stocking my tank

I currently have a 38 gallon tank with:65 watt PC's, a rio 200 for flow, a bak pak cyclone skimmer, 47lbs LR, 40lbs LS, and 2 perculas. I want a mandarin. Does anyone have any ideas on what to stock it with? (corals,fish,inverts, everything!!!) Thank you!!!!

 

Ok, there is a problem I see. Mandarins are very picky eaters, most of the time only eating the micro fauna in the tank. For most, because of this, a mature tank is required because a stable population of copepods is needed. I would really make sure you know what you are getting into before getting a mandarin. My tank is almost 4 years old, and here is my story. I have 2 dragonets (similar to mandarins eating habits) The two that I have only survived because they also eat prepared foods, but the other one died after a few months when the copepod population declined too much.

 

Skip the Mandarin's IMO, especially for your tank being so new!
I would go with one of the other, more hardy, fish for your tank to start!
How many of the 65watt PC's do you have for the tank?
beginner corals, inverts and reef fish-I would check on line if you don't have any good books that address this issue for ya!
Alot of good websites to help you with stocking questions regarding husbandry, lighting, water quality and compatability!!!!

 

Yes, skip the Mandarin. You need a large established tank, at least 90g plus with a refuge and lots of live rock and a very large established pod population to keep these fish alive. Its unfortunate that fish stores still sell these fish, because most die in captivity.