Clown acclimation box BTA insight

[bjsreefer]

I got a new Sherman yesterday because I got an outstanding deal on it, and put it in an acclimation box with my clowns in my nano that they just haven’t gotten hosting anything except the back wall yet. I did this before for a few days with a previous nem before my tank was mature enough. They showed signs of nuzzling but I got so nervous about them being in a small acclimation box I let them out too early and they promptly ignored the BTA when I released them. Soon after, the nem wasnt thriving so I moved it to my mature 90g. This time around though, almost immediately and still after 24 hours they are really in it and sucking on the tentacles going around and back and forth, but there’s no swimming space in the box that DOESN’T have a tentacle in it really…. Should I wait longer than I already have or does it seem that they get it now? I also read that it’s best to do it after lights out? Thanks all!

 

[bubbgee]

Just let them get familiar for a while. The problem is that there's no guarantee they'll retain that behavior once you put the nem out into the tank.

 

[bjsreefer]

Just let them get familiar for a while. The problem is that there's no guarantee they'll retain that behavior once you put the nem out into the tank.

So that’s what I have been doing but how long should I do it for is what I’m wondering. As in should I leave them for longer or maybe move after lights out tonight like I’ve read?
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[bjsreefer]

View attachment 20250930_154410_26F020DC-2A0B-4A0A-BD27-F05B84FB4AE2.mov
View from the top if it makes a difference

 

[bubbgee]

I would leave them alone for a while. Could be days or weeks. They should be fine in the box for a while as long as they do not appear stressed or have any ich present.

If you think it's concerning, just go ahead and move them. Then place them back if there's any issues and start over.