Mandarin

[jtnova13]

Hey guys, my tank has been up for 6 months now and I'm wondering if it's mature enough for a mandy yet?

It has over 100lbs of LR, but dunno if their are enough pods to sustain it? What are your thoughts and any other params I haven't thought of.

 

[seffieuk]

Yep, as long as you have over 90 lbs of live rock which you have and have left it for six months, which you have, then go ahead. BUT, choose your mandy very carefully, choose the smallest and fattest you can find Don't under any circumstances feel sorry for a big skinny one as it will break your heart

Good luck

Seffie x

ps don't forget the photos and don't worry if it hides away for a couple of weeks and only comes out when the lights go off, this is normal

 

[jtnova13]

Do you think it will be worthwhile to set up a culture too? Will my skunk cleaner steal all his food?


The only other fish tank mates are 2 clowns

 

[AK77]

Do you think it will be worthwhile to set up a culture too? Will my skunk cleaner steal all his food?


The only other fish tank mates are 2 clowns

It definitely wouldn't hurt. If for some reason the mandy managed to significantly deplete the pod numbers then it may affect the fishes health long term if its not getting enough nourishment. It would be great if you can get it feeding on frozen foods. Try frozen lobster eggs. They are similar in size to pods and I managed to get mine feeding on them.

 

[-Nemo-]

Also try Nutramar Ova, it is a relatively new food made from prawn roe. At my work every single mandarin, scooter blenny, and pipefish is eating this stuff, plus it's ultra good for them!

 

[seffieuk]

Nutramar Ova

My Mandy was easy to get on to frozen, she even eats flake now as well - but going to look out for the food you suggest nemo, sounds good

Seffie x

 

[jtnova13]

i went to the LFS, they didn't have any small, fat mandys... so i bought a yellow tang instead

He/she is very shy.

I know you're supposed to add tangs last, but it was so pretty and small too.

Any problems adding a mandy later, like in a month?

Good suggestion on the Nutramar Ova, Nemo. I'll see if I can get some before I get a mandy!

 

[seffieuk]

Not much difference between a Tang and a Mandy

I can't see any problems adding the Mandy at a later date - it is much better to wait and find the right one

Seffie x

 

[ben1987]

i would also suggest you culture pods aswel!