“How to Properly Acclimate New Fish to Your Aquarium”
Introduction:
Acclimating new fish correctly is crucial for their survival. Sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry can shock or kill fish. Here’s how to do it right.
Why Acclimation Matters
- Fish are sensitive to changes in water temperature, pH, and hardness.
- Proper acclimation reduces stress and prevents disease.
Method 1: The Floating Bag Technique
- Float the sealed fish bag in the aquarium for 15–30 minutes.
- Every 5 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of tank water.
- Repeat until the bag contains mostly tank water.
- Gently net the fish and release it into the tank.
Method 2: The Drip Acclimation (For Delicate Species)
- Place the fish and its water in a small bucket.
- Use airline tubing to drip tank water slowly into the bucket.
- After an hour or two, transfer the fish using a net.
Do Not Do This:
- Never dump pet store water into your tank—it may contain waste or pathogens.
- Avoid rushing the process.
Final Notes:
Keep aquarium lights dim during the transition and monitor new fish closely for the first few days. A successful acclimation leads to a stress-free, healthy tank.
