Mandarin Goby

Question
QUESTION: I have a 24 Gal Nano set up for 4 months.  It has 35 lb live rock, some xenia, feather duster worm, small red-beard scallop, 2 small red leg hermit crabs, one red scooter goby, 2 oceallis clown's, 1 small six line wrasse and a small yellow tail damsel.  I bought 3 bottles of codepods to feed the mandarin, but am not certain if they are reproducing in the tank. Also when I do water changes, aren't many code pods thrown away with the water? How can I assure they are multiplying to keep the Mandarin Goby well fed?
Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Vicki

Unfortunately your tank will not be able to sustain a mandarin for longer than a couple a of months.  You will need need at least a 50g tank with at least 100lbs of one year old live rock.  You will need no copepod predators - this includes the sixline which should only be attempted in tanks together with mandarins in tanks with several hundred lbs of live rock.  

I highly suggest you return the mandarin to the store or give/sell it to another reefer.  You will also need to get rid of the red scooter blenny as these are from the same family as the mandarin and have similar requirements.

Please do consider what I have said for the sake of the fish and please thoroughly research any future purchases and do not impulse buy.

Kind Regards

Michael

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Michael:
I am sad to hear that this fish has been stressed and put into danger! The LFS swore both of them would be fine in my tank.  Also this location (FreshMarine.com - Green Mandarin Goby - Pterosynchiropus splendidus - Buy Cheap Striped Mandarinfish at Wholesale)says they only need 20 gal tank but of course they are selling the fish!  I do try to research but am finding I need to dig deeper than 'store expertise'. Thanks for the feed back and I will try to return the fish since I don't know anyone with a tank large enough for him.

Answer
Hi Vicki

Members of the Synchiropus genus (mandarins and scooter blennys etc) really only need a 20g tank.  The only problem with this, is that more importantly, the need over 100lbs of established live rock per specimen.  This cannot fit into a 20g tank.

Also, always bear in mind that the store will always to try sell which makes their advice fairly moot.  It is always best to get independent advice before purchasing.

Kind Regards

Michael