TAKING THE NEW FISH HOME

Transportation and Acclimation Procedures to keep you and your fish safe.

Many times we have found the need to remind our customers of the importance of proper transportation and acclimation procedures for their new fish and aquarium pets.

Once the fish is put in the bag and it's sealed, unless pure oxygen is properly put into the bag with it, the fish will usually have about 30 minutes worth of oxygen in there with them. Temperature is also important, and will drop quickly in winter months in cold climates. The reverse of this is true, also. In warm weather, temperatures in the bag will climb rapidly.

It is always advised to take your new pet home immediately after leaving the store.

When we arrive home, it's important to know how to introduce our new fish to the aquarium properly. If we ignore proper procedures, illness, undue stress, shock, and even death can be the end result.

*Turn the aquarium light off to reduce stress on your new fish.
*Float the UNOPENED bag in your aquarium for about 10 minutes to get the temperature in the bag the same as your aquarium.
*After 10 minutes, open the bag and roll it down like you would roll your sock down your leg. This creates a floatation ring that holds the bag at the surface. Spread the bag open wide, and scoop a small amount of water from the aquarium into the bag. Do this every 5 minutes for about a 1/2 hour, or until you double the amount of water in the bag.
*Net the fish gently from the bag and release them into the tank.
*Discard the water in the bag. Wait about a 1/2 hour and then turn the aquarium light back on.
*New fish aren't usually interested in eating for a day or so, so don't panic if they don't eat. Don't attempt to feed the fish in the tank until the next day to avoid uneaten food from polluting the tank.

Remember that your new fish is frightened and stressed. Many fish will not calm and adjust to their new home for at least 24 - 48 hrs. After this time they will tend to get more color, and settle into a normal activity pattern in your tank. The best thing we can do for them is to allow them time to adjust with the least amount of stress. Turning off the lights on the tank for the remainder of that day/night can help a fish settle in much faster.

Ensuring your fish a safe trip home is the first step in success!