learning the mandarin language

[aflux]

I've had my tank up for 6 months now and I'm curious if it's ready for a mandarin.

It's got a solid 100lbs of LR, but I'm not sure if the pod population is sufficient to support it. What do you guys think - any other parameters I should be considering?

[felinxo]

You've met the basic requirements - over 90lbs of live rock and six months of maturation time. I'd say go for it, but be extremely picky with your mandy selection. Opt for the smallest and plumpest one you can find - it's crucial for a smooth transition. Avoid those scrawny ones, no matter how tempting it might be to feel sorry for them. Trust me, it'll only lead to heartache.

Good luck with the new addition, and don't forget to share those photos. Also, don't be alarmed if your mandy hides away for a bit and only peeks out when the lights are off - it's just a normal adjustment phase.

[aflux]

Considering setting up a culture to supplement the mandy's diet, but I'm worried my skunk cleaner might just end up getting all the benefits - will it steal all the food. I've only got two clowns in there with it, so not a lot of competition for food, but still not sure if it's worth the extra effort.

[zeno9]

I've had my tank up for 6 months now and I'm curious if it's ready for a mandarin.

It's got a solid 100lbs of LR, but I'm not sure if the pod population is sufficient to support it. What do you guys think - any other parameters I should be considering?

Yeah setting up a culture is a good idea. If the mandy wipes out the pods, it could affect its health in the long run if it's not getting enough to eat. Getting it to eat frozen foods would be awesome. I've had luck with frozen lobster eggs - they're similar in size to pods, and my mandy took to them no problem.

[coral8]

I've got another food suggestion for you - Nutramar Ova. It's a prawn roe-based food that's pretty new on the scene. Every mandarin, scooter blenny, and pipefish at my work are devouring this stuff, and it's really good for them too.

[felinxo]

I've got another food suggestion for you - Nutramar Ova. It's a prawn roe-based food that's pretty new on the scene. Every mandarin, scooter blenny, and pipefish at my work are devouring this stuff, and it's really good for them too.

My mandy was a breeze to get on frozen, even munches on flake now - will defo check out that Nutramar Ova, sounds like a great alternative.

[aflux]

I ended up at the LFS and they didn't have any of those small, chubby mandys... so I brought home a little yellow tang instead. She's really shy, but I just couldn't resist - she's tiny and gorgeous. I know, I know, tangs are supposed to be last, but I just couldn't help myself.

I'm thinking of adding a mandy later, maybe in a month or so - will that be okay? I appreciate the tip on the Nutramar Ova, Nemo - I'll definitely look into it before I bring home a mandy.

[felinxo]

Tang or Mandy, not a huge difference in my book. I really don't see any issues adding the Mandy later, it's worth the wait to find the perfect one, trust me.

[rileyon]

I'm gonna second that, setting up a pod culture would be a great idea as well, just in case your mandy ends up being a heavy feeder, you'll have a backup plan for a food source.