Stocking Questions...

[sauceman]

Hey everyone,

I am looking to add another fish to my 30 gallon tank. It currently only houses one magenta dottyback. I would like to try adding a clown fish, either a false percula or a tomato clown. My fear is that the new addition will be stressed to death by the dottyback. Do you all have any suggestions of ways to add another fish? Fenner mentions that a clear plastic jar with holes melted into it would work well to keep the tank inhabitants apart until the less aggressive addition stakes out a territory. Does this sound like a good plan? I would really apreciate any advice you all have. thanks!

Sauce

Oh, my long term stocking goal is:
1. Magenta Dottyback
2. Single Tomato Clown or Pair of False Percs.
3. Dwarf Angel (Coral Beauty, Cherub or Lemonpeel)

 

[OrionGirl]

Re-arranging the rock work can help. Other options include putting the aggressor in a q-tank for a few days, and then adding it back. This way the new fish can claim a territory, and the old fish will be a bit less aggressive. Adding fish starting with the LEAST aggressive fish is the best bet.

 

[BrianH]

You can also try turning your lights off for a couple of hours.

Brian

 

[sauceman]

I think im going to give a shot at the in tank quarentine. Ill use a plastic tupperware contrainer (new never used), with a ton of holes in it. this will ensure water circulation through the containment, and hopefully keep my dottyback from getting too stressed out. Any opinions anyone?

sauce

 

[VoodooChild]

You could use those breeders they have, like by Penn Plax and Aquatic Gardens. It's a little box shaped net. Not different from the cup really, but there may be a bit more room to swim around in and it may be easier to feed. Plus if the fish does go after the other one, I have to believe the nylon net will be easier on his head than the plastic. They're only like $5. Otherwise, the cup sounds good. Who knows, maybe you'll not even need it.

 

[sauceman]

The plastic container im using is fairly large, 1 gallon, dimensions are around 12" x 5" x 12". Its a container used for storing kool-aid and stuff in your fridge. I spent today melting holes in it with a 3/8" carrige bolt, heated up on my stove. It worked, but stunk my apartment up bigtime. Hopefully i can keep the fish relatively happy in here while my new addition has time to stake out its territory. Ill post back when i get the new addition towmorrow. Looks like it may be a tomato clown. We will see...
Sauce