Mixing Anthias?

[Poseidon]

I have a couple Lyre Tail anthias in my 90 gallon SPS Reef, I started with a male and 2 females, but lost one female. :(

Anyway, I would really like to add 1 more female Lyre Tail to make a trio again, but I would also like to add another trio of a different species. Originally I was thinking of a trio of flame Wrasse, but now I am thinking that a trio of Bartletts, or Carberryi Anthias might be better for me.

Anyway, has anyone tried to keep a total of 6 Anthias in a 90, with about 6 other fish? I know that would be pushing the bio load quite a bit, but with the 80 gallons of sump in the basement, and a MSX-2S skimmer cranking, I have have the filtration to keep the water very clear!

I look forward to hearing your ideas on this plan, and worst case, I could always settle for more Lyre Tails....

Thanks!

 

[Poseidon]

Here a recent full tank shot, I keep most of the live rock in the sump:

 

[Ldogg]

I had 3 lyretails, and a Sunburst in my 120, and they got along fine. they all also went in together. not quite what your looking for, but some good info I think.

 

[SDguy]

I've never had an issue mixing anthias. I'd recommend bartlett over carberryi...much hardier. hth.

 

[Poseidon]

Hey Peter, I am happy to see that, check this guy out:

He has been chasing around a female Lyre Tail, and my purple Tang has chased him a bit, but so far so good! I think the split fin will heal up in no time.

 

[Ldogg]

nice fish.... :)

 

[Ldogg]

I assume that's a male bartlett anthias?

 

[Poseidon]

nice fish.... :)

Thanks!

I assume that's a male bartlett anthias?

Yes, it is. Now I need to find him a pair (at least) of ladies....

 

[SDguy]

That's actually a female just barely going male. Nice fish, regardless!

Males get mostly purple/lavender heads. Male with female:

 

[Poseidon]

Hey that is even better! I'll get to see the change. The LFS I bought them from had 3, all in separate tanks, as they were all in the "tween" state. I'll keep my eye on it for a few weeks and see what happens.

Any ideas on where to get a couple of surely females?