Angel Pair Fighting

[abcdefghi]

I have a pair of angels in a 29G, and a single angel (male) in a 55G. I noticed yesterday that the male in the 29G has been literally shredding the female to pieces. I came home just now to find her laying at the back of the tank.

I thought about moving the male into the 55G, but within about 5 minutes the two males were fighting like crazy, so I moved the male back in with the female. What should I do? should I try to move the other male (from the 55G) in with the female? should I move the female to the 55G?

I want to allow her to heal, and at the moment am worried she will not get the chance.

Thanks.

 

[Nolapete]

Get or make a tank divider for the 29. I can tell you how with pvc and eggcrate if you need instructions for DIY.

I like using the eggcrate DIY divider because it still allows pairs to see each other.

After the female heals up, put the three of them in the 55.

The male that was with her will compete for her attention instead of trying to kill her. A 55 is big enough for the other male to get out of the way if need be. If not, you can always move him to the 29 once the pairs bond is strong.

 

[abcdefghi]

Thanks, can you let me know how to make the divider? I might just buy one, but it will be handy to know how to make it (especially if its cheaper).

I originally moved the pair into the 29G because of aggression towards the 2nd male, but it makes sense to move them back to strengthen the bond. Then all I need to decide on is whether to move the 5 otos to the 55G with them, or leave them in the 29G alone.

 

[Nolapete]

It's very simple.

1 length of 1/2" pvc
package of plastic tie wraps (10 or so) 5-6" length
2 1/2" pvc T's
2 1/2" pvc elbows
sheet of eggcrate (found in the lighting department at lowe's)

Measure the height of your tank from under the bottom rim to under the top rim.
Subtract 2"
Cut 2 pieces of pvc pipe that length

Measure the inside of your tank from front to back between the glass
Subtract 2"
Cut 1 piece of pvc pipe that length

Debur the ends of the pipe by scraping lightly on the inside and outside. I use a butter knife to do this.

put the two elbows on the piece you just cut
insert the other two pieces into the other holes on the 90
put the T's on the other ends

You should have a U-shaped frame now

Cut 4 4" pieces of pvc pipe, debur, and set aside for later

Insert the frame upside down in your tank to see if the fit is right. It should be snug, but don't force it. It's ok of there's a little gap, but not big enough for the fish to get through.

If it doesn't fit, try to seat the top pipe inside the elbows a little more. If that doesn't work, then remove one side and trim an 1/8" off of it. Debur, reseat, retest, etc.

Once you have the frame top fit, measure the inside of the frame from front to back. Put this measurement against the egg-crate. Find the nearest square and cut through (I use a butter knife again to break through) the size you need.

Use the tie wraps to secure the egg-crate to the frame. I start by putting two at the top then one on each side then work my way down.

Recheck the fit in the tank. Snug up the elbows if you need to. Once it fits, put it in the tank, then insert the 4" pieces into either side of the T. You'll have to clear the gravel at the bottom of the tank for it to fit.

Smooth out the gravel and you're done.

See this post for a pic of the divider in my tank.
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=176503

 

[PopPopsfish]

We just had a similar problem at our Hatchery where a Male would bully his female 24/7 so we switched females and now we have eggs and wigglers in both tanks.

If you have time to make a divider I believe that would work, if you do not just remove the other male and keep watch on the pair for signs of aggression. If all else fails put the female in a 10gal QT and do plenty of WC's for a week or so and let her rest. ( you could always put some decorations, wood or plants to break line of sight between the males but that does not always work,)

Good Luck