Packleader's 40 gallon thread

Oh yes. I have 4 different kinds in my tank now. Theres so many different varieties it will be hard knowing when to stop ;D There getting to be a PITA though, just because of how quickly they spread in my tank to how they are to frag. From what I have heard there will soon be kenya's all over my tank too :
Anyone know if there's any inherent risks of keeping the kenya's within close proximity of the zoa's? I'm pretty sure there isn't, except maybe some light competition, but just wanna make sure...

 

looking awesome..

 

Thanks for the info mission. I knew they reproduced by dropping buds, but had no idea they did it due to stress

 

*Mandarin Goby*

Big news guys. Friday I was given a Mandarin as a rescue project. It was in a tank for about a month and had gotten skinny. I was still unsure of it, but have always wanted one. So I went ahead and took it. And now it has started a whole "project" if you will, which I will log here.

Biggest issue: food. I am sure it was not getting pods. While my tank has a almost insane amount of pods, I was unsure as to its long-term sustainability with a fish like a Mandarin, specially since I am not running a sump/fuge.
Solution: I have set-up a standalone system fully dedicated to culturing pods. System includes a few 5 gallon buckets, each with airstones. Buckets are filled about 1/3 of the way, and inside is a "pad" of sponge (the type of sponge that resembles a crumpled up fishing net). Pods will be able to be harvested in a controlled way as-needed, while still being able to leave some in to reproduce. Of course a fuge is on its way (I have been working on that even before this regardless of mandarin owning, and its near-ready), but even then, the stand alone system should prove a much more reliable, repeatable solution to a garuanteed heavy population.
I have also already found a few prepared foods it is taking. Mostly, flying fish roe (if you think buying pods is exopensive try buying that). It is also taking brine with spirulina and mysis.

After 24 hours, I have already noticed a turn for the better. Its colors are much better, it is much more active, and it appears to already be gaining some of its weight back. It is happily cruising the rock picking off pods, slurping the fish roe, and even joined in at feeding time to take some brine/spirulina and mysis.

I know some have been having long term success with these, so any input is appreciated. I will be keeping this situation updated as I go, in addition to the regular tank updates.

 

Nice looking tank Packleader!

 

very cool looking Mandarin! I wish you luck with it!!!!!!

 

Thanks! I know my tank is smaller than recommended, but I hope the combination of the massive amount of rock I have, along with being able to actually cultivate pods in an exclusive system, it will more than make up for my small issues. Its a unique situation too. I am 100% sure it would have not survived previously, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to give it my best try.

 

I'm happy to hear you are trying to save it! I wish I could have saved mine, but I'll tell ya, I'm not sure if I could have sustained one. My pods aren't like they used to be. I haven't been seeing them like I was at one time. I think I might need to put in some more cheato into the fuge. I know my fish liked eating them. Let us know how goes with the culturing of the pods! I might buy some off ya if you end up with too many!

 

From what I have studied, it seems like culturing the pods is a pretty easy thing to do. Fairly similar to culturing rotifers. But, I shall see! Its definitely going to be an adventure!