how many green chromis

codydemmel4

codydemmel4

Active member
so i want to add some green chromis eventually to my 180 gallon setup (right now it is cycling :( ) I am wondering what would be a good number to add, I was thinking on adding around 5-6. What do you guys think as I saw that some kill eachother off.
 
Well... you could add 7-9 taking into account some will die off. However, I would STRONGLY suggest quarantining them for a full 2-months as they are very prone to Uronema Marinum.
 
Brieninsac said:
Well... you could add 7-9 taking into account some will die off. However, I would STRONGLY suggest quarantining them for a full 2-months as they are very prone to Uronema Marinum.
Click to expand...

What he said. If you cannot properly quarantine, do not buy any.
 
snorvich said:
What he said. If you cannot properly quarantine, do not buy any.
Click to expand...

well I cannot properly quarantine for 2 months but the LFS close to me fully quarantines and the fish are kept in copper treated tanks.

I was going to do the drip acclimation and then add them to the tank knowing the process the lfs goes through.
 
7 seems like a reasonable number to me.

They will do best if fed several times a day, especially when small. Many wither away because owners don't respect their metabolism.
 
codydemmel4 said:
well I cannot properly quarantine for 2 months but the LFS close to me fully quarantines and the fish are kept in copper treated tanks.

I was going to do the drip acclimation and then add them to the tank knowing the process the lfs goes through.
Click to expand...

No LFS properly quarantines. Keeping their fish in copper is the worst possible situation.
 
I've only read about a few people keeping a group long term. Most people fail. They tend to disappear in reverse order of dominance, i.e. the least dominant going first and so on down the line. You might end up with a belligerent pair if you're lucky. Also, they are very aggressive feeders which can out compete less aggressive species. The only chance you have to maintain a group is to feed almost constantly and this can cause water quality problems. Finally, they won't shoal unless they feel threatened. I've toyed with the idea of maintaining a group of them many times because they are pretty but the reality of the low likelihood of success has prevented me from doing so.
 
I wouldnt stress over the number; whatever the initial number you'll soon have zero. Chromis are the single least hardy thing I've ever seen anyone try to keep in a saltwater aquarium. Disposable fish, but at least priced accordingly :)
 
I'm not sure why some can keep them w/out issues at all and some can't.
I have had several groupings in different tanks over the years w/out any issues at all, same 6 for 6 years in one tank, that was my 180g as well.
I totally agree they really should be QT'd but then that goes for all fish really.
 
I have one with my two clowns and the clowns keep him in check. Keep in mind one used to be two lol

Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
 
I think a great many times chromis death is due to poor handling and also their vulnerability to uronema, and people may assume the picking of each other off.
I know far too many reef keepers that keep them and never have issues.
Once given the opportunity to be in a tank w/ good lighting and health is not compromised, and you get to see the green and blue color shifting they are much nicer than most give credit for.
The mix of that blue green w/ my anthias as they often group w/ each other is such a nice splash of colorful life to my tank, it's just become a standard for me.
 
You might try a small flock of azures---they stay small, (under 4") and will group. They're chrysipteras, which are the mildmannered damsels. I'd say you could have that many in a 180, and they'd be both active and quite bright blue. They don't have the uronema incidence that the chromis are coming in with.
 
A group of 11+ seems to be the number for long term success. Any less you usually see them kill each other off till only 1 remains
 
gallegos said:
A group of 11+ seems to be the number for long term success. Any less you usually see them kill each other off till only 1 remains
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I appreciate all the insight guys. I am interested in learning more about them sticking together, I know they won't school in a tank but having them swim close I think would be awesome.

Where do you get the number 11 from?
 
EMeyer said:
I wouldnt stress over the number; whatever the initial number you'll soon have zero. Chromis are the single least hardy thing I've ever seen anyone try to keep in a saltwater aquarium. Disposable fish, but at least priced accordingly :)
Click to expand...

No fish are 'disposable'.
If you do not have respect for living things then this may not be the hobby for you.
 
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