Maderian

[kenand]

I want to put a manderin goby In my 90 gallon reef tank,and doing research it reads about a refugium. Do I really need it,and can I just put copepods straight into my aquarium?

 

[Spare time]

I think it's fine. I'd get a captive bred one like those from biota as they can eat pellets too and don't have the risk of cyanide issues that arise with wild caught ones.

 

[homer1475]

The best thing you can do for the mandarin, add food for the pods(live phytoplankton) so they multiply naturally, and will keep the mandarin fed. Many reputable places to buy phyto from.

As suggested above, a captive bred one will also increase your success.

 

[steveschuerger]

A 90 is a good size. You can add pods directly, I’d do it later when the lights are either low or off. Turn off flow for at least 20 minutes so they can make it to the rocks. My next mandarin will probably be a biota one. More expensive but better chance for success most likely

 

[Biota_Marine Verified Sponsor]

I think it's fine. I'd get a captive bred one like those from biota as they can eat pellets too and don't have the risk of cyanide issues that arise with wild caught ones.

Thank you for the shout out, captive-bred mandarins are usually fine in an aquarium that size and end up eating scraps that some of the messier fish miss or pellets that get down to the substrate for them.

 

[kenand]

Thank you for the shout out, captive-bred mandarins are usually fine in an aquarium that size and end up eating scraps that some of the messier fish miss or pellets that get down to the substrate for them.

So don't get cooepids?

 

[Sophie"s mom]

I want to put a manderin goby In my 90 gallon reef tank,and doing research it reads about a refugium. Do I really need it,and can I just put copepods straight into my aquarium?

I also have a 90 and plan to get a mandarin. I do not have a fuge, but I do add pods monthly. Best way is after lights are out for the night, use a piece of PVC so you can direct them to the bottom, in the rocks and sand. Then just feed phytoplankton weekly. You will be fine.

 

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

So don't get cooepids?

No, still do.

They are just saying how captive-bred Mandarin gobys are better, because they are able to eat other foods, that you will typically feed your tank with.

Even if the mandarin goby doesn't eat the copepods, (which they will), they are still a great part of your CUC.

 

[Biota_Marine Verified Sponsor]

So don't get cooepids?

They aren't 100% necessary but many customers end up buying them so they can eat between feedings especially if you aren't able to feed multiple times a day