Mandarin in 15gallon tank?

[djryan2000]

I have a captive bred mandarin that’s going on 4 years old. He’s still pretty small. My ‘main’ tank is 50g and has heavy flow for SPS, making it less than ideal for a Mandy. The Mandy eats prepared foods. I’m considering moving him to his own species tank and filling it with macroalgae species.

I see recommendations for 30g for things like water quality or would a 15g be too small due to their foraging behavior even while he’s still fairly small? I have no doubts I could sustain him with prepared foods in a tank on his own but don’t want to stress him out in a tank that is too small.

Edit to add - this would be a short term bridge to a larger ~30 gal tank.

 

[crazyfishmom]

We need pictures…. Not because of the tank size but because it’s a mandarin and they’re so darn beautiful.

I’ve never had a mandarin but congrats on one that eats prepared foods. Is he doing okay in the main DT? Why move him if he’s been happy and healthy?

 

[asiu0009083]

It's possible, but make sure to feed it 3 + times a day at least. Their metabolism is very fast, so it requires multiple small feedings spread out throughout the day as opposed to big meals every so often. Also, I don't think high flow would matter too much to the mandarin no? Though someone correct me if I'm wrong

 

[djryan2000]

We need pictures…. Not because of the tank size but because it’s a mandarin and they’re so darn beautiful.

I’ve never had a mandarin but congrats on one that eats prepared foods. Is he doing okay in the main DT? Why move him if he’s been happy and healthy?

The main tank has nutrient issues from
The prepared foods + as flow increases I think the mandy would prefer less flow.

Here’s a pic from ~a year and a half ago - he’s hard to get pictures of!

 

[LovinlifeinGuam]

As long as you have at least some rockwork i dont know why he would mind the flow

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have a captive bred mandarin that’s going on 4 years old. He’s still pretty small. My ‘main’ tank is 50g and has heavy flow for SPS, making it less than ideal for a Mandy. The Mandy eats prepared foods. I’m considering moving him to his own species tank and filling it with macroalgae species.

I see recommendations for 30g for things like water quality or would a 15g be too small due to their foraging behavior even while he’s still fairly small? I have no doubts I could sustain him with prepared foods in a tank on his own but don’t want to stress him out in a tank that is too small.

Edit to add - this would be a short term bridge to a larger ~30 gal tank.

Should be fine as this is a 20g tank with less height. Just assure good water quality and plenty of food source

 

[James M]

15 gallon is way too small for a mandarin, They are constantly moving around looking for food in a tank.