7 Step That Make Saltwater Fish Addition Easy
- Dec 11, 2022
- Anshika Mishra
- 240 0 0
With so much technicality, how can a beginner now feel overwhelmed when adding fish to the tank? It's a tricky topic because there are so many factors and not a one-size-fits-all solution. On top of all, the hobbyists disagree.
Are you buying your fish from a store that treats and quarantines them all first? Or does the stress of a prophylactic copper treatment lead to a higher mortality rate due to adding fish directly to your tank? We can't give you answer to all these questions, but here are the targeted beginner strategies that will decrease fish mortality and keep things simple.
STEP 1: Buying from a reputable source
Either you'll have to choose a local fish store that you trust or buy from a trustworthy, reputable seller.
STEP 2: Buy captive-bred fish when possible
Captive-bred fishes are not tank-raised and parasite-free, but they are also pre-conditioned to eat standard aquarium foods.
STEP 3: Get your tanks ready
Your display tank needs to be cycled, and your quarantine tank needs to be set up and ready to go.
STEP 4: Temperate acclimate
Do this with all of your new fish, regardless of where you buy it from. The goal here is to reduce stress. Start by dimming or turning off the lights in the room and then turning off the aquarium lights. Then just float the bag in the aquarium for 30 seconds. This is especially true if you buy from an online retailer. But don't open the bag during this time?
STEP 5: Drip acclimate
You are only going to drip acclimate fishes that were shipped to you. Not fish that were picked up from your local fish store. During shipping, the pH and the water from the bag drop, so drip acclimation will be vital for equalizing those out.
But only drip acclimates your fish for 30 minutes.
STEP 6: Quarantine
A 30-day observation-only quarantine tank with no medications. For the new tank, quarantining is also vital.
STEP 7: Move fishes to your display tank
Switch off the light of your display tank and leave them for 24 hours. If you are adding a fish to a brand-new display tank, then just use a gloved hand or a new one; if you are using a gloved hand, be sure to place your other hand.
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