Keeping a mandarin ??

[ewelch]

I have a 30 gal sw soon to be reef aquarium. I currently have only 10lbs of lr in it and it has cycled. I would love to keep a mandarin and would build the tank to work for just this fish. Would culturing copepods in a ten gallon tank to supplement the main tank work. I plan on adding another 15-20 lbs of live rock anyway. Any suggestions.

I have read about setting up refugiums. I am still unsure of the plumbing and was thinking that I could just introduce the copepods to the tank occasionally to keep up the pop.

BTW I currently have no fish in this tank.

 

[ewelch]

i just read the thread on Mandarin??? I guess if many believe a 37 gallon is small then my 30 gallon would definately be too small. I guess I should be more thorough and check the threads.

 

[Brenden]

In short do not get one but technically you could keep it in a 30 gal with a constant replenishing of pods and lots of LR. It would be a pain and much easier/cheaper to just buy a larger tank later and then get one. Good job asking and researching before the purchase. That does not seem to be the norm here lately.

 

[lando]

Good job asking and researching before the purchase. That does not seem to be the norm here lately.

I second that.
I would not try to keep this fish in a 30gal, even when supplimenting pods. JMHO.

 

[Brenden]

Just for clarification. I would not try to keep one in a 30 either. Just stating it could be done but would be a ton of work. As stated it would be much easier just to buy a larger tank later and get one if that is what you want. Sorry if I confused you. As lando said do not try it. Pick a different fish like a purple firefish. Just make sure it is not a female. Inside joke ignore the female statement.