Anthias Questions

[happyclam]

Are Lyretail Anthias really that difficult to keep, or is it you just have to meet there basic requirements and they'll be fine? I am new to the hobby, but after seeing them all the time in books and mags, I started to get anthia fever. I was thinking about including a group of 1 male and 5 females to my 135 gal (72"long * 18"wide * 24" tall) fish stocking scheme (when I finish the tank). I was planning on feeding 3 times daily during the week and 4 times daily weekends with Cyclop-Eeze (I also have an EcoSystem Refugium, which I think would help supplement its diet). Sound O.K.?

 

[Znut Reefer]

I have 5 females and 1 male Lyretails in my 550. I've had them almost 2 mos. Great fish!

I feed mine 3 times a day during the week. And 4 times a day on weekends. I would recommend you fed them mysis, and frozen brine. I don't think Cyclop-Eeze will keep them happy or healthy.
But this is my forst time owning these type of fish.

 

[cwoods8]

you did your homework...........i like your feeding regiment!
hardest thing with keeping anthias alive is proper feeding (in the wild constantly feeding on zooplankton).....3 times a day....perfect......can also get by with 2.

 

[Deyoe1118]

I have 2 lyretails (one just passed) and 2 disbars in my 110. They eat everything from frozen to flake. Feed often as they are crazy when I feed, zipping across the tank. Some people have trouble others don't. I think they are easy fish to care for as long as you do you research...

 

[Znut Reefer]

Thanks cwoods8 I sure hope I can keep them happy. They love brine and mysis. I add Garlic extreme every other day. I plan to order some selcon soon.

 

[happyclam]

So a diet of Cyclop-Eeze, frozen Mysis, and frozen brine shrimp should be O.K.? Has anyone been able to keep there anthias exclusivly on pellet/ flake food? Also, I was looking on the internet and it said that Bartlet anthias are hardier than Lyretail anthias, is this true, or are they the same care wise?

 

[cwoods8]

Znut.......Nice!

Happyclam..........that should be just fine

Bartlett's are the easier of the species to take care of.....if parameters are right....practically indestructible....can get quite pugnacious though..(mine chase all new comers)

 

[happyclam]

Also, one more question. If I have to leave for the weekend, say to see my family, would they be O.K.? I quess what I am trying to say is, can Anthias go a few days without food, especially if you have refugium with pods as the main filter for the tank? (I was thinking that the copepods that get flushed in to the tank from the refuge might help tide them over when there hungry? Are there any some what "peaceful" anthias? I was wondering about a group of Carberryi anthias because they sound more peaceful (I wanted to keep them with a group of Flasher wrasses as well.)
and I liked how pastel their colors were. These sound a little harder to keep, but are they still within the range of a beginnig hobbyist?