Got some new finned friends ready to join your underwater crew?

We’ve had a ton of questions over the years about acclimating new fish, and we totally get it—introducing new fish to their aquatic home can be a bit of a puzzle.

Don’t worry, though; we’re here to help you navigate the process!

Common Questions We Get:

“Is quarantine really necessary?”
“Can’t I just add them straight into my tank?”

The answer is, yes, you do need to quarantine, no, don’t just plop them in, and yes, there’s a specific way to handle feeding.

Introducing new fish isn’t just about tossing them in and hoping for the best—rapid changes in water conditions can stress them out, weaken their immune systems, and make them more prone to diseases... at best!

It's shock and a heart attack at worst!

Our Process at Glass Grown Aquatics

Here at Glass Grown Aquatics, we take fish care seriously.

We use the ‘Med Trio’ to keep our fish in tip-top shape: Erythromycin for bacteria, Malachite Green Chloride for fungal diseases, and a combo of Metronidazole and Praziquantel for parasites. We think it’s pretty great stuff!

But even with our precautions, there are some steps you yourself need to take to make sure your new fish feel right at home when they come to you.

Let’s break it down:

Step-by-Step Acclimation Process

1. Prepare a Quarantine Tank

Before bringing your new fish home, set up and CYCLE a quarantine tank.

This helps keep any potential diseases at bay and lets your new fish get used to their new environment.

Use some old filter media and a sponge filter to keep things clean. Adding a few live plants can also make the tank feel a bit more like home.

2. Check the Temperature

Make sure the water temperature in the quarantine tank is comfortable for your new fish. They may have had a tough jouney and should be brought up (or down) to the correct temperature gradually to prevent shock.

For the community fish we carry, room temperatures (66-78°F) work fine. Use an aquarium thermometer to make any necessary adjustments gradually.

3. Float the Bag

Did your fish come in regular plastic bags with a water/ air ratio? Simply floating the unopened bags 15-30 mins in the quarantine tank should help modulate the temperatures.

If your fish came in the specialized 'Breather' bags (pic below), DON'T float them. They need air exchange, and can't be surrounded by water. That's why we ship those bags wrapped individually in paper.

Instead, proceed directly to the next step of drip acclimating.

4. Drip Acclimation

Carefully open the bag and pour the contents into a bucket outside the tank. Start a siphon drip line to slowly add water from the quarantine tank into the bucket—aim for a drop every 2 seconds. This gradual process helps the fish get accustomed to the new water chemistry.

5. Check Water Parameters

After about an hour, check the water parameters in the bucket. When they match the conditions in the quarantine tank closely, it’s time to introduce your fish to their new home.

6. Release the Fish

Use a net to gently transfer your fish from the bucket to the quarantine tank. Avoid adding the water from the bucket to the tank to keep things clean and avoid introducing any potential contaminants.

7. Observe and Wait

Keep a close eye on your new fish for signs of stress or illness. While we handle medication here at Glass Grown Aquatics, it’s crucial for you to monitor their health as well.

Shipping is stressful!

Quarantine them for at least two weeks before moving them to your main tank to ensure they’re healthy and happy.

Don't be afraid to use another round of medication within quarantine, if you notice fungal, bacterial, or parasite issues. It's always possible one round with us was not enough.

And there you have it! With these steps, you’re all set to give your new fish the warmest welcome.

Acclimating them properly is crucial for their health and happiness, so take your time. 

Got any questions or tips of your own? Drop them in the comments below—we love hearing from you!

Happy fishkeeping! 🌊✨