Do you use an isolation box?

exnisstech · Feb 16, 2026

mmorrison55 said:
When my recent order from Dr reef arrived yesterday. I started the fish in the box but they didn’t stay in it very long. The other fish had zero interest in the fish in the box so I took a chance and let the fish out and so far the only harassment has been between the two cleaner wrasses that came in the order.

By the way, I only ordered one, but I’m guessing they may not ship well and they included an extra as “just in case” . Idk, but I appreciated the bonus.

I get the bonus fish thing but am not fond of it personally. The buyer ends up having to deal with the extra fish vs the good Dr having to deal with a replacement in the event of a loss. Two cleaner wrasses in the same tank is most likely not going to end well.

JumboShrimp · Feb 16, 2026

(I kind of always thought the same thing... and I'm not even a "Grumpy old man.")

MoshJosh · Feb 16, 2026

I always like to keep an isolation (breeder) box on hand just in case. I rarely have to use them for isolation but I have. . . Namely an aggressive clown. . . Kept her in their for a week or two and she was well behaved after that. Otherwise I have used them to isolate sick or injured fish so they dont get beat up, isolate anemones so they don't float around and into a powerhead, and I have left them open as a refuge if I have fish trying to find a hiding place. . .

petcellar · Feb 16, 2026

exnisstech said:
I get the bonus fish thing but am not fond of it personally. The buyer ends up having to deal with the extra fish vs the good Dr having to deal with a replacement in the event of a loss. Two cleaner wrasses in the same tank is most likely not going to end well.

Not to derail the thread.... but if I remember right there is a place on Dr. Reefs order form to specify if you want the extra fish or not.

Often he does add an extra.... for instance I ordered several Lyretail Anthias and he threw in an extra. But if space is limited or worried about compatibility you can always specify not to do that.

Just an FYI in case someone else runs into this too.

As far as the acclimation box.... I got the big Octo Aquatics one too, and I love it. I really think it helps. I don't have a firm timeline, but I do make sure the fish are eating well. Once they are eating and no other fish is trying to kill them through the box I let them out. So far has worked well for me.....