Sunset Anthias

[curlykid]

:wave:I recently purchased a sunset anthias from live aquaria. It arrived yesterday looking perfect, and I drip acclimated it for 3+ hours. In the tank, he was getting along with his tank-mates and eating multiple times. This morning he was half eaten under a rock. Live aquaria is sending another fish Monday, and I've set up a QT for it with a 5 gal. rubber-maid, HOB filter, and heater. I plan on getting a few PVC pipes for hiding spots and feed 3 or more times a day. I also will dose the proper copper regimen. Are there any flaws in this plan, anything I can do to make the anthias more happy?

 

[CarlC]

Why would you be dosing copper?

Carl

 

[curlykid]

just to be sure that he doesn't get any ick or other diseases. Just want to be safe.

 

[curlykid]

So I'm guessing this is a pretty good plan. Anyways, I'll update once I get the little beaut.

 

[GreatReefs]

these fish are small and sensitive. I wouldn't mess with copper with it.
Copper is a strong ingredient. It would be best to buy a floating container you can put him in inside your tank until he is acclimated. The reason is they smell foreign and like food when you first add them. Keep him in there for atleast 3-5 days.

 

[curlykid]

well, everyone on nano-reef said that that would just cause the fish more stress. I think I'll do that though.

 

[drwilliams.52]

I really don't see a problem with the qt tank and the hiding places. I just don't think I'd do the copper unless it was totally needed. I've never, placed a separate container in my tank for a new fish before, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. I learned the hard way about putting new fish in a qt tank before going in the display. Either way, good luck and let us know how it works out.

 

[SDahmer]

Quarantine, just don't use Cu.

 

[CarlC]

QT it in something that you'll be able to see the fish. Hold off on any treatments until the fish is eating to give it time to build up it's immune system.

Carl

 

[stunreefer]

+1 to Carls statement above.

Get it nice and fat, readily accepting prepared foods. You might treat with prazi for internal parasites and flukes (I do FW dip to check for flukes first). If you run Copper, use Cupramine as it's pretty safe compared to other means.

Acclimation containers work great, but you want to ensure the fish is fat and ready for it first. Sure, dropping the newcomer in there will stress him out a bit, but much moreso for a "freshly" acquired fish. It's much better to use the container so your existing fish see it rather than toss right in and let them beat the crap out of it immediately.

 

[curlykid]

Well, I don't think I'll be able to do the QT because my wife is freaking out about how it's "her space" and "her kitchen" where I'll be putting the QT, is a space she doesn't use at all. Can anyone convince her?

 

[stunreefer]

LOL, GL with that!

QT's can be small, set one up in a closet or something "out of sight" and keep it running... it'll save lives

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

Yeah, QT in a 10g tank from petsmart theyre like $13. Also no need to acclimate for 3+ hours, keep it under an hour.

 

[curlykid]

She agreed, because I told her it was temporary. I'm getting an AC 30 today because the HOB I had raised the temp to almost 87F. Wish me luck on the fishy! I hope he won't cause a cycle because I added tank water.

 

[curlykid]

I just got the fish. But, it seems as though they sent me a super-male maldives lyretail. We'll see if it is a sunset, I'm not 100% sure yet.

 

[curlykid]

It's a confirmed squamippinis (hope I spelled that right) and I love him, he's already eating mysis. I'm going to try baby brine tomorrow

 

[sedor]

Also no need to acclimate for 3+ hours, keep it under an hour.

+1 3+ hours is LOOOONG acclimation, especially after a 24 hour shipping trip. When it comes to acclimating longer is not always better because keep in mind that during this period you have no flow, usually no heat, and a small amount of water being filled with ammonia as time passes.

 

[curlykid]

I took what you guys said and the little guy seemed a little less stressed than the other one.

 

[CarlC]

What size tank is your display? You mentioned the nano forum earlier.

Carl

 

[curlykid]

that's why I'm kinda worried to keep this specific species, my tank is 30 gallons. There are a lot of hiding places and very good swimming room, but I may have to upgrade sooner than I expected. The little guy seems to like baby brine and mysis. But, I can't find a pet store that carries cyclop-eeze.