Once your fish is used to the tank, you can be less strict about lighting. It’s a good idea to initially introduce your fish to a dim environment, as this will reduce the shock of being introduced to a new environment.
Simply set the bag on top of the water in the quarantine tank. The fish bag should float on the water’s surface. Set a timer for 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the bag during this time to make sure it does not fall over or come undone. For about 15 minutes, allow the bag to float. This way, the water in the bag will gradually become the same temperature as the water in the tank. [5] X Expert Source Craig MortonAquarium Specialist, Aquarium Doctor Inc. Expert Interview. 21 July 2020.
If you’re acclimating a heavier fish, you may have to place the bag in a floatable device like a small tupperware container.
Keep adding water from the aquarium every 4 minutes until the bag is completely full. How long this process will take varies. For a smaller bag, you may only need to add a couple of half cups. For a larger bag, you may need to add water 3 or 4 times before the bag is full.
After discarding the water, place the bag back in the quarantine tank. Allow the bag to start floating again.
Once again, length will vary. For a small bag, you may only need to add a couple half cups. A larger bag may need to be filled 3 or 4 times until it’s full.
Make sure to be gentle as you net your fish. You do not want your fish to become tangled in the netting. Use a slow, swooping gesture to capture your fish. Be gentle, but quick, when you transfer your fish to the main water. You do not want your fish to be out of water for too long.
You will need 3 or 5 gallon buckets, designed for aquarium use. You will also need airline tubing.
Let the sealed bag float for 15 minutes. Then, open the bag and roll the sides down to create an air tube that will keep the bag floating. Add half a cup of the water from the bucket to the bag. Wait 15 minutes. Add another half cup. Keep going until the bucket is full.
You may have to tilt the bag at a 45 degree angle when pouring. This will keep your fish fully submerged in water as you transfer it to the bucket.
You can get water to start flowing by sucking gently on the other end of the tube. Once water begins dripping, place the other end of the tube on the edge of the bucket.
When you’re done discarding the water, put your tubing back in place. Once again, suck on the end of the tube you’re placing in the bucket to get a drip going. Wait for the water in the bucket to double again.
Some species of fish should never be exposed to air. Sponges, clams, and gorgonias cannot handle air. Be extra careful when transferring these types of fish.
You do not need to get a fancy tank. A simple 10 to 20 gallon tank should be big enough for a quarantine tank. You can purchase an aquarium at a pet store. You can also order one online.
If possible, go for a tank with a built in filtration system. If your tank does not have a built in system, purchase a filtration system at a local pet shop. Install it in the tank when you get home, following manufacturer’s instructions.
An aquarium may have a built in heating system. If yours does not, you can buy one at a pet store. The proper temperature depends on the type of fish you have. Ask at the pet store what a safe temperature for your fish would be.
Take water from your main tank, using a bucket or cup, and fill up your quarantine tank. Once the quarantine tank is full, you can turn on the heater and filtration system.
Common infections include things like fin rot, vibriosis, and mouth rot. Usually, you would treat infections with antibiotics. Antibiotics may be administered to a fish’s tank, or you may give your fish food with antibiotics. Symptoms of infections changes in color, frayed or rotting fins, a lack of appetite, gray marks on the scale and fins, and open sores on a fish. If your fish has an infection, make sure it is treated and symptoms are gone before transferring your fish to the main aquarium.
You will have to net your fish and place it in a bag filled with water from the quarantine tank. Make sure to seal the bag with a metal clip or rubber band. Float the bag in the regular tank for 15 minutes, cut the bag open, and roll down the edges an inch. Transfer half a cup of water to the bag every 4 minutes until it’s full. Discard half the water in the bag, and float it in the tank again. Once again, transfer water every 4 minutes until the bag is full. Net the fish and transfer it into the main tank.
