New to saltwater, what set up would best house a manderin in a 30gl

[Mr. D]

I would really like to keep a manderin in my 30gl tank.. I would most likely stock around this fish so it does well.. I was thinking 1-2clowns, a goby, and maybe something else small

For filtration I was thinking a HOB skimmer and a HOB refugium..... Tank will eventually turn into reef as well.

 

[Mr. D]

I will also be putting in like rock and live sand plus smart start to add to the bacteria.

 

[carey]

How long has your setup been running? Do you have an abundance of pods?

Even if you get an ORA mandarin there is now guarantee that it will 100% for sure eat prepared food. I have two dragonets and both took about a month each to be weaned off of pods. You could get a one in a million chance that it will eat prepared foods right off the bat and stay that way.

Here's another informative thread about mandarins

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f28/mandarins-are-they-really-a-difficult-fish-123776.html

 

[Mr. D]

Okay, thanks... I haven't set it up yet b/c I have been slowly transferring my discus from that tank to a 55.

I've been doing some research and wanted to get some people opinions who know the fish b/c I really wanna get this right and don't wanna make the fish suffer

 

[carey]

I'd say wait a few months and see how your tank does. Just make sure you have enough live rock for the pods.

 

[Mr. D]

Okay, thanks

 

[Jason M]

Also make sire u buy a captive breed mandarin. They are better off but cost more