Acclimating New Fish

[rockin302]

I've heard varying opinions about introducing new fish to a tank. Some people say float the bag for 15 minutes then let some of your tank water in the bag, let it float for another 10-15 minutes and let the fish go.

A guy at this local fish shop told me that this was the wrong way to do it. The correct method was some type of drip method where I put the fish in a bowl floating in the tank and then take some water from the tank and let it slowly drip into the bowl until the ph ranges are identical.

Can anyone tell me which is the correct way? Thanks!!!

 

[breezer40]

Both methods can be used its just a matter of choice. My method is this:

Acclimatising your new fish
1. Float the bag for 20-30 minutes in the dark.

2. Open the bag and add a cupful of water from the tank.

3. Continue adding a cupful of water every 10 minutes or so for the next 30 mins.

4. Slowly release the fish into their new home.

 

[Jeewhizz]

Whatever you do, make sure the light is turned off. Many a beginner has left the bag floating with the light on, heating the bag up like a greenhouse.... you know what happens next

 

[Paul_MTS]

Depends on the species of fish, if i'm aclimatising something sensitive like a sting ray then the aclimatisation may take up to 3 hours equalizing the PH thorugh the drip method.

On more hardy fish they'll be floated for 20 mins odd and then realised.

You cannot toast a fish in a bag by leaving the light on, as the bag will stay at the same temperature as the surrounding water.

Personally I have never switched a light out for new fish.