Anthias Question

[Cutiewitbooty]

How come anthias need such a big tank. Some species only get around 3" so why do they need a 120 or larger tank? I just have always wondered about that

 

[steveo32]

I think it alot to d owith that tang thing. They need lots of swiming space. Plus they do better in a harem so for a a nice size harem you would need a bigger tank for them to swim around and ht at could handle the bioload.

 

[Cutiewitbooty]

i thought that most do best in in a tro, i would think that 3, 3" fish could go in a 30 gal up tank, but i can see if they need alot of swimming room.

 

[billyzbear]

Mine are always out swimming. I think you can have a sqaureback in a 30g not sure though. You mite want to try a flasher wrasse or other wrasses, I have a coral beauty in with corals with no problems.

 

[john37]

anthias need more feedings and therefore create more waste. more bioload on a small tank is nooooo good.

 

[SDguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6836212#post6836212 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by john37
anthias need more feedings and therefore create more waste. more bioload on a small tank is nooooo good.

I agree. I think this is one case where the size of the tank is determined by the feedings, not the fish's size.

 

[Cutiewitbooty]

ahhhhhh i see So as long as you can control your nitrates ect it would probally be ok so a smaller species? I'm not saying i want one, i'm just cerious, like in my tank i feed really heavy because i have a sun coral so it would probally work, but not in most small tanks.

 

[tom obrecht]

I'd agree to some extent. Yes anthias sp do need to be fed regularly throughout the day, but also keep in mind that these are schooling fish and they are best kept in numbers. IMO the reason you need a larger tank is the ability to divert the pecking order of the clan. A few fish in a smaller tank will probably result in a slow demise of the smaller, "lower on the pole" fish. Not that I know everything but I have found that having a larger tank with more fish results in less fighting amongst the fish school.

 

[john37]

go with a sunburst anthias, they dont school and i think they're one of the most beautiful anthias.
fairly shy though.

 

[Cutiewitbooty]

Yeah i like thoes and my LFS has one, but i'm not sure if i actually want an anthias.