Can I let a fish grow in a acclimation box?

jadedog · Jan 9, 2026

Good morning,

I ordered a chalk basslet and I wasn't expecting it to be so small. Hes only about 1 inch long. I have a pretty peaceful tank but I dont feel safe letting him out of the acclimation box until he atleast doubles in size. Is it cruel to keep him in the box for a few weeks?

lapin · Jan 9, 2026

I would go buy a 10 gallon tank . Add a few pvc pipe connectors and do water changes to keep nutrients down .

Tahoe61 · Jan 9, 2026

What are the other tank mates?

Mr. Mojo Rising · Jan 9, 2026

it sounds a bit cruel, it takes longer than 2 weeks to double in size...

jadedog · Jan 9, 2026

Tahoe61 said:
What are the other tank mates?

Bicolor blenny, blue chin fairy wrasse , fire fish, 2 clowns and a bangai cardinal which im most worried about he likes to chase and the basslet is food size.

jadedog · Jan 9, 2026

Mr. Mojo Rising said:
it sounds a bit cruel, it takes longer than 2 weeks to double in size...

Yeah... hes only been in the box for 1 day so im just trying to figure out what's best for him. Ive just read horror stories of little fish getting eaten when released.

Tahoe61 · Jan 9, 2026

The suggestion to get a little tank with live rock or pvc is a better way to go.
I use my Pico all the time for fish and coral observation.

jadedog · Jan 9, 2026

Tahoe61 said:
The suggestion to get a little tank with live rock or pvc is a better way to go.
I use my Pico all the time for fish and coral observation.

Ok i do have a empty 10gal i could set up for him. Hes already quarantined so I could put some rocks and sand in for him