Social acclimatization Box

[Tracey2]

Can you all show me your acclimatization boxes and share experiences using them. Do they work to eliminate aggression? How long do your new fish stay in them? Do you float them of weight them down? Any other tips or tricks to introducing new fish??

 

[SDguy]

Here's mine. It works very well, and I highly recommend using one. I either hang it off the overflow, or I can let it sink to the floor. I've kept fish in there for weeks.

 

[Tracey2]

Thanks SDGuy, nice box, did you make it? So if you keep them in there for weeks, they must not be too stressed in the box? One time I divided my tank with egg crate to add new fish and when I removed the egg crate the attack was on as if they were just waiting. How do your fish react when you open the box? Do you find less aggression adding smaller fish than larger ones?

 

[Jamesus]

I'll never not use one ever again. It's a must if you have any aggressive fish.

 

[Baltimore Bryan]

I just put my new pygmy angel in one to get him used to the six line; I used a very small plastic "critter keeper" cage, I think it's like 8"x4"x6". I added a small rock, piece of macroalgae, and a few small pieces of pvc pipe for security if the new fish feels threatened. So far, no problems. I plan on leaving the angel in there for a few days and see how the wrasse reacts.
Bryan

 

[ezhoops]

vodka, nice box (bet you don't hear that often ) where did you get it?

 

[Jamesus]

Heres mine

 

[jc16]

yes these boxes are a must!! i use them for my fairy warsses. when they first arrive you will see all my wrasses comming up and flaring at the fish for a couple of days. usually a week is enough but i have kept many fishes in there for longer periods of time. It just gives the new arrivals sometime to accimilate from the shipping stress and enviorment. mine just kinda floats on the surface and completely made out of acrylic

 

[bradleyj]

I just added this male C. Balteatus today.

 

[SDguy]

Thanks SDGuy, nice box, did you make it? So if you keep them in there for weeks, they must not be too stressed in the box? One time I divided my tank with egg crate to add new fish and when I removed the egg crate the attack was on as if they were just waiting. How do your fish react when you open the box? Do you find less aggression adding smaller fish than larger ones?

A local friend made it for me. I haven't found the fish to get stressed when in the box. The aggression level will depend entirely on the fish species, and the individual fish itself.

 

[Apercula]

I used a critter keeper to introduce my female clown to the male I wanted to pair with her. I ran him through quarantine, then caught her out of my reef, put her into the critter keeper, and put it into the tank with him. The second day I decided to let her out at feeding time, I had a net ready if needed, she swam out of the keeper, he swam to her side, and they both turned to feed. They accepted each other, and their roles immediately, probably because she was 3in+ and he was 1in so there was no doubt who was dominant.

 

[Tracey2]

Thanks everyone for sharing, I love the pvc in the box, great idea. I have my new fish in a qt tank and am planning to move her soon. She is a small angel but my display has a few tangs including an achillies, all larger than her. I want to make the move with as little stress as possible. Do you all net your new fish into the box or place the box in your qt tank first and then move the box with the fish in it? There is no copper in my QT now but there was, should I be concerned about putting the box in the QT and then to the DT??

 

[SDguy]

I'd use a small clear container for transfers. I've had bad experiences with nets.

 

[snorvich]

I always use an acclimation box. Also, as Peter implies, nets are not a good thing. I use tupperware for transfers. (Can I say that?)

 

[k.tran]

i just ordered mine from 4coral.com they have really nice acc boxes

 

[Tracey2]

Thanks for the advice guys, k.tran, great site.