Mixing Anthias?

[Poseidon]

Hi Lee,

I have a couple Lyre Tail anthias in my 90 gallon SPS Reef, I started with a male and 2 females, but lost one female.

Anyway, I would really like to add 1 more female Lyre Tail to make a trio again, but I would also like to add another trio of a different species. Originally I was thinking of a trio of flame Wrasse, but now I am thinking that a trio of Bartletts, or Carberryi Anthias might be better for me.

Anyway, has anyone tried to keep a total of 6 Anthias in a 90, with some 6 other fish? I know that would be pushing the bio load quite a bit, but with the 80 gallons of sump in the basement, and a MSX-2S skimmer cranking, I have have the filtration to keep the water very clear!

I look forward to hearing your ideas on this plan, and worst case, I could always settle for more Lyre Tails....

Thanks!

[Poseidon]

Here a recent full tank shot, I keep most of the live rock in the sump:

[Reefland]

I just love the Anthias, Mike!

[leebca]

You have a very attractive tank AND as I would expect, you take a very good photo of it! ;)

I have seen multiple Anthias together in large tanks. Part of the 'trick' was to overstock the tank with fishes. In the 'confusion' of so many fishes, the Anthias' seemed to tolerate each other well.

The system size isn't as significant in such a choice as the landscaping. The landscaping encourages the fish to herd into only about half the tank. Since this fish likes open areas, that means they will be pushed together at one end of the tank.

This can work to the benefit of the experience noted above, or it could cause even more problems. I think you have about a 50/50 chance of success.

If you want to go forward and try, then I would quarantine the next group of Anthias together and introduce them at the same time to the display. Their impact on the bioload is not heavy, but I would still closely monitor ammonia and nitrite for the first few days. I don't like adding a large group of fishes to any system at one time.

[Seige]

I have seen multiple Anthias together in large tanks. Part of the 'trick' was to overstock the tank with fishes. In the 'confusion' of so many fishes, the Anthias' seemed to tolerate each other well.

Lee,

Is that why LFS's get away with overstocking. I go in all the time and see 20 6"-8" tangs in a 70g or 50 1"-1.5" damsels of various types in a 20g.

Just wondering...

[leebca]

In part, that is true. The LFS also doesn't expect to keep the fish there long (they want to move fishes). The LFS doesn't care about a few losses. Keep in perspective that the collector gets a few pennies for the fish, the exporter $1 and the wholesaler gets $8. and the LFS tries to get $50. So the LFS can afford to lose a couple of the $8 fishes and still come out way ahead in business.

[Poseidon]

Thanks Lee! I got my replacement Female Lyre tail today, she has been at the LFS for about a month and looks fat and happy.

I will update this thread as I progress, if I get the additional fish.

[Seige]

In part, that is true. The LFS also doesn't expect to keep the fish there long (they want to move fishes). The LFS doesn't care about a few losses. Keep in perspective that the collector gets a few pennies for the fish, the exporter $1 and the wholesaler gets $8. and the LFS tries to get $50. So the LFS can afford to lose a couple of the $8 fishes and still come out way ahead in business.

Ya that makes sense. It is odd though when they have 3 empty tanks right next to it. Basically they don't care...