Acclimation Box Question

TinkL · Jul 18, 2024

Hello! After losing my old gramma to a tank move, and losing a new replacement to my damsel bullying it to death because I stupidly didn't use an acclimation box, I'm trying again with an acclimation box for a couple weeks but I have a quick question about it. I'm using one of those magnetic clear acrylic ones with the feed holes on the top, but to prevent the gramma from swimming out the top it has to sit above the water line, but after watching it today I find that the damsel hasn't really noticed the gramma in there and he never really swims close to the top where the box is. Will this be an issue? I was thinking about plugging the holes to move it down more centered with the tank so the damsel is forced to see it all the time, but if leaving the box at the top will still acclimate the new gramma properly I won't move it, just a curious thought, thanks!

LAReefer4Life · Jul 18, 2024

I am sure the damsel is very aware of the grammas presence but isn't engaging. Fish have their territories so the damsel is probably not paying it too much attention. You could also try feedings next to the acclimation box to help drive the damsel to that region of the aquarium.

Ideally, the more interaction the better you can gage the aggression level before releasing it. If the damsel is attacking the box after a few days to a week, chances don't look good for compatibility. An acclimation box can work wonders for-sure but some Damsels are just born mean and will always be aggressive towards tank mates regardless.

jezreef · Jul 18, 2024

maybe add some hiding spots near the box? could help the gramma feel safer.

TinkL · Jul 18, 2024

LAReefer4Life said:
I am sure the damsel is very aware of the grammas presence but isn't engaging. Fish have their territories so the damsel is probably not paying it too much attention. You could also try feedings next to the acclimation box to help drive the damsel to that region of the aquarium.

Ideally, the more interaction the better you can gage the aggression level before releasing it. If the damsel is attacking the box after a few days to a week, chances don't look good for compatibility. An acclimation box can work wonders for-sure but some Damsels are just born mean and will always be aggressive towards tank mates regardless.

Weirdly enough this damsel only has issues with grammas... he had no issues with a small cardinal and court jester goby I added. My original gramma did beat the hell out of him when first added so maybe its that lingering grudge. There hasn't been any aggression towards the box so far, but of course its only been a day, so maybe in a few days if I still see none I might look at moving it down to see if anything changes. This is my last attempt at adding a gramma so I really want to make it work out.