We are setting up an experiment in order to study overall productivity and reproductive success of individuals with 1) different "sneaker" male proportions and 2) small vs. large dominant males in indoor fish tanks. However, it will take some time to get enough sneaker males (and smaller males) to start up the experiment and meanwhile the individuals suited for the design are sorted and kept in different tanks.

I am starting to worrying that this "time-out" may perhaps affect their eagerness to mate, building nests, court, spawn when the match-making experiment starts. Some have now been in these acclimatization tanks for about 3 weeks without entering the experiment, and they may have to be there 2-3 more weeks. Should I replace them or use them?