Requirements to own a dragonet mandarin

[Miami Reef]

My tank is mature, but I’m not sure is I have a copepod population. I see them in my filter socks.
Any way, what does it take to own these fish?

 

[HNR]

A decent sized tank with a fuge and no other pod seeking fish (wrasses mainly). I do not think they're as difficult as people say and as long as you have a fuge and a tank thats a decent size and they're the only thing hunting pods you should be fine from seeing other people's successes. The issue is when you dont have a fuge, or youve got a bunch of pod eaters in there with them, or if your fuge/tank is too small. Then its extremely difficult.

 

[HNR]

I will also say that the larger your tank, the less these factors matter. For example I have seen a guy with multiple dragonets along with wrasses doing well, but his display was a 180 and his fuge was at least 20 gallons.

 

[jsvand5]

Mainly just need a good sized tank. I have 2 in my 210g with multiple leopard wrasses and no fuge. They have definitely gained weight since I purchased them.

 

[SighKenny]

Mainly just need a good sized tank. I have 2 in my 210g with multiple leopard wrasses and no fuge. They have definitely gained weight since I purchased them.

hey i personally bought a scooter blenny today in my 90g with a 24" x 12" x 16" sump
do you think ill be fine to get a wrasse as well? i bought pods when i started my tank 2 months ago and just got the blenny today

 

[Miami Reef]

I don’t have a refugium though. I have an aqua clear filter 50. How can I make a refugium with little space?

Are refugiams mandatory for dragonets?

 

[Phil D.]

Also, you could see if your LFS has mandarins that eat frozen. I've had my mandarin for years now, (see my avatar pic), and he gobbles up brine, mysis and fish eggs. I have an E-260 and he's decimated the pods also. I add pods once a month. He's happy and very active.