Holy Damsel Capture Batman

[kleinfreak]

8O Enter the twilight zone 8O
I recently moved my 5 damsels from my 29 reef to my new 55 gal setup. As always, it was a PITA to get these little buggers netted. I try my best to keep the stress to a minimum. I usually catch them in the lowest light possible (so's not to see me coming) and if the evade me two or three times, I'll let them chill out for quite a while.
Catching damsels should be an Olympic sport
I started with the one always getting picked on, and gave him a few days to find his niche. Soon after I moved the remaining 4. The Yellow was the biggest pain in the ass. He just freaked out. Even when I wasn't near the tank.
Now 2 days since all 5 have moved. Yellow just was not happy. Rapid and irregular breathing, sitting at the bottom of the tank (not sideways). Today when I got home...I'm missing 2. Now, I don't have much in this tank yet. 40lbs of live rock, and 2 powerheads. My youngest ferret just found one of them (Yellow) behind the tank stand. She was happily toting him behind the couch. The 3 spot (my favorite of the bunch) is still MIA.
But something smells fishy. :?
Is this normal? Do damsels do the 1929 stock-holder thing?

 

[Len]

How are the parameters of the new tank? Perhaps the stress of moving and the less then optimal conditions in the new tank combined to cause their demise. I really can't say for sure, but fish can be rather fragile (even damsels).

For what it's worth, i wouldn't try keeping multiple damsels in the same tank again. But I'm sure you've learned that by now

 

[kleinfreak]

Ahh yes, the battle of the damsels...
Surprisingly, these guys get along for the most part...The only one I've ever had problems with is the 3 stripe (tends to pick on the ....ahhchk, whats his name, the Pink guy with the yellow top and the blue pectoral fins). Water conditions are fair, given the circumstances.

I test on Mon, Wed, and Fri
last readings
PH: 8.2
Temp: 78
SG: 1.022
Ammonia: .5 - 1
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: ~5
Phos: 0

I really would like more mellow fish, but looking for something inexpensive (coral beauty?)

3 spot still no where to be found.

 

[Anonymous]

Could the ammonia be due to the 3 stripe being in there dead and decaying?

I had a terrible time getting my damsels out, had to take down the whole tank

For a really mellow fish check out PJ Cardinals

Bryan

 

[WRASSER]

8O Kleinfreak,
check your ferret's droppings! :twisted: I think the amonia levels are the way they are because you introduced the fish to the tank.
The wrasse family are pretty laid back fish and a good majority are around $20.

Good Luck,
WRASSER 8)