I did it........ I bought a Mandarin.......

[lbannie]

So I was in the LFS last week and there they were, a tank of mandarins. At first I was able to walk by it, but eventually caved and now there is a beautiful mandarin in my tank. It seems to be doing great! Exploring and picking at the rocks, also I feed frozen brine shrimp and it really gobbles them up!! I was thinking of buying more copepods to add to the tank just in case. Anyone have any other advice I'll try to get a pic of it, veryy pretty, I find myself just staring at it all the time!!! I just hope after my impulse buy I can keep it healthy!!! Thanks in advance!

 

[flower]

You should have a refugium to keep it alive, they eat tons of pods, but if it eats the shrimp see if it will take mysis shrimp, the brine isn't very nutritious.

 

[carlos413]

Quote:Originally Posted by Flower http:///forum/thread/381129/i-did-it-i-bought-a-mandarin#post_3318451

You should have a refugium to keep it alive, they eat tons of pods, but if it eats the shrimp see if it will take mysis shrimp, the brine isn't very nutritious.
+1

 

[lbannie]

Thanks! No refugium, I'll try the mysis... I have that too!

 

[smartorl]

In the meantime, to make sure it gets enough nutrition and doesn't die or decline to the point of no return, you could supplement with baby brine shrimp. They are super easy to hatch and the mandarin's love them!

 

[beachblue]

You will love your mandarin, I've had mine for several years and he's one of my favorites! If yours is eating brine shrimp, that's a good sign he'll be willing to eat a variety of foods. Mine now eats anything I feed, but mysis and (oddly) bloodworms are especially relished. Try frozen cyclops, too.

 

[gill again68]

Love the Mandarins! I look at night for my POD population in the DT. I have a fuge and it still worries me. But my Manny is fat and happy. As a matter of fact he needs some exercise. LOL. Good luck with it.

 

[oceankid]

Wow! I would love to see it! Pictures! Pictures! Pictures!

 

[gill again68]

Well my Mandarin wont sit still for pictures. As a matter of fact he runs to the back when the camera is out. But here is a shot. Not good but evidence he exist.

 

[gemmy]

So pretty. I really want one, but it is on my list of can't haves for now.

 

[meowzer]

LOL...Gill....just sit back....point the camera with zoom...AND WAIT...LOL

 

[gill again68]

Right after I took that pic I was posting some other pics on here on an update to my 90 thread. Anyway I look up and guess who is at the front of the tank in full pose. YUP. I get the camera and he goes on the retreat. Killin me!

 

[oceankid]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gill again68 http:///forum/thread/381129/i-did-it-i-bought-a-mandarin#post_3319883
Well my Mandarin wont sit still for pictures. As a matter of fact he runs to the back when the camera is out. But here is a shot. Not good but evidence he exist.
Still a nice! Thanks for sharing!

 

[1snapple]

I am really thinking of getting a mandarin, could I possible keep a colony of copepods in the sump (no refugium) and have them blown into the tank?

 

[acropora12]

I guess the ORA has green mandarins that are already on prepared foods, plus they are captive bred to boot! That's the route I'm going.

 

[mrdc]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Acropora12 http:///forum/thread/381129/i-did-it-i-bought-a-mandarin#post_3320921
I guess the ORA has green mandarins that are already on prepared foods, plus they are captive bred to boot! That's the route I'm going.
I would consider getting a mandarin too if I could get one that was already on prepared foods.

 

[acropora12]

I will let you know how it goes when I get mine mrdc!

 

[lbannie]

Thought you guys might like a pic!!!! My mandarin seems to like the camera!!

 

[burrito]

What you feed it ? :3

 

[lbannie]

I just bought some copepods and amphipods to add to my tank, but it also eats brine shrimp and mysis!