Whether you are adding a new fish to your fish tank to start a new community or adding some variety to your display, taking the time to introduce it properly will make sure everyone is swimming happily. One of the biggest causes of death for new fish is shock, due to failure to introduce them to the tank in a healthy way. So save yourself some heartache and money by following these tips for your new fish.
1. Ensure Your Tropical Freshwater Fish Tank is Ready
For the well-being of the entire tank ecosystem, be certain that your tank is an optimum environment. This means cleaning your tank before acquiring new fish so they have the freshest water available (be sure to clean no later than 48 hours before introducing new fish to allow the water levels to regain stability.) Also check your tank’s thermometer – tropical freshwater tanks should be between 70 – 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Prevent Shock to Your New Fish Every tank is different, and fish react poorly to sudden changes in their environment. Temperature, pH balance, salinity, and other chemical factors can all vary between the pet store and your home fish tank. The best way to overcome this variance is to leave the sealed plastic bag from the store with your new fish inside it floating in your tank for one hour. This will allow the water inside the bag to gradually adjust in temperature to your tank’s temperature, letting the fish slowly acclimate as well.
3. Treat New Fish for Stress One of the clearest ways to tell if a freshwater tropical fish is stressed is paling. Though usually bright with vibrant colors, a stressed fish will literally go pale and appear white or silver. Stress fish also lose what’s called their slime-coat: a layer of slime on their bodies that protects and insulates them from changes in their environment. Most pet stores will squirt a few drops of destressing solution into the bag with your new fish, but it is also a good idea to purchase a bottle for your home tank. These solutions will work to restore fish’s slime-coat and keep them feeling comfortable and looking colorful!
4. Monitor Your New Fish Fish that are stressed can quickly become fish that are sick, and that sickness will rapidly spread through your tank. Watch your new fish over the next few days to be sure that they are active, eating, and healthy. If a fish dies despite all your efforts, remove it from the tank as quickly as possible – dead fish actually exude toxins into the water that will harm others! Keep an eye on your fish tank to prevent such a disaster. Finally, enjoy watching the newest members of your freshwater tropical fish tank be happy and healthy! By carefully preparing them for your home tank, you are on your way to a beautiful display of aquarium fish.
Scott Brodie has successfully (and unsuccessfully) introduced many fish into his tropical freshwater aquarium over the past five years that he has had fish.
More from Scott:
Choosing a Fish for Your Freshwater Fish Tank
Pro Christian Athletes
Deacon Brodie, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
American Gothic by Grant Wood
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