Refugium for copepod propagation Fluval Evo

[EEE1986]

I have seen many examples of Fluval Evo 13.5 tanks that have had a rear chamber turned into a refugium and am considering doing the same for my aquarium. I am not so interested in bringing nutrients down as nitrates are usually <10 and phosphates generally <0.1 in my tank but am interested in being able to propagate copepods in order to sustain a green mandarin. The tank is 7 months old and I have been dosing it with pods periodically since starting it. About a month ago an LFS associate convinced me to purchase a mandarin which I now regret. I have dosed Pods at least twice and and even a rotifer culture since introducing her. I even managed to entyce her into eating TDO pellets but she still can't seem to keep on weight. I know at least some of these pods are living as I see them on the glass but was wondering whether a chamber 2 refugium would be more effective at supporting a pod population that I can seed a pod hotel in and then place in my tank for the mandarin to enjoy. Your thoughts on this would be appreciated.

 

[Fish Fan]

Hello!

I'm not an expert on Mandarin Goby care, but I do aspire to a pair in my next build (a 150 gallon).

Honestly, a Fluval 13 is quite a small tank for your Mandarin. The old school of thought is that these fish need a large population of copepods, so they are generally recommended for larger tanks (40 gallons+) where they can't just eat all the 'pods in a short period of time. However, forgetting about the 'pods, these are active fish, always on the lookout for a copepod. I believe they need more room than a Fluval 13, and I would be skeptical of a fish store that told you this was a good idea. You may need to find a new fish store

I am also fairly certain you got a wild caught fish. The captive raised Mandarins from Biota Marine are much more well accustomed to life in a fish tank, and they eat a wide variety of foods including prepared foods, even pellets. They are not strictly copepod consumers.

To answer your question more directly, I would bring this fish back to your fish store. It's thin because it's not getting enough food, and I (personally, just my opinion) don't think having 'pods growing in your back chamber will be enough to support this fish long-term in this tank.

But yes, you can turn your back filter section into something of a 'pod 'fuge, they don't need a light or anything special, just some rock rubble they can live on, and a safe space free of predators like a Mandarin goby.

I hope that helps and good luck!