I didn't comment on the prawn cycle as I haven't cycled a tank for years and have only live rock, following your results and they look good, how many days for the prawn do you think you would recommend, I'm thinking 2 or 3 days would be enough?
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I'm following the template of a good friend who has a VERY cool setup, 200 gallons total volume counting sump, about 18 months old now. It seems as though there isnt a stupid rigid rule when it comes to when to take it out, I just waited for my ammonia to be at the highest reading on my test kit, and then removed it. This equated to about 3 days for my tank. The water was also suuuuuuper cloudy. I think it would just depend on your tank size, obviously a bigger tank would need more time. I was also adding MicroBacter7 daily with the instructions on the bottle.I didn't comment on the prawn cycle as I haven't cycled a tank for years and have only live rock, following your results and they look good, how many days for the prawn do you think you would recommend, I'm thinking 2 or 3 days would be enough?
I have Ora Mandarin that eats frozen 2 twice a day and pecs for pods all day. I seeded a refugium and created rock "pod" hotels in my display. I also cultivate pods and phyto in separate containers. Like you I started with the intention of keeping this fish. A month after set up, using Dr. Tims and ammonia, I bought the Algae Barn Refugium set up kit and dumped 4 additional bottles of 5280 pods in the system. I add cultivated pods every week. My tank was running for 4 months total and 3 months since after adding the pods before I put the Mandarin in. The pods were very noticeable on the glass at that time. Good luck.
My tank's only downside is I cant seem to keep macros alive.
I ultimately decided to build a chamber in the AIO part of my tank, and attach a light to the backside. I ordered my parts today, and will post some pics when they come in. All that I'm waiting for is for Algaebarn to replenish their stock and I will also buy some sort of starter kit that includes pods and clean chaeto. They are currently sold out of their chaeto products
How big is your tank, and are there any other fish? I had really thought about getting 2 mandarins and no other fish, but it seems like the pod consumption might be a little bit too much to manage. Also, do you have any pics of your setups for your pods? Pretty sure I'm going to have to go that route as well, so I'd love to see what's working for you if you don't mind. And lastly, how long has your mandarin been in your tank now?
A friend of mine has a 200 gallon system, 160 DT and 40 gallon sump. He currently has 3 mandarins, along with quite a few other fish, and they seem to do well. His tank is ~18months old though. What blows my mind is he also has a bare bottom tank, which I thought would hurt his pod populations overall, but I guess that's not the case when you have a huge total volume.I have a 54 Gallon Red Sea Reefer with a larger aftermarket sump.
my fish right now are
2 clowns
Lawnmower Blenny
Diamond watchman goby
Coral Beauty Angel
and CUC of crabs and snails.
This is what I went to after a ugly Diy system for the culturing.
My Mandarin has been in my tank since early May. I want a second Mandarin but not until I upgrade. At that point I hope to have 200 gallons. I wouldn't be comfortable with 2 in such a small tank with out fish potentially eating pods too.
A friend of mine has a 200 gallon system, 160 DT and 40 gallon sump. He currently has 3 mandarins, along with quite a few other fish, and they seem to do well. His tank is ~18months old though. What blows my mind is he also has a bare bottom tank, which I thought would hurt his pod populations overall, but I guess that's not the case when you have a huge total volume.