thats the right way to think! and ya way too expensive, but things are getting cheaper through the years. just to let you know, i have a scooter blenny, which is much like the mandarin and has the same reqs. I have leaned it on to mysis shrimp. it wasnt that hard and it would be a good idea to buy one that already eats prepared. but just in case he decides to go on strike, its always great to have a good supply of pods. i personally like the green mandarin the most, along with the red scooter blenny, i have the regular scooter though