Acclimation boxes

dh350twin · Apr 10, 2017

I am looking for a large acclimation box something large enough to hold a mature naso tang for example.
Where do you guys buy yours or how are you building yours.
I need a crystal clear one so I can let the other fish clearly see the fish inside. Obviously lol
Thanks guys and gals

Salty1962 · Apr 10, 2017

I believe AE's boxes are the best. They are large but not sure about a large Naso. Give Tyler a buzz, he'll let you know.

eatbreakfast · Apr 10, 2017

For something as large as a mature naso you will probably need to contact an acrylic shop to get a custom acclimation box made.

dh350twin · Apr 10, 2017

Salty1962 said:
I believe AE's boxes are the best. They are large but not sure about a large Naso. Give Tyler a buzz, he'll let you know.

AE?

Salty1962 · Apr 10, 2017

dh350twin said:
AE?

Sorry EA, Elite Aquatics.

dh350twin · Apr 11, 2017

Salty1962 said:
Sorry EA, Elite Aquatics.

I can not find any place that actually sells them.

dh350twin · Apr 11, 2017

Also anyone know how to put holes into say a critter cage safely. I could easily make one but not sure how to cut, drill the flow holes or vents.

Jisko · Apr 11, 2017

check out

http://octoaquatics.com/the-shu/

or

http://www.elite-aquatics.net/index.php?route=product/product&path=43&product_id=25

also check out

https://synergyreef.com/product/acclimation-fallout-shelter-2/

dh350twin · Apr 11, 2017

Jisko said:
check out

http://octoaquatics.com/the-shu/

or

http://www.elite-aquatics.net/index.php?route=product/product&path=43&product_id=25

also check out

https://synergyreef.com/product/acclimation-fallout-shelter-2/

The EA is out of stock. The SHU looks good but pricey.
The synergy seems cheap any one ever used the synergy box?

cmcoker · Apr 11, 2017

I have the synergy, it a bit fragile on disassembly and I'm a bit clumsy... So I leave it put together until the reef is stocked. It's worked fine when I've used it, but was all small fish like clowns, wrasses.

Another option Melev's reef has "the peacemaker"
http://melevsreef.com/node/95

Local club members who use a diy critter keeper used a soldering iron to puncture holes, if you drill there are sharp edges on the holes.

Baldguy · Apr 11, 2017

dh350twin said:
Also anyone know how to put holes into say a critter cage safely. I could easily make one but not sure how to cut, drill the flow holes or vents.

Use a soldering iron to melt holes. Works great. Drilling leaves jagged holes that could injure fish. Melting leaves nice smooth holes.

alanbetiger · Apr 13, 2017

For bigger fish I've seen some people make a box out of zipties and eggcrate so you can custom build a size Then ziptie styrofoam to the top so it floats.

dh350twin · Apr 13, 2017

alanbetiger said:
For bigger fish I've seen some people make a box out of zipties and eggcrate so you can custom build a size Then ziptie styrofoam to the top so it floats.

That's a good idea. I actually bought the large critter cage which is crystal clear. Went and bought the large tip soldering iron and it put nice size holes in it very easily and they were nice and smooth. Then took a sheet of acrylic cut a square into it and slid the critter cage into the square as the cage has a nice lip around the top and that's it it looks like a professional grade acclimation box. They make several size cages I bought the largest which seems to be a perfect size for a large fish. I also put holes in the bottom which worked great to be able to over feed the fish and the food just hangs out for a min or two then the flow pushing it right through the bottom holes and the rest of the fish are just on stand by waiting for it. It's actually funny to watch.

Baldguy · Apr 13, 2017

That's a good idea about putting holes in the bottom. I'll have to do that. Can't claim credit for the soldering iron tip, one of the speakers at the Dallas Macna a few years back suggested that. I carefully broke that lip off one long edge and use a magfloat to secure the box to the side of the tank. Looks and works as good as the commercially available acclimation boxes. And so much cheaper.

ZoaCollector · Apr 13, 2017

Honestly unless there is something that would bother the naso I wouldn't lock him up, they kind of need room to swim or they get funky fast.
I get a lot of naso and they're tough fish, it should be technically ok unless you know something in there will take advantage of it.
You'll also find that they freak out pretty bad in confined spaces.

eatbreakfast · Apr 13, 2017

ZoaCollector said:
Honestly unless there is something that would bother the naso I wouldn't lock him up, they kind of need room to swim or they get funky fast.
I get a lot of naso and they're tough fish, it should be technically ok unless you know something in there will take advantage of it.
You'll also find that they freak out pretty bad in confined spaces.

If there are any established tangs or angels the acclimation box is wise to introduce a naso. Because they can be sensitive when first introduced and are docile, giving them a chance to get eased into their surroundings without the stress of an asserrive tankmate.

ZoaCollector · Apr 13, 2017

eatbreakfast said:
If there are any established tangs or angels the acclimation box is wise to introduce a naso. Because they can be sensitive when first introduced and are docile, giving them a chance to get eased into their surroundings without the stress of an asserrive tankmate.

That was in my initial post too just wondering since out of experience Naso especially large ones don't like being couped up.

dh350twin · Apr 14, 2017

The naso went in and was perfectly fine with room to turn around in and seemed at ease with being in there. He is now in the display and doing fine. Next up will be a blue face angel