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AdriftQuasar
06/18/2006, 10:01 AM
Is there any way that these magnificent fish can be kept in a nano reef? I know they require lots of food, but can I simply feed them?

Frostyeel
06/18/2006, 10:58 AM
The problem isn't just how much they can eat, it is what they can eat. Many mandarins are very picky and will only eat live food, which can only be supplied by a tank with a large pod population, so usually a large well established tank with a refugium will meet this requirment. If you can find one that will eat frozen or prepared food then you would probably be able to keep it, but it will be hard finding one that will do so.

theop
06/18/2006, 12:19 PM
Here we go again. ;) This is a common question with a difficult answer. The bottom line is that one would do ok in a nano IF there is a sufficient food supply, but that it is difficult to either have enough pods to support one or to get one to eat prepared food.

Take a look at this recent tread...
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=864090

Sk8r
06/18/2006, 01:07 PM
It will take you about 65 dollars a month to feed him: you will need to buy pods online, shipped by air, and the phytoplankton to feed them.

If you are willing and able to commit to that cost for the next number of years [they are long-lived] you could do it. You could also defray that by making a refugium out of another nano and linking the two.

If your definition of nano runs to 55 gallons you can probably get that cost down to one 60 dollar order every other month until the population can get established.

Bottom line, they are not cheap to keep unless you can grow your own, or unless you can find one that can be demonstrated in the store to be eating frozen pods or other nutritious! food that will sustain them.