that he and my future Mandarin would get plenty of food. How often should I add these to my system? Is there a way that I would be able to tell if he/they aren’t getting enough food? I haven’t seen scooter eat anything frozen but my fish descend upon food like crazy so I don’t think trying to target feed him will be very successful. Thoughts and suggestions? Go Reefers!!

Ippyroy · Jan 6, 2021

Welcome to R2R! I’m sure other people on here can answer your questions.

Zach B · Jan 6, 2021

Welcome

Fred2482 · Jan 6, 2021

Welcome, unfortunately I have never kept a mandarin.

maceto · Jan 6, 2021

Welcome!

Billldg · Jan 6, 2021

Welcome to R2R!!! I have heard that if you had a sufficient supply and breeding population at the beginning, in a 220 gal tank it should repopulate itself. That being said, I plan on adding a mandarin to my 225 gal tank that I'm building and I will add a couple of jars of pods from Algaebarn monthly anyway. If for some reason I start to see a over population of pods then I may scale it back, but mandarins and such will constantly eat, they don't have a stop button.

fishguy242 · Jan 6, 2021

hi welcome to the reef going to love it here!!
lots of fun/info/fun/help/fun....

SPR1968 · Jan 6, 2021

Some great advice already so Welcome to R2R!!!

uhgster1 · Jan 6, 2021

I have two mandarins in my 65 gallon with a refugium. I haven’t had to repopulate the copepods since the first time I did it two years ago. There is no issues with either, as a matter in fact they look like little frogs with their big guts. After about six months I noticed that both of them take frozen food when I feed the tank so a 220 should have no issues at all.

P-Dub · Jan 6, 2021

WELCOME to R2R! Looks like answers are rolling your way and good ones thus far. Each fish is different so be prepared to respond to their individual needs accordingly.

Uncle99 · Jan 6, 2021

Tank size great, maturity great but you need a lot of rock which Iam assuming you have and if so, and, they are the only two exclusive pod eaters, put them in, I have never added a pod in 4 years now.

SaltyT · Jan 6, 2021

Welcome to R2R! You've gotten great info from some of the knowledgeable folks in the community. We're glad you joined!

KJ · Jan 6, 2021

Welcome to R2R!!!

Peace River · Jan 6, 2021

@Jendee3773 - Welcome to Reef2Reef! There may be nobody that can give you a better answer than Chad @Reef Nutrition! He is truly good people and is very knowledgeable! We're glad you're here!

Macbalacano · Jan 6, 2021

Welcome!

I'd recommend you set up a refugium so the pods have more shelter.

You can also culture your own pods, which is what i am planning on doing for my future mandarin!: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/h...that-are-interested-in-doing-the-same.786703/

Jimbhoy13 · Jan 6, 2021

Welcome to R2R. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.

ShepherdReefer · Jan 6, 2021

Jendee3773 said:
Hi! I have been reading lots of threads here over the past year but this is my first question that I haven’t really come across being already discussed yet. I have a 220 gallon system that has been up and running a little over a year. I just added a scooter blenny (named Scooter, yes, I’m one of those that names their fish) and I absolutely love him and would like to add a Mandarin dragonette it in the future. I did add copepods to the system, something called “tiger pods“ by reef nutrition when I added Scooter. I want to make sure that he and my future Mandarin would get plenty of food. How often should I add these to my system? Is there a way that I would be able to tell if he/they aren’t getting enough food? I haven’t seen scooter eat anything frozen but my fish descend upon food like crazy so I don’t think trying to target feed him will be very successful. Thoughts and suggestions? Go Reefers!!

Hello and welcome to the channel.