mahi03
Community Member
Question: Should I release the new tank entry (gem) while the purple is busy with his reflection so it can establish itself?
Or leave it in the acclimation box until.... [fill in blank]
Context:
Anyone use BOTH mirror trick AND acclimation box when introducing new tankmates to a resident tang?
2" resident purple tang is the aggressor.
Recently added a borbonius and the purple tang immediately went on a kill mission. Isolated the borb to an acclimation box for 48 hours and all is well after that.
Now trying my luck with a 1" gem tang. I know, both zebrasoma. Gem went directly into the acclimation box. Purple was aggressive, but of course couldn't get to the gem. Gem acts completely apathetic, eats fine, doesn't hide in pvc, etc.
Put up a mirror on one side of the tank. Purple has spent two days non-stop with the mirror - pays the gem no attention. When removing the mirror, the purple spends a couple hours on the side where the mirror was, and then goes back to play with the gem, albeit ever slightly less aggressively (occasionally makes a loop around the tank).
I understand there may not be a long-term happy solution here given tank size, and one of the fish will need to be rehomed (both will likely need to be rehomed in time when they grow), but we're only 48 hours in, so wanted to see what others thought in terms of direction. Tank is 5x2x2.
Or leave it in the acclimation box until.... [fill in blank]
Context:
Anyone use BOTH mirror trick AND acclimation box when introducing new tankmates to a resident tang?
2" resident purple tang is the aggressor.
Recently added a borbonius and the purple tang immediately went on a kill mission. Isolated the borb to an acclimation box for 48 hours and all is well after that.
Now trying my luck with a 1" gem tang. I know, both zebrasoma. Gem went directly into the acclimation box. Purple was aggressive, but of course couldn't get to the gem. Gem acts completely apathetic, eats fine, doesn't hide in pvc, etc.
Put up a mirror on one side of the tank. Purple has spent two days non-stop with the mirror - pays the gem no attention. When removing the mirror, the purple spends a couple hours on the side where the mirror was, and then goes back to play with the gem, albeit ever slightly less aggressively (occasionally makes a loop around the tank).
I understand there may not be a long-term happy solution here given tank size, and one of the fish will need to be rehomed (both will likely need to be rehomed in time when they grow), but we're only 48 hours in, so wanted to see what others thought in terms of direction. Tank is 5x2x2.
