Orange Dimond question stocking

[King Venom]

Hey,
Can you house multiple orange diamonds together I want to put 4-6 into my 4-4-2 to keep the sand nice and white, it's open plan rock work so bommies and the odd clam or 10.
Thanks Graeme.

 

[CedzAquAddictio]

Normally they will fight eachother...

Besides... All they do is sift sand. If you had 4-6, and they didn't fight, they'd starve eachother out...

You'd be alright with 1 in that size tank...

 

[ilikefish34]

I would do a pair at most. Two would keep your sand bed plenty clean but they will, as already stated, clean out your sand bed of invert life as well so you'll have to take that into account. My single one was enough to maintain the look I wanted in my 180. I tried a pair but one was a jumper. Regardless of whether you go with a single or a pair, you'll need to supplement their diet with quality pellets or frozen (mysis or blood worms). Also, qt with prazipro since they are prone to internal parasites. Good luck1

 

[Dmorty217]

I wouldn't do it they will fight for sure and the ones that get picked on the most you will find dried up on your floor because they will jump out. My buddy has one in his 125g and 1 keeps his sand spotless, I think you would be surprised what one would do for your tank. Get a conch and a diamond goby if your really worried it can't get the job done

 

[King Venom]

I'm running 30 Nassari Snails lol, no hermits, some
Trochus snails wanting a strombus or 2, an the sand sifter. Maybe a couple of brittle stars, I'm running a heavy clean up crew due to my stocking mainly the 15 Anthias, Mimic Tang, Jardini tang.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

Have you ever owned one before? One will sift an amazing amount of sand. 1 is plenty for a standard 180. Only get two if they are a bonded pair... if you just pick two up, they will probably fight.

 

[King Venom]

I havent had orange diamonds only a twin spot an the substrate was to big for him so it did what it could.

 

[ilikefish34]

Are you using the same size substrate as with the Twin Spot? I would stick to the fine aragonite or smaller. Also, I would be concerned about that many snails and having a mass starve off. A heavy fish load is fine (to a degree) but you need to account for that with good nutrient export (something the CUC doesn't touch) with a quality skimmer, refugium and frequent, but small, water changes. I assume to are using the CUC to keep up with excess food, and for that, the goby or pair should be fine. If not, then it's way toooooo much food. Frequent feedings does not mean lots of uneaten food. Good Luck.