Acclimation Guide

Your cart is currently empty

Subtotal: $0.00

$13.00

Always unpack in dimly lit conditions with tank lights switched off.
Before releasing each fish, float the bag in the unlit aquarium for 15-20 minutes.
Then open the bag and add a small quantity of water from the aquarium
Wait 5 minutes and repeat the process - doing this four times over a 20 minute or so period will not only bring the temperature of the water inside the bag in line with that in the tank, but will also gradually acclimatize the fish to any slight variations in pH and specific gravity levels (if necessary, use an air stone to provide gentle aeration in the plastic bag).
Quarantine tanks for new livestock are advised, as this will allow for your fish to recover from travel, build immunity, and establish a normal feeding pattern. Please ensure that this separate aquarium is maintained at the same standard as the main tank.
Do not attempt to feed newly introduced fish for 24 hours after you receive them. They will need some time to settle in and food will, more than likely, be ignored. If your aquarium is currently stocked with other fish, provide them with a moderate feeding to keep aggression at minimal levels.
Common characteristics of stress caused by acclimation on livestock are motionless, playing dead and loss of color. Fish may lay on their sides for a few hours, or even couple of days after the stress of shipping.

Invertebrates should be introduced into the aquarium in much the same way as fish, but take longer as to avoid osmotic shock caused by any differences in specific gravity (this can be crucial for long term survival, as delicate tissues must not be damaged).
Float the bag in the aquarium for 15 minutes to equalize temperates.
Open the bag and add a small quantity of water from the aquarium. Repeat this every 5 minutes for the next 30-40 minutes (rushing this process will cause the rupturing of vital tissues).