Damsel

Question
Hi, I need help. I made the mistake 5 months ago cycling my tank with damels among others. The mistake wasnt taking them OUT. I have two semi-aggresive striped damsels that need to come out. The real problem is a neon damsel, super aggresive and EATing any polyp. All my star polyps are gone. I know its the neon saw him when I put a green clove polyp colony in my tank went right for it ripping polyps off. How do I get these fish out. Impossible to net, and not an option to take all my live rock out. HELP.  

Answer
Hi Mike. Sorry it took so long for me to get back to you. What you can try is getting a piece of plexi glass cut to fit length-wise in part of your tank. When you see the fish out try to get the piece of plexi between the front glass and your live rock while keeping the fish in the middle. Get him cornered and net him that way. It may take a few tries and some practice but I have done it and it makes it alot easier than taking everything out of your tank. If as soon as you put the plexi in he hides behind a rock you may have to leave it in there for a while to get him used to it. Do this as you feed. Another way is to place a piece of food in the bottom of a mason jar turned slightly on its side. Let the fish go in and feed for a few days until he gets used to eating this way. Do not feed him any other way if at all possible and just leave the jar in there all the time. After he is used to eating out of the jar put a piece of food in there and wait for him to go in. As quick as you can cover the hole of the jar with a net while he is in there. and you will have him. Try not to miss or you will have to start all over again with gaining his trust of the jar. You can also leave your net dangling in the tank for a few days to get him used to seeing it. Eventually it won't phase him and he will go near it. Keep watch and if you think you can get him, pull up the net. You may have to take several tries as he will become wary of the net each time you miss. Its all a game of cat and mouse and if you can be patient and wait eventually you will catch him off guard.