How do I acclimate a new fish to my tank?
Float the bag in your tank for 15 minutes to equalize the temperature.
Drip-acclimate by slowly adding small amounts of your tank water into the bag over 30–60 minutes. You can use airline tubing with a loose knot to control the drip rate.
Net the fish into the tank — don't pour the bag water in, as it may carry pathogens or poor-quality store water.
A few extra tips:
Dim the lights when introducing a new fish — it reduces stress and aggression from tank residents.
Turn off the return pump briefly if you have a strong flow, so the new fish isn't immediately swept around.
Watch for aggression from existing fish for the first hour or two, especially from clownfish defending an anemone or territorial damsels.
Ideally, the fish should have already spent 4–6 weeks in a quarantine tank before reaching this step — that way you know it's healthy and eating before it ever enters your display tank.
