AcclImation Steps

General Step for All Acclimations

Before starting any acclimation, test the water parameters (pH, GH, KH) of both the tank water and the water the aquatic animals arrived in.

• For shipped animals, it’s not unusual for the transport water to have ammonia—handle with care.

🐟 Fish Acclimation

Method 1: Floating Bag Acclimation

1. Test pH, GH, KH of tank water and fish transport water.
2. Float the sealed fish bag (non-breather) in the tank for 20–30 minutes to equalize temperature.
3. Open the bag, roll down the edge or clip it so it floats upright.
4. Add 1–2 tablespoons of tank water every 5–10 minutes into the bag for 45–60 minutes to slowly adjust water chemistry.
5. Using a net, gently transfer fish into the tank—avoid adding transport water.
6. Discard all transport water.

Method 2: Drip Acclimation

1. Test pH, GH, KH of tank water and fish transport water.
2. Remove the unopened fish bag from transport and place it in the room to allow the water temperature to gradually reach room temperature. You can place a thermometer on the bag to monitor the temperature.
3. Gently place fish into a clean container.
4. In the container, set up a drip system from tank to container using airline tubing tied in a loose knot or a valve to create a drip.
5. Adjust drip to about 2–4 drips per second and continue for 1–2 hours, doubling or tripling the water volume.
6. Gently transfer fish into the tank using a net.
7. Discard all transport water.

🦐 Shrimp Acclimation

Method: Drip Acclimation Only

Shrimp are sensitive to changes in water chemistry; drip acclimation is safest.

1. Remove the unopened shrimp fish breather bag from transport and place it in the room to allow the water temperature to gradually reach room temperature. You can place a thermometer on the bag to monitor the temperature.
2. Test pH, GH, KH of tank water and shrimp transport water.
3. Gently place shrimp into a clean container.
4. In the container, set up a drip system from tank to container as described in fish drip acclimation.
5. Adjust drip to about 2–4 drips per second and continue for 1–2 hours, doubling or tripling the water volume.
6. Gently transfer shrimp into the tank using a fine mesh net.
7. Discard all transport water.

🐌 Snail Acclimation (Nerite, Mystery, Ramshorn, etc.)

Method: Gradual Water Addition Acclimation

Snails are more tolerant than shrimp but still require careful acclimation to prevent osmotic shock or inactivity.

1. Test pH, GH, KH of your tank and the snail’s transport water (if bagged, otherwise place snails in tank water in a container).
2. Add 1–2 tablespoons of tank water every 5–10 minutes to the container holding the snails for 45–60 minutes.
3. Once the snails become active, remove them by hand (or use gloves/tweezers) and place them into the tank. In some cases, it may take a while for snails to “wake up.” Continue to keep snails in an aerated container until you see activity.
4. Discard all transport water.
   

Note: It’s not unusual for snails to have some residue or film inside their transport container.