over defensive parents

[666]

Hi, We have a pair of Devils with fry that are over the top. They are attacking the water droplets on the lids making a lot of noise, water on the floor and possible damage to them and the lids. Also feeding is at you own peril. Any ideas to minimize damage?

[Ducksta]

Any ideas to minimize damage?

Don't keep red devils... Or keep them in a tank so big they can breed in a corner and not see you coming in the room as being in their territory (not very practical I know...)

Seriously, you are peeing in the wind trying to "tone down" their behaviour overall.

With respect to them smashing lids and splashing, you could drop the water level a couple of inches.

But they will be crazy whatever you do.

[666]

I am trying to avoid injury, was thinking of wrapping the lids in bubble wrap to save them and the fish.

[Josh]

They will probably break the lids before they hurt themselves.

Super Protective fish, it their nature to do this, you cannot stop it.

[666]

Its more a injury from the edge of the lid. I don't want a eye injury, they were fine before breeding.

[Skippy]

You could replace the lids with thick perspex. You have to get pretty thick perspex (>10mm) because the thinner stuff will bow

[fullychichlid]

Agree to try and drop the water level or change from glass to thick Perspex. Red Devils can be aggressive let alone when breeding. Best of luck and hope all works out.

[Flycaster]

Could you put something like that egg crate stuff underneath the lids so they hit that and not your glass?

[666]

Hi, I am trying some of these ideas, dropping water level doesn't work as they leap completely out of the water. Ive put a towel over the top and that helps a little.