Drip Acclimatisation

[bolivian_d]

I've always wanted to drip acclimatise my fish when putting them into a new tank. I've heard about it, but know nothing about the equipment needed. Is it readily available at most LFS? If somebody could tell me all about it, or provide a link I would be much appreciative.

Thanks,

Don

 

[maximinimus]

All you need is an air line and an air line tap.

Put a bucket on the floor then put the fish bag in the bucket.

Create a syphon using the air line tube and adjust the tap to produce around 1-2 drip/sec

Leave it dripping until the fish bag is full, then net and add your new fish to the tank.


I didn't like this method much when I tried it as I have always found the fish to settle down more when they are floating in the tank.

 

[Gilli]

A free way of doing this without the need for equipment is to float the transport bag in the quarantine tank for approximately 10-15 minutes before opening. This is very important to allow the temperature to come up and the ph to stabilize. If the bag is opened too soon, the fish could suffer ph shock. After the 10-15 minute float time, open the bag carefully and remove all but a third of the water and discard it. Every 10 minutes add ¼-½ cup of tank water. Continue until the bag is almost full, dump out ½ the water (discard it) and repeat the procedure until the bag fills again. Once refilled, remove the bag, net the fish and place in the aquarium.

Do not allow the transport water or any acclimation water back into the quarantine tank. Many LFS will use copper or other meds to reduce the instances of parasites and should be avoided. If possible turn off any bright lights and allow the new addition to adjust. This will greatly reduce any stress.

 

[maximinimus]

A free way of doing this without the need for equipment is to float the transport bag in the quarantine tank for approximately 10-15 minutes before opening. This is very important to allow the temperature to come up and the ph to stabilize. If the bag is opened too soon, the fish could suffer ph shock. After the 10-15 minute float time, open the bag carefully and remove all but a third of the water and discard it. Every 10 minutes add ¼-½ cup of tank water. Continue until the bag is almost full, dump out ½ the water (discard it) and repeat the procedure until the bag fills again. Once refilled, remove the bag, net the fish and place in the aquarium.

Do not allow the transport water or any acclimation water back into the quarantine tank. Many LFS will use copper or other meds to reduce the instances of parasites and should be avoided. If possible turn off any bright lights and allow the new addition to adjust. This will greatly reduce any stress.

That would be the float method, not the drip method then

 

[Gilli]

Yep! Just thought id point out a way of doing it without the need for any equipment - same result in the end!

 

[bolivian_d]

Thanks,

That's how i've done it in the past but i hear the drip method is superior.

 

[jb12288]

well why would you change? the drip method can take hours and above stated takes about an hour and is just as effective.

 

[bolivian_d]

Well I've read literature that suggests that the floating method isn't as effective. Which is why I had considered changing.

 

[jb12288]

agh...well then that is a good idea