DIY Acclimation box?

Breakthecycle2 · Mar 7, 2017

I'm having an issue with a black tang and yellow scopas. They were together originally, but I had to go FALLOW for 80 days. They were both put in separate QT tanks. I added the black tang two weeks ago and when I added the scopas, he just about killed it. I really didn't think he was going to make it, but he did and seems OK for the most part. Before I give him to someone, I'd like to try an acclimation box. The ones I'm finding seem expensive for just an acrylic box, so I figured I'd ask if I could make one, maybe from one of those critter cages?

ca1ore · Mar 7, 2017

I made a large one out of acrylic and eggcrate. Had the stuff laying around.

Breakthecycle2 · Mar 8, 2017

ca1ore said:
I made a large one out of acrylic and eggcrate. Had the stuff laying around.

Pics?

Anyone else?

DustyXB9Reefer · Mar 8, 2017

Been wanting to build one myself as well. I have a few of those little critter cages too. I'm not sure how well the flow would be through it but maybe just putting the fish in it, putting the lid on it and putting it on the bottom of the tank?

Breakthecycle2 · Mar 8, 2017

DustyXB9Reefer said:
Been wanting to build one myself as well. I have a few of those little critter cages too. I'm not sure how well the flow would be through it but maybe just putting the fish in it, putting the lid on it and putting it on the bottom of the tank?

I've seen pics of them with holes drilled in them and magnets attached. Not sure how to drill it though. Seems like they would beak?

Wichbeast · Mar 8, 2017

I've used the critter cage and drill a lot of hole with a standard drill bit. Just take your time drilling.

Breakthecycle2 · Mar 8, 2017

Wichbeast said:
I've used the critter cage and drill a lot of hole with a standard drill bit. Just take your time drilling.

Can you post a pic?

DustyXB9Reefer · Mar 8, 2017

As far as the magnets go, I would personally probably cover them in hot glue so that none of the water got to and from the metal.

Baldguy · Mar 9, 2017

I use one of the larger critter keepers. Drilling for circulation leaves sharp jagged holes. Use a soldering iron to melt holes. They come out nice and smooth. Old mag float works to secure it.

ca1ore · Mar 9, 2017

Search 'acclamation box' thread and mine is pictured there.

Rakie · Sep 11, 2017

Baldguy said:
I use one of the larger critter keepers. Drilling for circulation leaves sharp jagged holes. Use a soldering iron to melt holes. They come out nice and smooth. Old mag float works to secure it.

@Baldguy -- I've been thinking of using a soldering iron on a small Marina Box to get flow through it as well.. So no issues using the iron?

Baldguy · Sep 12, 2017

Rakie said:
@Baldguy -- I've been thinking of using a soldering iron on a small Marina Box to get flow through it as well.. So no issues using the iron?

No issues at all. This was actually suggested by one of the speakers at Macna a few years ago in Dallas. While melting the holes you'll get the smell of burning plastic. Your wife might want you to do it in the garage or outside.

After it cools no problems.

Rakie · Sep 12, 2017

Baldguy said:
No issues at all. This was actually suggested by one of the speakers at Macna a few years ago in Dallas. While melting the holes you'll get the smell of burning plastic. Your wife might want you to do it in the garage or outside. After it cools no problems.

Thanks, I went ahead and gave it a shot it was surprising how well it worked.. It's kinda ugly as all get out but it so long as there's flow, and fish can size each other up without fighting? I'm game.

Shannon Harlan · Nov 16, 2017

Here's one my husband made me it's pretty big but for tang. Egg crate on 3 sides acrylic on front. Zip ties and door hooks upside down to hang on tank.

Rakie · Nov 17, 2017

@Shannon Harlan -- The Acrylic front is brilliant. I can't believe I haven't seen anyone implement that before. Looks great!

Shannon Harlan · Nov 18, 2017

Rakie said:
@Shannon Harlan -- The Acrylic front is brilliant. I can't believe I haven't seen anyone implement that before. Looks great!

My husband gets the credit! He's great at building gadgets.

CindyKz · Nov 18, 2017

Shannon Harlan said:
Here's one my husband made me it's pretty big but for tang. Egg crate on 3 sides acrylic on front. Zip ties and door hooks upside down to hang on tank.

Rakie said:
@Shannon Harlan -- The Acrylic front is brilliant. I can't believe I haven't seen anyone implement that before. Looks great!

My husband and I were just considering a similar DIY this afternoon - go figure! We never considered an acrylic front though - we were going to do all sides out of egg crate covered with mesh (to prevent a small dottyback from wriggling through the holes).

Feeling stupid, but can I ask the purpose of having one side acrylic and the rest egg crate? Is it so the fish in "time out" can see the others more clearly?

Thanks

Shannon Harlan · Nov 18, 2017

CindyKz said:
My husband and I were just considering a similar DIY this afternoon - go figure! We never considered an acrylic front though - we were going to do all sides out of egg crate covered with mesh (to prevent a small dottyback from wriggling through the holes).

Feeling stupid, but can I ask the purpose of having one side acrylic and the rest egg crate? Is it so the fish in "time out" can see the others more clearly?

Thanks

I wanted egg crate for flow and one side acrylic for good viewing, that was my hubbys suggestion. Not sure egg crate would give them good view of fish. I was worried they would swim into it hard. Anyways I releasedd him today and they are doing great so not sure if I got lucky or acclimation was critical.

blueface · Nov 18, 2017

I use a critter cage all of the time with holes drilled in it. In fact I have a few different sizes depending on the size of the fish & how many. I just use a mag float to attach it to the glass. I can then move it up & down in the water coloum easily.