Dragonet...29g DT, 29g fuge?

I'm working on setting up my 29g tank again(reef tank this time)...it's coming along slowly. With the new setup, I want to accommodate a manderin dragonet in about 8 months to a yr(after setup).

I know most people say not to have a dragonet in a smaller tank because their aren't enough pods being cultured to sustain the fish. So...with this new setup I was thinking about adding in another 29g, to use as a refugium. I have planned for a 10g including a 3g fuge, but I could just make that into extra space for my return.

Would this idea work? I plan on getting one from ORA that is supposed to accept pellet foods & I'm still trying to think of a place to put this 29g fuge..

 

Seano - it seems that even the ORA Mandarins are hit and miss with feeding.

I think with a giant refugium like that, and having a tank setup for the length you specified will ensure your best shot.

I would say it also depends on your other inhabitants as to how well the mandarin would do.

 

I would try and avoid other pod eaters in the tank like wrasses. A well stocked fuge with tons of algae should be your aim.

 

Thanks. Other fish will only be a coral beauty angel & 2 yellow stripe clingfish.

I guess I should stock the fuge with plenty of chaeto & about 60-90lbs of aragonite sand.

 

Good plan

 

With your plan and a little bit of luck I think you can do this!

 

It might just work! lots of macro in the refugium. Keep pods stocked, etc... Id try hard to look for one that'll eat mysis as a backup. What type of mandain are you planning on purchasing?

 

i have one in a 29g biocube, even when i first started and it was going good untill my gbta ate it, i believe i got lucky though because it ate anything i put in thier.

 

Sorry to hear that, man. I'm not sure if I want an anemone. Id I do, I'll get one small & not until the tank is established. The larger nems can be pretty mean.

 

I can't decided yet. I like the red mandarin, the red scooter dragonet, as well as the spotted mandarin.

Dragonets