To adjust fish to new water, a common method involves gradually introducing the new water to the fish in their current container, often the bag they arrived in. This process helps the fish acclimatize to the new water's chemistry and temperature.
One effective way to adjust fish is through a method where you gradually add small amounts of water from the new aquarium into the bag containing the fish.
The Process of Acclimation
Acclimating your fish is crucial for their health and survival when moving them to a new tank. A sudden change in water parameters like temperature, pH, and dissolved solids can cause severe stress or even death. The reference highlights a specific step in this process:
- Scoop small amounts of water from your aquarium.
- Add this water to the bag holding the fish.
According to the reference, this action "helps the fish in the bag adjust to the water chemistries of their new home after a few rounds of adding."
Steps for Adding Water to the Bag
While the reference provides a key step, a typical floating acclimation process often follows these general steps:
- Float the bag: Place the sealed bag containing the fish in the new aquarium for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the water temperature in the bag to equalize with the aquarium water temperature.
- Open the bag: Carefully open the bag and roll down the edges to create a floatable rim.
- Add aquarium water: Every 10-15 minutes, scoop small amounts of water from the aquarium and add it to the bag. (This is the process described in the reference).
- Repeat: Continue adding small amounts of aquarium water to the bag for about 30-60 minutes, or until the volume of water in the bag has roughly doubled.
- Transfer the fish: Once the fish has had ample time to adjust, carefully net the fish from the bag and place it into the aquarium. Avoid adding the water from the bag directly into your tank, as it may contain undesirable substances or pathogens.
This gradual introduction allows the fish's system to slowly adjust to the different water chemistry of the new environment, minimizing stress and reducing the risk of shock.
