- The measuring cup acclimating method is a gentle, safe and easy way to introduce saltwater fish to a new home, and usually takes less than an hour to complete.
- This technique facilitates re-oxygenation of the bag water during acclimation and introduces the fish to the unique pH and other chemical properties of your system.
- If you are acclimating several fish at one time and any are of a toxic releasing or poisonous stinging nature, such species are individually confined.
- This procedure can be used to acclimate all types of marine as well as freshwater livestock.
- Moving too fast and not allowing adequate time for proper acclimation.
- Open the bag, and if it is fairly full of packing water, pour off about half and discard.
- Fold over or cut off any excess bag material at the top.
- Place the bag inside the aquarium and secure it to the top rim of the aquarium with a clothes pin or other device, making sure no bag water gets into the aquarium or the tank water gets into the bag.
- Drop an airstone into the bag for a few minutes to assist with re-oxygenation.
- Add an ammonia buffer or destroyer to the bag water. Our preference is Amquel by Kordon, because it only takes a few drops, acts immediately, and cannot be overdosed.
- Scoop out about 1/4 cup of tank water, pour it into the bag and wait 10 minutes.
- Repeat this process.
- Now scoop out about 1/2 cup of the tank water, pour it into the bag and wait 10 minutes.
- Repeat this process.
- If you want you can test the pH, salinity, and temperature of the bag water to see if these parameters match that of your tank water at this point to check if acclimation is complete. If not, or you are concerned, repeat the last step again.
- Gently hand scoop or use a small perferated container to lift the fish out of the bag and put it in your tank.
- Discard the water in the bag.
- Sit back and enjoy your new tank treasure.
- Holding the measuring cup one to two inches above the bag each time the tank water is poured in provides re-oxygenation throughout the acclimation process.
- Using a very soft mesh net to remove the fish from the bag to place it into the tank is ok, but not recommended.
- Acclimating Fish the Drip Line Way
- Acclimating Fish the Turkey Baster Way
- Fish and Critter Acclimation for Dummies: What Acclimate Means and Reasons for Acclimating
- Tips for Pre-Acclimating Livestock: Both at the Store and Before Beginning Acclmation at Home
- Tips for Mail Ordering Livestock: Important Shipping and Packing Considerations Before Buying
