Quick Acclimation & Setup Tips
Straightforward steps for new arrivals
Quarantine first (about 2 weeks).
New fish should be observed in a separate tank/tub before mixing with other fish. Watch feeding, behavior, and fins. Combine only after they look stable.
New fish should be observed in a separate tank/tub before mixing with other fish. Watch feeding, behavior, and fins. Combine only after they look stable.
Delivery-day checklist (live fish)
- Have someone receive the box on the first attempt. Don’t leave it outside or in heat/cold.
- Open in a quiet spot with lights dimmed. Avoid shocks and vibration.
- Prep: clean bucket/tub, airline tubing (knot/valve), net, water tests. Optional: air stone, heater, aquarium salt.
- Check for box damage or temperature issues before unbagging.
Important — Breather bags
If fish arrive in a breather bag, do not float or submerge the bag. It blocks gas exchange.
If fish arrive in a breather bag, do not float or submerge the bag. It blocks gas exchange.
- Let the sealed bag rest on a dry surface out of direct light for 10–15 minutes.
- Cut the bag and pour fish + bag water into a clean bucket (use a net as needed).
- Start drip acclimation from tank to bucket (1–2 drops/sec) for 30–45 minutes. When volume doubles, discard half and continue.
- Net fish into the tank. Discard all shipping water.
Skip the temperature-float step below for breather bags.
Before unboxing
- Stabilize water: 68–78 °F (20–26 °C), pH 7.0–8.0.
- Set up a separate observation tank if possible (2 weeks recommended).
- Plan light feeding only for the first 24–48 hours.
Step 1 — Let bags rest (10–15 min)
Open the box, remove the bags, and let them sit out of direct light for 10–15 minutes.
Step 2 — Temperature float (15–20 min)
Float sealed bags in the tank or bucket for 15–20 minutes. Keep lights low. Skip this step for breather bags.
Step 3 — Drip acclimation (30–45 min)
- Move bag water + fish into a clean bucket (cut edge; use a net carefully).
- Run airline tubing from tank to bucket. Set 1–2 drops/sec using a knot/valve.
- When volume doubles, discard half and continue the drip. Total ~30–45 minutes.
- Do not add shipping water to the main tank.
Step 4 — Transfer & lights off
- Use a net only. Discard shipping/bucket water.
- Lights off for 6–12 hours. Keep handling low.
- Optional: low salt support (0.1–0.2% = 1–2 g/L) if compatible with plants/inverts/equipment.
First 72 hours
| 0–24 h | Observe. Feed lightly or skip. Keep light low. Ensure aeration. |
| 24–48 h | If response is good, feed a small amount (micro pellets/crushed food or frozen baby brine). Test NH3/NO2. |
| 48–72 h | Water change 10–20%. Watch for surface gasping, clamped fins, resting on bottom. |
Do
- Match temperature first; acclimate slowly.
- Be present to receive the package.
- Confirm NH3/NO2=0 in the first 48 hours.
- Quarantine/observe for ~2 weeks before mixing.
Don’t
- Pour shipping water into the main tank.
- Use strong lighting or heavy feeding on day one.
- Leave the box outside or in a hot/cold car.
- Cause rapid parameter swings (big water changes, sudden pH shifts).
Troubleshooting — quick actions
| Sign | Likely cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Surface gasping | Low oxygen / ammonia | Add aeration, 20% water change, test NH3/NO2. |
| Resting on bottom | Temperature or transit stress | Lower light, keep temperature steady, reduce disturbance. |
| Clamped fins | Water quality / initial stress | Small feeding, clean water, observe closely. |
| Flashing / scratching | External irritation or parasites | Observe in isolation; if persistent, contact support with photos/video. |
Note: The 14-Day Health Guarantee covers rare, health-related losses shortly after arrival. Losses from jumping, predators, disappearance, poor water quality, temperature swings, improper acclimation, aggression, or negligence are not covered. Details: User Guide.
60-second Quick Card
- Open box → rest bags 10–15 min.
- Float sealed bags 15–20 min. (Skip for breather bags.)
- Move to bucket → drip 30–45 min (1–2 drops/sec).
- Net fish only; discard shipping water.
- Lights off; tiny feeding or skip day one.
- Confirm NH3/NO2=0; 10–20% water change within 48 h.
Questions? Email snrmedaka@gmail.com
