Dealing with aggression?

[Blumy]

I have an established, 5 year old, 100 gallon tank, SPS dominant. Fish-wise: 2 clowns, 2 pajama cardinals, flame angel, yellow tang, purple fire fish, royal gramma and a six line wrasse. I can not add a single additional fish without the wrasse and female clown attacking it immediately. Is it maxed out for space? Seems like plenty of room and bio load is able sustain acros. Do acclimation/breeder boxes help? Or should I just give up and be happy with what I’ve got?

 

[stewie]

You could tape a small mirror on the tank while the new fish gets established.

 

[TuxUrchin07]

Red light helps too. Most fish can’t see red light so yeah. You could also add at night when they are sleeping

 

[Jedi1199]

I have heard the mirror thing works but never tried it myself.

When I have had aggression issues while adding new fish, I rearrange the rockwork. Puts everyone back on an even keel so to speak as they are all too busy figuring out where they want their territory to be they don't usually bother the new guy I just snuck in.

Edit: Good time for a good deep cleaning also... ;-)

 

[Blumy]

I have heard the mirror thing works but never tried it myself.

When I have had aggression issues while adding new fish, I rearrange the rockwork. Puts everyone back on an even keel so to speak as they are all too busy figuring out where they want their territory to be they don't usually bother the new guy I just snuck in.

Great idea but with encrusted acros, not gonna happen

 

[Blumy]

Red light helps too. Most fish can’t see red light so yeah. You could also add at night when they are sleeping

That’s the plan. Tail is already messed up in 10 minutes. He back in the bag with a big hole for water exchange. Getting let loose when lights out then let nature take it’s course. Only a chromis but I like their shimmer under the led’s.

 

[Jedi1199]

Great idea but with encrusted acros, not gonna happen

I was afraid you would say that... I personally don't have a better answer for you unfortunately.

If it makes you feel any better, you are not the only one to lose fish to aggression. I am stocking my new 180 tank this weekend and one of the newbies I added today got too close to the business end of the Picasso trigger I got yesterday... sad to say he didn' survive the experience :-(

 

[jp_75]

Catch the aggressor and than add new fish. After couple of days you can probably put aggressive fish in. Most of the time it works.

 

[BostonReefer300]

Rearranging the rock work is a great idea. If you can catch to offending fish, put them in a QT for a few days, and rearrange the rockwork in the interim, that can really help. Six lines can be jerks. Curious what type of clown you have and how old it is

 

[Blumy]

Rearranging the rock work is a great idea. If you can catch to offending fish, put them in a QT for a few days, and rearrange the rockwork in the interim, that can really help. Six lines can be jerks. Curious what type of clown you have and how old it is

Generic regular old clown. I’ve had her 5 years and was full size when I picked her up.