Any good tricks for curbing aggression between angels

[michaelstern]

Does anyone know any good tricks for curbing aggression between angels?
I used to have a 100 gallon FOLR. I added my passer was first (probably a mistake). I added my juv imperator. The passer harrassed it for about a week, and then they happily coexisted for about 6+ months. I then moved them to my new 420.
Today I added a RS regal angel. I figured the tank was big enough. I read that 3 of a species is better than 2. I rearranged the LR. I also added a shoal(5) of green cromis. I've read that chromis and damsels can help bleed off intra-species aggression.
Unfortunately, the passer has given it a very rough welcome.
Anyone have any other suggestions. (Please don't simply say return it). I do not believe that 3 angels are too much for a 420 gallon tank.

 

[cincyreefer]

More fish will normally lower aggression. I have also found that small but frequent feedings will help curb aggression a little. Passer are mean SOB's aren't they.

 

[michaelstern]

What do you mean "more fish"?
Today, I added the regal, a small sohal tang (ignored by my PB), and 5 chromis.
Tank is still very lightly populated though.

 

[michaelstern]

Also, what do you think of putting the passer in my sump or refugium until the regal gets established (days, weeks?)

 

[gmbnj]

Good luck, Passer's are nasty fish. I had one once and he was beating up my triggers so I said good bye to him.
Feeding often should help.

 

[cincyreefer]

I said more fish just because the more fish there are in a tank I have always found that fish will be less territorial and aggressive. I think part of it is due to the fact that the fighting will be spread out alot more. This is pretty much the same reason why someone suggested to you to add the chromis. Contrary to popular belief, I have always found that in larger systems like you have, that angels will actually be less aggressive the more of them you have. I had a real nasty french in a 300 gallon, but it suddenly became peaceful with everything else as soon as an Emperor and Queen were added.
How big is your sump? You might want to try putting the regal in the sump so it can get acclimated to your water parameters, so when you put it in the display it will only have to adjust to the new tank mates and not water chemistry. That would be as good of a "quarantine" as I would try for a regal angel.

 

[brooklyn johnny]

I too love large angels Michael, and my Red Sea regal is beloved. Is/was your regal eating? The one thing I would suggest is what you mentioned, moving your passer to the sump for a while. In all honesty though I wouldn't keep the passer. You could have a few beautiful large angels coexisting in your tank, but passers are very aggressive as you could see, and any efforts you make will probably at best give a temporary solution...

 

[zemuro114]

if ur adding same species or new smaller fis to a tnak i have always found it to be increasingly helpful to take out of seperate the original larger fish for a few days.. let the new tankmates get aquainted with the surroundings and other fish. then re-introduce the more agrressive fish. It has worked for me maybe give it a try.. gl