Damsels in a new tank

Gluestick · 05/09/2006, 01:18 PM

I have a couple damsels in my 90 RR that is in the process of cycling. After I get back from Mexico in June, if the params are good I want to add some clowns. My hubby has grown very fond of 'zippy,' one of the domino damsels (we have altogether 2 dominos and we're down to one yellow-tailed blue). I have read that these will get very aggressive towards other fish, although he seems to get along great with the other domino (I think it's a female due to the size and shape and that they get along), and he's pals with the yellow-tailed blue damsel. Our LFS will let you trade in your damsels after you cycle, but DH won't let me!!!!! Will they terrorize a clownfish? Not only that, but I eventually want other fish!!!!! What do I do?!

yoboyjdizz · 05/09/2006, 01:26 PM

its a good possibility that after they been established for some time they will harrass new tanks mates. Sometimes people get lucky and this dosent happen espically if the damsels are young.. I would take them back if not after you try adding a clown and it dosent work ur "hubby" can take the blame =)

bertoni · 05/09/2006, 11:47 PM

Dominos definitely have a reputation for being mean, especialy after they get older. I would return them. They're not as cute when they're bigger, anyway, IMO.

Sk8r · 05/10/2006, 12:02 AM

Damsels are aggressive---and so are clowns. There may be fireworks. Usually the clowns will stake out a territory near their anemone and the damsels will stake out the rocks. Bertoni is giving you good advice, no question. They grow large (dinner plate sized.) That's the problem with using live animals to cycle---you get attached. Just---if you keep them---try to get the clowns' territory established as far toward one end of the tank as possible, or there may be war.

Gluestick · 05/10/2006, 06:36 AM

Okay, thanks. Yeah, we'll prolly have to get a clown and see what happens, then Shaun can take the blame for his abuse, lol. I've been warning him! How do you suggest I catch these buggers? They are quick!

bertoni · 05/10/2006, 04:50 PM

Some people end up dismantling the tank to remove a fish. A fish trap might be the best way. Feed the animal via the trap until it loses caution might help. Keeping the net in the tank and close to the feeding point might work, too.

ttomkat1 · 05/10/2006, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bertoni
Some people end up dismantling the tank to remove a fish. A fish trap might be the best way. Feed the animal via the trap until it loses caution might help. Keeping the net in the tank and close to the feeding point might work, too.

I was SOOO mad at a damsel for killing a couple fish I bought that I yanked out all my live rock and then couldn't find him. Ended up he hid in the rock and sufocated.

GRRRRR to damsels

---ttomkat1

05/09/2006, 01:18 PM	#1
Gluestick Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Joliet, IL Posts: 1,710	Damsels in a new tank I have a couple damsels in my 90 RR that is in the process of cycling. After I get back from Mexico in June, if the params are good I want to add some clowns. My hubby has grown very fond of 'zippy,' one of the domino damsels (we have altogether 2 dominos and we're down to one yellow-tailed blue). I have read that these will get very aggressive towards other fish, although he seems to get along great with the other domino (I think it's a female due to the size and shape and that they get along), and he's pals with the yellow-tailed blue damsel. Our LFS will let you trade in your damsels after you cycle, but DH won't let me!!!!! Will they terrorize a clownfish? Not only that, but I eventually want other fish!!!!! What do I do?! __________________ Valerie R. Burns Founder/Vice President Joliet Area Reef Club Current Tank Info: 90 gal SPS dominated, ASM-G2 skimmer, 2x250w 20k SE Radium bulbs under Lumenarc Mini Reflectors

05/09/2006, 11:47 PM	#3
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	Dominos definitely have a reputation for being mean, especialy after they get older. I would return them. They're not as cute when they're bigger, anyway, IMO. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

05/10/2006, 12:02 AM	#4
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Damsels are aggressive---and so are clowns. There may be fireworks. Usually the clowns will stake out a territory near their anemone and the damsels will stake out the rocks. Bertoni is giving you good advice, no question. They grow large (dinner plate sized.) That's the problem with using live animals to cycle---you get attached. Just---if you keep them---try to get the clowns' territory established as far toward one end of the tank as possible, or there may be war. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

05/10/2006, 06:36 AM	#5
Gluestick Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Joliet, IL Posts: 1,710	Okay, thanks. Yeah, we'll prolly have to get a clown and see what happens, then Shaun can take the blame for his abuse, lol. I've been warning him! How do you suggest I catch these buggers? They are quick! __________________ Valerie R. Burns Founder/Vice President Joliet Area Reef Club Current Tank Info: 90 gal SPS dominated, ASM-G2 skimmer, 2x250w 20k SE Radium bulbs under Lumenarc Mini Reflectors

05/10/2006, 04:50 PM	#6
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	Some people end up dismantling the tank to remove a fish. A fish trap might be the best way. Feed the animal via the trap until it loses caution might help. Keeping the net in the tank and close to the feeding point might work, too. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

05/09/2006, 01:26 PM	#2
yoboyjdizz Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Elk Grove, CA Posts: 3,137	its a good possibility that after they been established for some time they will harrass new tanks mates. Sometimes people get lucky and this dosent happen espically if the damsels are young.. I would take them back if not after you try adding a clown and it dosent work ur "hubby" can take the blame =)