Mandarin question

[micki]

My pair of mandarins seem to be both males.  (one finally grew up    )  At this point they don't fight but certainly stay on opposite ends of the tank.  I'm thinking about adding 2 females.  Does anyone have thoughts as to what may happen?  I of course would hope they pair up but I've never talked to anyone in this situation.  As for pods for them to feed on...I'm sure I have plenty in my system but now we have a local supplier   and I will add more from time to time.    Any thoughts???

[TechGuy]

How big is your tank? Mine have put a pretty big hit on my pods. Atleast I can suplement now.

[micki]

My DS tank is 125 but the entire system holds 245 gallons of water.

[TechGuy]

Mine is a 120 with a 40G sump. Here in the next few weeks it should be a 125 sump I hope.

[UDJustin]

I would say your system is way too small for four

[micki]

I would say your system is way too small for four

Because of a food source?

[jd]

I would say your system is way too small for four

I think I'm going to have to agree. Why not trade in one male for a female?

[micki]

What is the reason you think it's too small?  Is that based on not enough pods?  As for catching one that would be the best solution but they aren't out in the open much so catching them will be tricky, not that I'm not willing to try.

[TechGuy]

Yeah good luck catching it.

Not enough food. They will eat more pods, than your tank will produce. Unless you don't mind buying them, and I don't. Thats what I do.

[micki]

I'm fine to buy then but I also have 50 gallons of refuge space that is loaded with pods. 

[UDJustin]

they will out eat your population of pods with out supplementing, they need space to set up territories, even if you do supplement how do you know you will be supplementing enough, if you dont they will fight and eventually kill one another. Even if they are a mated pair they will fight for food sources

[jd]

Have you tried training them to eat prepared food?

[rayviv]

Hey Micki, If your male is not too large I'll take one off your hands if the price is right. I need to replace the male that died. I was very disappointed; They were really paired up; always together; like side by side.

[micki]

Ray, sorry to hear you lost one...  If I can catch him we could do that.  I'm not sure that is possible though...  

[micki]

So I got more pods today and put them in the tank with a pipett.  The mandarins actually came up to the pipette and ate from there.  It was pretty cool!!!  Thanks again Justin! 

[rayviv]

Ray, sorry to hear you lost one...  If I can catch him we could do that.  I'm not sure that is possible though...  

Micki, If you want I'll be looking for a 'pair' and maybe get them at a better price if you want and then you can have a pair with a male to spare.

[Aquatic Specialists]

That is really cool! I'm gonna have to try that.