New Fish Handling Procedures

 

 

Transportation and Acclimation Procedures will Help Keep Your New Pets Alive.


Transportation Procedures

Water temperature is important, and temperatures in transported water will drop quickly in winter months. In warm weather, temperatures in transported water will climb rapidly. Using an insulated container (cooler or Styrofoam box) with cover will help to control the temperature fluctuations that can happen when a fish is transported (bring one with you). The insulated container will also keep light out, which will help the animals relax during transport. Never shake a bag or container that has live animals in it. When you arrive home, it's important to know how to introduce your new fish to the aquarium properly. If proper procedures are ignored, illness, undue stress, shock, and even death might occur. It is always wise to take your new pet home immediately after purchase.



Acclimation Procedures

1) Turn off aquarium lights.

2) Dim the lights in the room, severe stress or trauma may result from sudden exposure to bright light.

3) You will need airline tubing and must be willing to monitor the entire process. Gather a clean, 3 or 5-gallon bucket(s) designated for aquarium use only.

4) Carefully empty the contents of the bag(s) (including the water) into the bucket(s), making sure not to expose animals to the air. Depending on the amount of water in each bag, this may require tilting the bucket(s) at a 45 degree angle to make sure the animals are fully submerged. You may need a prop or wedge to help hold the bucket(s) in this position until there is enough liquid in the bucket(s) to put it back to a level position.

5) Using airline tubing, set up and run a siphon drip line from the main aquarium to each bucket. You’ll need separate airline tubing for each bucket used. Tie several loose knots in the airline tubing, or use a plastic airline control valve, to regulate water flow from the aquarium. It is also a good idea to secure the airline tubing in place with an airline holder.

6) Begin a siphon by sucking on the end of the airline tubing that you'll be placing into the bucket(s). When water begins flowing through the tubing, adjust the drip (by tightening one of the knots or adjusting the control valve) to a rate of about 2-4 drips per second.

7) When the water volume in the bucket(s) doubles, discard half and restart drip until the volume doubles again.

8) At this point, the specimens can be transferred to the aquarium.



Important Facts

● Be patient - never rush the acclimation procedure. The total acclimation time for your new arrival should take no longer than one hour.

● Always follow the acclimation procedure even if your new arrival appears to be dead. Some animals can appear as though they are dead, and will often revive when the above procedure is followed correctly. Never use an airstone when acclimating your new arrival. This can increase the pH of the water too quickly exposing your new arrival to potentially lethal ammonia.

Keep aquarium lights off for at least four hours after the new arrival is introduced into the aquarium.

● In some instances, the new fish will be chased and harassed by one or all of the existing tank mates.

Solution 1: A plastic spaghetti strainer can be used to contain a tank bully within the aquarium for several hours until the new arrival adjusts to its surroundings. Just float the perforated plastic basket in the aquarium. Net the tank bully and place in the floating basket for approximately four hours while the new arrival adjusts to your aquarium. Never place the new arrival in this basket; the new specimen must get familiar with your aquarium. By placing the tank bully in a perforated basket, you'll reduce the stress on your newest tank mate.

Solution 2: A perforated plastic lighting grid (a.k.a. egg crate) can be purchased and used as a divider for your aquarium. This grid may be used to section off a small portion of the aquarium to separate territorial or aggressive fish from the newest tank mate. After the new addition adjusts to the unfamiliar environment, the divider can be removed.