How many lyretail in 150gal

[Kmsutows]

So after searching high and low for ventralis anthias to no avail I think I'm going to just go with lyretails. That and dealing with the difficulty not being able to get a copperband to eat anything at all makes me hesitate on holding out for ventralis.

That being said, how many lyretail do you suggest in a 150? Currently, I have a yellow tang, hippo tang, marine Betta, copperband, 6 line wrasse and a trio of chromis. I'd like a large group.

 

[CastAway]

I have four in a 60" 150. I think it could hold 6-8!

 

[Kmsutows]

Thanks! Do they get along or single one out? I was hoping to actually get 6-8

 

[eatbreakfast]

Larger numbers diffuse aggression within the group. 6-8 should be fine. Frequent feedings and high flow in the top 1/3 of the tank also cuts down on aggression.

 

[davocean]

Yeah I'd have at least 5, that's what I have in my 120g right now, and actually plan on adding a group of dispar or carberryi's to that mix as well

 

[Kmsutows]

Ive been going crazy trying to find ventralis but this copperband being a pain to get to eat makes me think this is best maybe one day. Thanks for the replies

 

[davocean]

Well ventrallis can be pretty finicky, usually best to QT and feed w/out competition stress, then after transfer to display, and even then they are a bit sensitive and not the easiest to keep.

As for your CBB, maybe try blackworms or open face clamshell just to get it eating, it may be eating things you don't realize though, feathers and pods possibly, but again like the ventrallis just getting them to feel comfortable eating anything while confined is key, then ween off to more doable and varied foods.

 

[Kmsutows]

Yeah I've tried clams on half shell, looked at it kept swiming, live black worms, spiralina brine, blood worms, adding garlic, LRS reef frenzy, you name it.