How to Acclimate New Fish to Your Tank

Fish stress easily during transport. Float the sealed bag for fifteen to twenty minutes to equalize temperature. Then open the bag and slowly add small amounts of tank water every five to ten minutes over thirty to forty minutes, or use a drip line if you have one. Net the fish out — do not pour pet-store water into your tank.

Turn down the lights and skip feeding the first day. Watch for clamped fins, rapid breathing, or hiding in a corner; mild hiding is normal.

If you can run a quarantine tank, use it for two to four weeks before adding fish to your display. That is the best way to catch ich or bacterial issues before they spread. Note the purchase date and source in ReefDiary livestock records for later reference.