yeah your right there.

i have a few more questions for you guys....

what is everyones expiriences with green mandarins? i have a 20 gallon diy sump/refugium to satisfy their need for copepods but there will also be a leopard wrasse who will eat them. any advice? should i go for it or stay away?

also, i plan on using koralias for flow. what combination of numbers and different models (1,2,3,4) should i use to create enough flow for sps?

Any one natural competitor for pods will cut your tank size in half, effectively, as far as the Mandarin is concerned.

My 75g has 2 refugiums that are about 45g's combined and have tons of pods. I have a Bipartitus and Ornate Leopard Wrasse and also a Scooter Dragonette. The Scooter was fat when I got him and has continued to lose weight. I am going to catch the Scooter and return him very soon.

Some Mandarins can be taught to eat prepared foods but not many. Most Leopard Wrasses will eat prepared foods but will also constantly forage for live pods and will out compete Madarins, overall.

In general, I'd say no to having a Mandarin with any pod competitor such as a Leopard Wrasse. Maybe in a 180-220g with just one competitor.

Try using some patience and get to know your LFS guy and wait for a Mandarin that will eat prepared foods or keep one in QT and try to convert it yourself.

do two or three koralia 3`s sound like enough flow in the tank to keep sps?