macman7010
Aquarium Advice FINatic
I thought I would start a thread about keeping these beauties in the captive reef enviroment. A lot of writing on the internet and in magazines specifies very large tanks (150 gallon +) as requirements for keeping these guys. Nothing in my opinion could be further from the truth. While having a large aquarium helps in keeping any fish species they are not needed in the case of Mandarinfish. I have seen these guys thrive in 20 - 40 - 60 - 80 gallon aquariums when conditions are set up for them. Below are some things I have found very helpful in keeping Mandarin and other dragonet species alive in captivity.
1. The tank's gallon amount in cured live rock (example: 50 gallon tank with 50 pds of live rock)
2. A tank at least 6 months to one year old - this way the rock has had ample time to cure and the pod colonies ample time to become proficent.
3. A refugium - this is a place where the Mandarin cant go that copod colonies can replenish themselves
4. Calm tank mates that dont pressure the Mandarin
5. Attempted feedings of prepared food - If you give it sometimes they will take it
Any other ideas and or experiences?[/i]
1. The tank's gallon amount in cured live rock (example: 50 gallon tank with 50 pds of live rock)
2. A tank at least 6 months to one year old - this way the rock has had ample time to cure and the pod colonies ample time to become proficent.
3. A refugium - this is a place where the Mandarin cant go that copod colonies can replenish themselves
4. Calm tank mates that dont pressure the Mandarin
5. Attempted feedings of prepared food - If you give it sometimes they will take it
Any other ideas and or experiences?[/i]