Anthias difficult?

[fihsboy]

How hard would it be to hold anthias in a sps tank? I know they like food.....and they are supposedly hard to keep. But I love how pretty they are. Thinking about getting ONE for my 45. no more. just one. I will continue my brine shrimp production in my room.....I make about 5 dry ml of brine shrimp a week....not sure if its enough for an anthias....thats why im asking you guys. Thanks for any help. I dont want to pollute my tank...but im up for a challenge.

[scoop]

They can be very pretty. I don't have one, but I have a friend who keeps one with no issues in a 75. What I've read about the feeding is that they need to be fed frequently, not a lot, but often, more than once per day. If you are very diligent on your maintenance it should be OK.

[crvz]

they're not easy, but if you find a healthy specimen and research those species which are more capable of acclimating to captivity, I wouldnt hesitate at giving it a try.

[Mr.Peanut]

I have also heard that they can be difficult.

[fihsboy]

Well, im going to give it a shot. Just gotta find me one. The lfs that got me interested in them, has them for 100 bucks a piece.....little pricey. Im going to see if my favorite store can order one for me. They are great looking fish. Thanks for the advice guys.

[Mr.Peanut]

Good luck. Post a pic once you get it.

[fihsboy]

It will be a few weeks at least. Running low on cash after buying the Mp40 and a new clean up crew.

[Jadinop]

I have a trio of Bartlett's and a trio of Lyretails in my 150g and another trio of Lyretails in my frag tank. I feed a small amount once per day and have not had any issue keeping these or other species of Anthias in multiple types of tanks. Your best bet is to buy them when they are young and small so they will adapt to your foods and feeding schedule.

Stay away from some of the difficult ones like the Purple Queens or the ones that prefer less lighting like the Sunbursts. I would also avoid the larger ones like the Squarespots for your size tank.

A male lyretail would be a good choice for a single anthias.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...12&pcatid=1512

[fihsboy]

Thanks Jason. You think Justin could get them in? Bioreef had them for 100-120. Didnt want to spend that kind of cash. Plus I wouldnt buy from anyone but justin unless he cant get what I want.

[Jadinop]

Curious what species you were looking at for over $100. I picked up my Bartletts from Bioreef and they were about $25 to $30 each. Last time I was in there they had a good selection of anthias in that price range.

I'm sure Justin can get you whichever ones you want.

[fihsboy]

They were purple yellow and orange. I asked the guy that was cleaning if they were anthias and how much was one.......he said yes 100 bucks. My jaw dropped. okay nevermind! haha.

[trishy711]

I have a Pink Anthias and a Square Box Pink Anthias. I feed them once a day and sometimes everyother day. For a few months i was only feeding once a week too. I never had a problem with them at all and they're in a 110 Gallon mainly SPS mixed Reef.

I have heard some people say that they are hard to keep but then again you don't know what there water Parameters are are and how they keep up on there maintenance. I have pretty much heard all people individually say that every saltwater fish is tough except for Damsels. If your water is where it should be and you feed once a day and don't have any fish in there that will intimidate or stress eachother out then anyone should be fine with keeping any kind of saltwater fish.

HTH

[fihsboy]

Well.....my lfs got me a square anthias today. Going to pick him up when I get off at 6. Woo! Now I just hope my 6 line wrasse and two clowns play nice. Will post pics later.

[fihsboy]

Got him in the tank.......hes hiding behind all the rocks in a cave. I will get a picture if I can. Lights go out at 7:30. Ill do my best!

[quader94]

did you drip acclimate him?

good luck on the anthias!