Who Gives A Fish Forums

felinxo wrote: ↑Fri Dec 13, 2024 10:02 am As long as you plan, it will be fine - sorry can't recall your tank size so assuming under 90 lbs of live rock.

To start, set up your copepod culture at least a month before bringing home your Mandarin. Read Tina's thread about setting up a 'dinner', it's worth the time. Once you've got your culture going, you can bring home your Mandarin and start with frozen brine shrimp and mysis, just feed them in the corner where your Mandarin will be living, after you've fed the other fish. You can also set up a 'dinner' for your Mandarin.

Every three days, feed some copepods to the tank after dark.

For the copepod culture, you'll need a few things: a container (I used a child's fish tank), an airline and pump, phyto, salt water, and a window sill with some sunlight. Add salt water to the container, then add the airline and turn on the pump. Add the phyto and culture, and the water should turn a tea-like color. Place it on the window sill and it's good to go. Just remember to add more phyto as needed - I found I had to do this every two days.

One thing to be aware of is that copepod cultures can crash, but you can avoid this by setting up two smaller cultures or having a plan to buy some online if needed. I was lucky and my culture never crashed, but I've heard it can happen - even to experienced people like Brixo and Tina. Just be prepared.

One last thing - when choosing your Mandarin, don't go for the skinny ones, no matter how sorry you feel for them. They won't make it, so it's better to wait and find a nice plump one.