Purple lyretail Anthias

Was at the LFS today stocking up on some supplies and saw this beautiful big male Lyretail Anthias. He was about 4 inches long and looked quite healthy, i asked about his hardiness; and the guy said they (as a species) were known to be finicky eaters.:-[ So as much as i wanted to get him i knew i needed to ask a few questions and research about him first.
Anyone have one?
I've read anywhere from a 55-75 gallon minimum for these guys. Anybody have one in a 55? Are they dirty? Do you think it's possible for me to keep one with the current livestock i have; using the current equipment i have?

55 tall FOWLR, currently running 2 filters; an AquaClear 50 and a Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel 200 both move 200 gph. I'm currently learning how to build a sump and am saving to get a protein skimmer.;D I also have 1 korialia 3. And of course a 300w heater, with therm. My tank came with hood and fluorescent lighting. Upgrading down the road.


livestock: 1 Snowflake Eel (5-6 inches)
1 "Freshwater" Snowflake Eel (Gymnothorax tile) (10-12 inches)
1 Blue Devil Damsel
1 Choc.Chip Starfish
1 Sand Sifting star
3 Turbos

Params
Ph 8.3
Amm. 0
nitrItes 0
nitrAtes 10 (cleaned filter today, got new charcoal, hoping it'll go down)
Temp. 82

Any advice about this fish would be awesome! I've been wanting some active, hardy fish to keep with the eels, but so far it's been a bit hard to do : So any recommendations are more then welcome too. Thanks guys!

 

Here is a recent thread on them. Lots of good info.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/tropical-fish/lyretail-anthias-79365.html

 

I believe they require frequent feedings, like 3-4 times a day.

 

Only at the beginning to get the eating properly. Then you can dial it back some.

 

i understand they need lots of room, is a 55 too small for one or two?
And +1 K to JonJon, thanks that thread was good.

 

Anthias is my dream fish, I am going to try one regardless of how hard they are to keep. From doing some research I've read that they don't like super bright light, though they will adjust to their surroundings, and that they do like to be in harems. But again, you can keep just one. Also, they are a bit difficult to get eating at first, but once you get over that hump they are fine eaters. I think the minimum tank size is 50 gallons. I don't know about having two...I think it's best to have one or a harem.

 

Anthias need to be kept in odd, but large numbers. In the wild there groups can be something like 1 male to 100 females or even larger than that. If you get two males in the tank without a large number of females, fights can occur resulting in injury or death. I would suggest one male per tank. They are truly beautiful, but odd fish, one of my favorites.

 

Thanks i'd definitely keep only one then.

And Kcbrad, that's even better, as i only have Fluorescents at the moment.

Does anyone think my bio-load would be insane with the addition of this fish?

 

Also does anyone think a Picasso Trigger may be a better idea with the eels?

 

At my lfs they had 2 males and 1 female in a 75 gallon tank