Fish Acclimation and Care Instructions
Acclimation Process
To ensure a smooth transition for your new fish into their new environment, please follow these steps upon receipt:
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Temperature Acclimation: Place the sealed fish bag in your aquarium and let it float until the water temperature inside the bag matches that of the tank. This typically takes 20–30 minutes.
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Transferring the Fish: Gently remove the fish from the bag by hand to minimize stress. Avoid using a net.
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Water Disposal: Discard the water from the shipping bag. Do not pour it into your aquarium to prevent introducing foreign elements.
Post-Acclimation Care
Each fish responds differently to the stress of shipping and acclimation. Some may adjust quickly and behave normally, while others may exhibit temporary behaviors such as sluggishness, bottom-sitting, hiding, or reduced interest in food. These are normal reactions and typically resolve with proper care.
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Observation Period: Allow the fish at least 24 hours to settle into the tank without disturbance. Refrain from feeding or treating the fish with medications during this time.
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Tank Conditions:
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Add aquarium salt at a rate of 3 lbs per 100 gallons of water only if the fish is showing signs of great distress such as bottom-sitting, rapid breathing, floating aimlessly.
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Maintain a tank temperature of 78–80°F for the first few days.
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Ensure the pH level is within the range of 7.0–8.2 as that is the range they were kept in.
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Quarantine Recommendation: Whenever possible, quarantine new fish before introducing them to a community tank. A proper quarantine setup requires a cycled sponge filter or another cycled filtration system to maintain water quality. Avoid placing fish in an uncycled tank or tub, as this may lead to harmful ammonia or nitrite spikes.
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Monitoring: If, after 48 hours, the fish shows signs of distress (e.g., lack of appetite, bottom-sitting, or abnormal behavior), contact us immediately for assistance.
Feeding Guidelines
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Initial Feeding Restriction: Do not feed the fish for the first 24 hours after acclimation, even if they appear hungry. Feeding too soon may harm their digestive system.
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First Meal: Offer soft, easily digestible foods such as gel food or frozen bloodworms. If using pellets, soak them in water for a few minutes before feeding to soften them.
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Recommended Foods: We feed our fish using the food below hence we highly recommend you to use the same types to better transition them into their new homes.
Special Cases
Some fish may require more than 24–48 hours to fully recover from shipping stress. If you observe prolonged signs of distress or abnormal behavior, please contact us promptly. We will work with you to provide guidance and support to ensure the fish’s well-being.
Contact Us
For any questions or concerns about your fish’s acclimation or health, please reach out to us immediately via email, social media, or by calling/texting 512-769-5496. If we are unable to answer, leave a text or voicemail, and we will respond as soon as possible.