i need a playmate for a green mandarin golbi

[ea10]

Can someone help???? I want to get some fish for someone's take as a present, but i dont know anything a/b fish. I know that the only fish he has is a green mandarin golbi, and he has a bunch of coral, but i don't know much more than that. Can anyone reccomend any fish/creatures that would go into the tank w/o fighting and causing alot of problems? Thanks for the help.

 

[cain420]

you need to find out ALOT more about your friends tank b4 trying to buy something for him.. see what he would like to get.. then go from there.. its not too good to just guess at what he would want... he might not like it and get stuck with it in his tank...

 

[oozy]

Hello,
I would agree with cain420.
Salt water aquariums are very delicate and very personal. You would have to have a knoledge of where your friend wants to go with the tank. While "most" fish wont have a problem with a mandarin, you will need to know a few other factors before commiting.
like:
what size is the tank
are there any inverts in the tank
will there be inverts in the tank
how old is the tank
what does he want in the tank???
its really not a suprise you can or should responsibaly make... however, by asking the right questions you may be able to get a specific awnser with out spoiling your intended suprise.
also, here is a personal story...
my grilfriend bought me a blue spotted puffer, (after finding out these questions) I loved him, but he died and brought internal parasites that killed off 3 other fish, there was nothing I could do...
its been about a year later and she still feel really bad about killing my fish even though it was really not her fault...
just something to think about. there is always a risk of "backfire"
you found a great site to help you out with this, just remember asking the right questions is the best way to make sure youve got your bases covered.
-oozy-

 

[cain420]

yes.. show some interest in your friends tank to him/her.. ask questions about what he/she plans to do with it, all the while pretending like u are kind of asking cuz u want to get into it... find out what he plans to get.. and maybe get one of those for him.. but be sure to find out if it would need an established tank, or special needs... you can ask your friend all these questions without giving away the surprise... but dont just buy it and throw it in the tank when u do find out! Needs to be quarantined!!!!!!! by just throwing it in, like said above, u could introduce parasites or other things to the tank that may not be wanted by your friend... talk with him/her and any more questions can be asked here.. but be sure what he/she would like to get/have... we are happy to help people out! Welcome to the forum BTW..

CAUTION: you may get hooked on saltwater yourself if u spend too much time here!