Setting up a saltwater aquarium can feel like assembling a small life-support system while learning an entirely new vocabulary. Return pumps, biological filtration, salinity, cycling, live rock—it is a lot to take in at once. An all-in-one aquarium makes the process easier by placing the filtration chambers directly behind the display. There is no separate sump underneath the tank, much of the equipment stays hidden, and the plumbing is usually minimal.

The Mandarin dragonet is one of the most recognizable fish in the saltwater aquarium hobby. Its maze of blue, green, and orange markings looks almost too elaborate to be real. Unfortunately, good looks have gotten plenty of Mandarins into trouble. They are peaceful, stay fairly small, and appear easy to care for—but feeding one properly can be a serious challenge. Before bringing one home, the aquarist needs more than a reef tank. They need a feeding plan.