When you are first learning to acclimate a fish in a new aquarium or bowl, there are several steps you need to follow to ensure it has a smooth transition from the store container to its new home. If you don't follow them correctly, moving them can result in injury or trauma, so you need to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Steps
Step 1. Before buying any new fish, properly stabilize the good bacteria in the water circulation of your aquarium
You have to make sure that the water is completely in circulation to avoid ammonia peaks and algae blooms. It may take a few days or even a few months, depending on the size of your aquarium.
Step 2. Take a paper bag or container with you to the pet store when you go to pick your new fish
Most fish are sensitive to light, and moving the fish from the inside to the outside or from one light source to another can be shocking to them. When the fish is placed in the clear plastic bag from the store, place it in the container you brought with you.
Step 3. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from the vehicle's heater or air conditioner on the way home
These heat sources can alter the temperature of the water much faster than the fish can handle it.
Step 4. Turn off the aquarium light and dim the lights in the room where your fish's new aquarium is located
Do this before removing the fish from the container you have transported it in, since fish are sensitive to light and can be traumatized by a sudden change in lighting.
Step 5. Turn off the aeration system and the stone aerator in the tank to make sure that the oxygen levels do not alter
Make an effort to create a stress-free environment while your fish settles in.
Step 6. Open the container or bag you transported your new fish in, and carefully remove the plastic bag
Keep the latter still sealed. Be careful not to yank the fish or container, as this could cause injury or undue stress.
Step 7. Touch the outside of the water bag where the fish is located
It is important to determine the water temperature by comparing it with the water found inside the aquarium or bowl. Do not open the plastic bag right away. The most important thing for the health of the fish is to provide it with enough oxygen, and if you open the bag the oxygen supply will go out.
Step 8. Put all the packaging with which you transported the fish inside the aquarium, which must be fully operational
Let the bag float above or just below the surface of the water, so that the fish acclimate to the aquarium water. The process should take 30 minutes.
Step 9. Open the package with the fish, and pour a little aquarium water into the bag
Wait 1 or 2 minutes, and add more. Keep repeating this step until the bag in which the fish is swimming is mostly filled with aquarium water. Once this step is complete, leave the fish in the bag for another 15-20 minutes.
Step 10. Open the bag completely, take the fish and gently place it in the aquarium
Do not mix the water from the bag into the aquarium, as you could transfer unwanted parasites or diseases.
