Receiving a new shipment of live fish is thrilling, but proper acclimation is vital to prevent temperature shock and parameter stress. Follow this step-by-step guide to transition your new livestock smoothly.
The Float and Drip Method
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Temperature Matching: Float the sealed bag in your aquarium for 15 to 20 minutes so the temperature inside the bag matches your tank.
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Drip Acclimation (Recommended):
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Empty the fish and bag water into a clean, dedicated bucket.
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Use airline tubing with a control valve to drip water from your aquarium into the bucket at a rate of 2–3 drops per second.
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Continue until the water volume in the bucket doubles (usually 30–45 minutes).
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Netting the Fish: Gently net the fish out of the bucket and transfer them into your aquarium.
Important: Never dump the shipping bag water directly into your main display tank.
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Post-Release Care: Keep the aquarium lights off for the first 12 hours after release to minimize stress and let them settle into their new home quietly.
