Putting new fish into your aquarium from a bag requires a process called acclimation, which helps them adjust to the new environment and prevents shock. A critical part of this process is ensuring you do not add the water from the bag to your tank.
Understanding Acclimation
Acclimation is the gradual process of helping a new fish adjust to the water parameters (temperature, pH, salinity, etc.) of its new aquarium. Fish are typically transported in bags with water that differs significantly from your tank's water. Rapid changes can stress or even kill the fish. Floating the bag is a common method, primarily for temperature acclimation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Putting Fish in a Tank from a Bag (Floating Acclimation)
Here's a standard method for introducing new fish using floating acclimation, keeping the crucial point about water transfer in mind:
- Dim the Lights: Turn off the aquarium lights. This helps reduce stress on the new fish.
- Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag containing the fish on the surface of your aquarium water. Ensure the bag is secure and won't sink.
- Temperature Acclimation: Let the bag float for 15-20 minutes. This allows the water in the bag to slowly match the temperature of your aquarium water.
- Prepare for Water Exchange (Optional but Recommended): After the initial temperature acclimation, open the bag. Roll down the edge of the bag to create an air pocket to help it float.
- Gradually Add Tank Water: Every 10-15 minutes, add about 1/4 cup (or equivalent volume based on bag size) of your aquarium water to the bag. Do this slowly to allow the fish to adjust. Repeat this step 3-4 times over the next 30-60 minutes. This helps the fish adjust to your tank's pH and other water chemistry parameters.
- Remove the Fish (Crucial Step): This is where you transfer the fish without the bag water.
- Carefully scoop the fish out of the bag using a clean fish net.
- Discard the water remaining in the bag down a drain; do not pour it into your aquarium.
- Introduce to the Tank: Gently place the netted fish into your aquarium. Avoid just dropping them in.
- Monitor: Keep an eye on the new fish and your existing inhabitants for the first few hours. Leave the aquarium lights off for several more hours to help the new fish settle in.
Why You MUST NOT Add the Bag Water
As highlighted in the YouTube video titled "How to Acclimate Your Fish -- Floating Acclimation" (relevant section around 0:02-0:55), "It is important not to add this water to the aquarium. As it could introduce foreign materials or pathogens."
- Foreign Materials: The water the fish came in may contain waste products from the fish, residual medications, or other substances from the retailer's system that you don't want in your established tank.
- Pathogens: More importantly, the water could potentially carry parasites, bacteria, or diseases from the fish's previous environment. Even if the fish itself appears healthy, the water could be a vector for introducing issues into your clean system, potentially harming your existing fish.
By discarding the bag water and only transferring the fish, you significantly reduce the risk of contaminating your aquarium.
Summary Table: Key Steps & Why
| Step | Action | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Float the bag | Place sealed bag on tank surface for 15-20 mins. | Equalizes temperature. |
| Gradually add tank water | Add small amounts of tank water to the bag over 30-60 mins. | Helps fish adjust to pH and other water chemistry. |
| Remove fish with a net | Scoop fish out of the bag using a net. | Prepares for transfer without water. |
| Discard bag water | Pour original bag water down the drain. | Avoids introducing foreign materials or pathogens (as per reference). |
| Gently add fish to tank | Carefully release netted fish into the aquarium. | Introduces the fish to its new home. |
| Keep lights off | Leave aquarium lights off for several hours after introduction. | Reduces stress on new fish. |
Following these steps carefully ensures a safer and less stressful transition for your new fish into their new home.
