How I Acclimate Freshwater Fish and Inverts and Why-Tuesday Tip
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ค. 2024
- There are tons of ways to acclimate, I have found to have the best survival rate and the least amount of stress to my aquatic friends following the method outlined in this video.
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My friend and co-author Mark Denaro reminded me of something i forgot to add in the video- I prefer to use moistened nets so that the mesh of the net does not compromise the slime coat of the fish.
Rachel O'leary awesome video
That's a good addition, Rachel. In addition to being a fishkeeper, I also flyfish. I'm all about catch-and-release, which is why I make sure my hands are good and wet before I touch the fish. I think that is the same principle.
That makes so much sense ! Ty
Yes, but what about the fish we buy from the store, don’t we have to float them in the tank? Thanks in advance.
I tried this with new panda cories and blue and yellow shrimps. I’ve never seen new additions to my planted tank go right to swimming, digging and eating so quickly. You are the mother of nanos and beyond!
yeah this is what you supposed to do with shipped animals, the older method is for fish you get from a local store within 40 mins of your own tank.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I've been doing this plop and drop as you call it (luv it) for 3-4 yrs now and I've been screamed at...cussed...and told I'm "abusing" the fish and that when they die it's nobody's fault but my own...funny thing...they never die this way...LOL...I had multiple expensive fish die off while doing the 'drip' acclimation method or the dump out half the shipping water and replace with my tank water then float them for 15-20 mins and then dump into a net and into the tank...so thank you again for putting it out here in public for all the world to see that the 'plop and drop' method actually does work the best for the fish and for explaining all the chemical reasons why.
This is such new and almost radical information that should be shared among us in the hobby. I wonder why more sellers don't know or share this. I trust your experience and, as always, will apply your advice. I am always concerned about light acclimation and do mine slowly. Thanks, Rachel!
I'm going to try this. I don't anyone who knows more about fish than Rachel. Thank you
I used to drip acclimate for like an hour (most of my fish are in extremely soft water) and I was scared. Started doing this, and wow! They started coloring up and exploring their new environment right away. Thanks!
this is the way i always used to add fish to tanks, but then i started working at a big box pet store, and all the training was for slow drip or water mixing, and i was like "what? nah... is this really the way i'm supposed to do this?" but it's great to know that someone with such high standing in the hobby does it this way. it means i haven't been hurting my fish over the years, and actually potentially prolonged their lives haha.
Rachel THANK YOU for addressing the pH swings and ammonium -> ammonia toxicity! So many people tout the drip method and fail to realize the chemistry involved in their decisions. You are doing a great service to the hobby, and be encouraged.
Makes so much sense! I am definitely going to try your method. I wish I would have heard of this sooner. Going to share this video to show there are different ways and because we have been probably been doing it wrong and harming the fish/inverts more than helping with drip acclimation. Another Awesome Informative Video! I enjoy your videos and knowledge more and more! Thanks!!!
Well, you probably think you know what you're doing since you do it on such a large volume --- well, I certainly won't argue with you. I have done the drip method since the 1970s but everything you say makes sense. I guess it's time for an Old School guy to make a change. TANKS for such a good job of explaining your reasoning!!!
I would never suggest my way is the only way. I just try to explain the choices I have made.
Like you said, "... a million ways ..." But your way makes sense to me. When you get to know me, you'll learn I don't blow smoke.
I have shrimp coming in today, SO glad to know this! It’s going to save me so much time on day that I don’t have it to spare. Thank you!
I am happy to report that not a single shrimp died from this method, all survived right down to the tiniest speck of a baby.
the most educational video Ive seen on acclimating. Thanks! I always felt it was delaying the stress as well, and now will simplify my method.
I LOVE your channel, Rachel!!! This is how I will go from here on out!!! It makes total sense! I don't wan't any unneeded stress on my babies!!!!!
thank you msjinkzd , my first inclination many years ago was get the fish out of the bag and into the tank asp and would be less stress,over time I've heard compelling theories persuading me to try other methods . I currently believe your helpful assistance has got me back on the right track
I was doing this wrong for so many years. This removes so much time from the process and the 10+ fish I have used it with are all doing wonderfully. Thanks and check out my tank some time. I'd love to get your take on it.
Rachel I love your videos I've learned so much from you!
Thanks for everything that you do!
Another awesome video Rachel. Thankyou. I never drip acclimatised my shrimp and was worried I had hurt them but this helped alleviate some of my worry. I only have four and they are all doing really well. Growing well and developing brighter colour practically every day. I will use your method in the future if I get more.
I tried drop and plop today! I also used Mark's tip on using a moist net. My dwarf puffer seems o be doing well and I am glad that I didn't make the transition more stressful for him. Thank you, Rachel!:)
thanks for the video rachel.really opened my eyes to a new way of doing things.im going to use this way from now on.
great tip...didn't think of it that way. Thanks Rachel!
Great job on the videos btw...keep em coming
VERY Informative and Helpful Video! I have heard about this type of acclimation, but have never tried it. With the information you have given us in this video, you have convinced me to change methods. Thanks!
Really great info Rachel. Thanks for sharing!
If Joey is the King of DIY, you're the Queen of Tips :). Thank you again Rachel, your channel is simply amazing. I remember when I discovered you thanks to Joey, and now you both are my favourite channels :). Cheers!
+Almarma awesome, thanks
I love the way you give explain your logic - totally makes sense! Great tip!
+Lelani Dixon you know, this hobby has a real learning curve. It is so hard to know what to believe, what to do, where to find your info. I would never say my way is the only way, but I really try hard to share what I do and WHY. The why is important to me, because otherwise you know what they say about opinions!
I so enjoy your videos Rachel. You really know your stuff and really put out a lot of very beneficial information that no doubt helps a lot of people in the hobby. I am so thrilled I came across this video. For years Ive been doing the floating bag, and adding a little bit of tank water to the bag every 10 minutes method...but no more. I will try this new way of doing things. Thank you :)
+Shelley :) my pleasure
so thankful for this and your "how i handle shipments" videos. my endlers were actively searching for food within the first 7 minutes after dumping them into the tank. lights came on an hour later and they got more active. i've been studying this since march in preparation. Now i just gotta wait the week to see if they develop any issues. So far tho the dark plop n drop method seems to have been an overwhelmingly positive success. i now have 2 male and 2 female endlers happily scouting the snail tank. THANKS SO MUCH
Glad to hear it!
Nice video. I've been doing this exact method for years - straight into the QT tank.
wow, thank you so much for the well thought out and presented approach.
Love all your vids! Completely agree this is the best way to do it.
woah... thanks for this video. hugely important reasons for the differences in your methods! im glad i saw this now - my fish arrives on thursday and i want the best for her! this will be the first fish ive kept as an adult and im super nervous
I have never kept fish but watch all your videos just because you make it interesting now I hv 9 guppies and 3 fry 1 female came pregnant even though they were suppose to be virgin I didn't trip out anyway I did what I saw you do it was simple Thank you. You made me not afraid keep fish my.daughter showed me your channels and I have to admit I was scared at first you kept me watching we love your supercute fish still scared of the big boys😂
that is so awesome! I am so glad you are enjoying the hobby!
Very practical and systematic. Thanks for showing us
I've used this method now for rasboras and neocaridina shrimp. Everyone is doing fine, even after several weeks. Thanks so much for this advice, and the reasons behind it.
You are an amazingly smart lady. I feel much more confident with our fishes. Thank you. :)
Great advice, Rachel! Thanks! Joe said the same thing, if I'm not mistaken.
Great video Rachel. It's nice to see you so active on your TH-cam. Great point to just dump the fish in or use an extended drip method. You kind of touched on it, but a product like SeaChem Prime would be great for both these methods. For the long accumulation, I wouldn't recommend the poly pad... I'd use Prime over the pads. Pads strip minerals making them Redox oxidizer. During this stressful time, Redox reducers are much more needed. Looking forward to keeping up with your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Looks like you got a shout out in this article here. More professional information on how to acclimate.
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Disease.html#quarantine
Devon Trigg q
I used this method with amano shrimp the other day. Excellent results. They got to work fixing my hair algae problem within minutes. No losses.
love the method! been using it for years now
Awesome advice, and makes things easier too!
I did this! And it worked! My fish and shrimp were happy exploring the tank in a matter of minutes.
Glad to hear it
Thanks so much! I loved the lesson on the chemistry of shipping fish! Keep up the great work! Do you have a video on how gills work?
Subbed! Your videos are super helpful, wishing I would have found you last year!
I'll definitely try this when I get my next batch of shrimp, I drip acclimated my first 12 and lost 3. They where only in the bag for a couple of hours since I bought them from my lfs, but I guess that was long enough for some ammonia build up?
Love your channel Rachel, I'm learning a lot. Been wanting to add some micro crabs to my invert tank and I'm for sure going to buy from you.
Glad I found this video everyone has told me to drip acclimate, but from my years of chemistry and biology I didn't see how it served the fish at all. I figured it was just better to get them out and into some fresh water...yet I have only lost some shrimp. Never lost any other fish to acclimation and I literally just float the bag on top for a few minutes and plop them right in. I also only buy from hobbyists or local FISH stores though I don't buy anything at petco or pet smart. Best fish come from ebay lol.
So I feel better knowing my instincts made sense. About to welcome 4 new fish members!
Just watched this video again. Excellent advice. Since I can't find the species of fish I want locally, my fish are being shipped to me overnight next week. Doing the plop and drop (first time)! The shipper's water hardness (gH) is identical to mine (my pH is way lower as I keep South American fish, 6.6-6.8 and breeder has pH of 8). I've always dripped acclimated fish purchased locally because of difference in hardness/pH and have never had a problem, so fingers crossed all goes well.
Thank you for this video. Tried this with my female betta I just got and it worked great.
Great great video!!!!! I agree plop them right in I did it when I got a new tank
great video. I also like the plop and drop method
Wise advice. Thanks Rachel
Fantastic! I've only ever done plop and drop. Never had a fish die.
I don't think we give our fish enough credit.
Wow this is news to me. I've never heard of doing this, Makes way to much sense after you explained it. Thanks I'll see if that helps.
How have I not found your channel till today. You have so much common sense and making everything simple for everyone. Keep up the hard work and the videos coming
+benboarder09 thanks and glad you found me
this is what i found on the internet after watching this video : Ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) has a more toxic form at high pH and a less toxic form at low pH, un-ionized ammonia (NH3) and ionized ammonia (NH4+), respectively. In addition, ammonia toxicity increases as temperature rises. Cheers again to Rachel for another educational video !!!
Definitely works vs. all the confusing acclimation types out there. Not sure if it's right, but I try to do this as quickly as possible to minimize their stress when I get my fish. Also I take notice if some are sensitive to bright lights or even high pitch noises.
You have some good points. Thanks.
I only do drip acclimation because I keep lots of soft water, low pH fish and my tap water is rather hard and rather basic. Thanks for the ammonia tip! I think that it will definitely help with stressed fish.
A most excellent tutorial, brutal audio.
Hi Rachel! This makes perfect sense to me for fish and inverts bought online and/or shipped long distance which likely have spent days in bags with water full of ammonia and depleting oxygen. Still I was wondering if you would also suggest doing this method of acclimation for locally store-bought fish and inverts that are inside the plastic bag for a relatively short while (like maybe 3 hours tops; I know some people actually live within like 10-min walking distance to their LFS) and if so, why?
Not trying to question your expertise or anything! Just want the best for my little fishies like you and probably everyone else here.
And if anyone else reading this has anything to share on this matter too, by all means, please do.
+auelasuka unless you are doing a prolonged drip, acclimation is not useful except to make the hobbyist more comfortable
For local bought fish, I imagine water parameters are near identical. I don't know the perfect method for local transfer, though.
Differences in water conditions would be temperature (especially in the middle of winter/summer) and bacteria load.....
Also, just ask the local fish store xD, cause they will tell you if they changed the water parameters from tapwater
Rachel O'Leary I have well water with a higher pH, if I were to plop and drop wouldn't it cause pH shock?
I just did the plop and drop method to my new neon tetras, and they are still living the next day. So far so good. They colored up real quick.
+MsArtemis01 Super glad to hear it!
really really great video about acclimating fish!! thks!!
"plop and drop" method, nice! love it.
these videos are appreciated by so many of us and this one in particular. I know this thread is old but I have a scenario I wondered if you might shed light on. I have had trouble with Neon Tetra in the past and to this day I dont get why it is considered a beginner fish. they not like below 7PH on any data sheet I can find. I can never find out where they just came from or water Parameters etc. and I lost an online bunch I plopped and dropped and decided to buy local a few at a time. So I bought ten and the local PetSmart informed me the PH was 6.86 and 150PPM so I decided to drip acclimate as I was 7.4 with CO2 off and 203. I tested the water they came in and it was 206PPM which seemed high for a lower PH in this area so I test the PH and it was 7.5 and not 6,86 as informed. So I sped up the drip as I was at 7.3-7.4 already with the CO2 off. When I got to just over a 50/50 mix the TDS spiked to 700+. the fish appeared to have a graying all of a sudden so I just plopped and dropped as I got nervous. So they colored up just fine and then the tnext day looked just fine. I was left in confusion no clue. So two days later everything looks good and go buy 15 more same place. now the water tested 150 and 7.5+PH so a water change took place is my guess there as I was early to the store. Ok so get home and decide drip again and this time lets get to the bottom of that TDS spike if possible. Long story short, same scenario after the 50/50 or so was reached TDS spike to over 800 this time. Must be my eyes says I and pour out some of the tranfer water into a cup and take to the tespt bench and I read .25 ammonia , no nitrates, no Nitrites a KH of 5 and I stopped testing for GH when I put in the 27th drop. the TDS Spike was real and I am totally lost as to the reason. Any ideas will be very appreciated.
I don't follow the advice of just any "expert" on youtube. It took someone with actual knowledge and experience to convince me that it would be ok to change. Thanks.
I just received my first box of RCS. I was certain I was going to drip acclimate. I just watched this 3 times in a row & I am putting my trust in you & going to do it your way. Wish me luck! I will update how it goes!
I'm terrified!
This worked PERFECTLY! It is very cold outside, when my package if shrimp came, I let the box sit, unopened for a good hour. I then got my bucket & net ready, opened the box, checked for any DOA, there wasn't any. I cut the top of the bag off, poured the water thru the net & immediately put the shrimp in the aquarium. They were adjusted almost immediately & not a single loss! This saved me so much time & saved my shrimp! THANK YOU! I used to drip acclimate for 3-4 hours thinking it was my best chance to save them. I was wrong! This method is so much better! THANK YOU RACHEL! I put your youtube in my review on the shrimp I ordered! Spread the word of your amazing channel! God bless!
Rachel, would you please be so kind as to clarify what you are referring to as "poly filter", and when so suggest plopping them into your display, did you mean quarantine? As I live on a rather remote island in Canada, acclimating fish is very important to me. Having them die, breaks my heart. I am a new subscriber to your channel. You seem to know your stuff. I and my fish compions would greatly appreciate you shared knowledge. Thank you.
great information this is the way i did it when I ran the fish store
Hi!my nae is Rachel too!😊I have in my tank 11 plants, 4 ornaments, rainbow grave,l n,eon tetras, 1 glolight tetra, 2 flame tetras, and 1 mystery snail.I love you're videos, and I want to have a fish room like you when I grow up!!!;) ;););)
+Rachel K. Awesome! ! Good for you! Mystery snails are one of my all time favorites
When I was a kid, by instinct I have done this method; it's reaffirming to know that it works since someone else does it as well.
I did try your plop and flop and the fish were not stresses out as much and were swimming all over the tank right away. Thanks for teaching an old Bear a new trick.
+R Bear glad to hear it!
+R Bear glad to hear it!
Great info. Thanks!
I've been doing it wrong the whole time.Thanks for making this video.
Me too! I'll try this!
Very informative. Thank you.
Hey what if you have some fish in quarantine and you use remineralize rodi water for them to ensure super clean water but use tap water for the regular tanks? Can the move and plop stuff work or should I drip the tap water tank water into a bucket with the fish and old rodi water ?
an old fish dog can learn new tricks still....I learned from this...and now is my practice...thank you...
+EBS Marinelab glad it helped!
It's strange isn't it? 30 years ago we were told that under no circumstances should we put fish in our tanks without first acclimatising them to temperature and water chemistry but what you say makes perfect sense. It's far less stressful to get out of the bag water as soon as the seal is broken.
I'm from the old school of letting the bag float for 10 or 15 min. But I do like your plop and drop, I'm going to give it try when I get my new cories.
R Bear I do the 10-15 minute thing too. Did it with my Guppies, Cory Catfish, Cherry Barbs and Neon Tetras. But if the plop and drop makes it less stressful for the fish, I'll start doing that.
Hi Rachel! I purchased some snails that are on their way right now! 4 Nerites and 3 Chopstick snails. I'm wondering how you would acclimate with the snails. I've never owned them before. Do you pour them into the net over a bucket and then dump the net into the display tank as well?
Rachel, I read this method on your website last month and tried it with my LFS purchase...it was smooth sailing after that...Thank You!
I'm now considering an all purpose acclimating method where I'll immediately bathe the fish in a methylene blue/tank water solution for 20m, then API pond salt bath for 30m and afterwards straight to a quarantine tank for at least 2wks. I've recently used MB to cure a horrendous outbreak of ich and it's now my BMF (Best Med Forever)!
+wyzemann just remember meds are toxic, sometimes they can cause problems that otherwise wouldn't arise. I am very much a less is more kind of fish keeper. I am a big fan of Paraguard for preventative, as its very gentle.
+Rachel O'leary Okay, I surely respect that. I love Paraguard also, but it's been inadequate at combating my previous ich infestations. Hmm, maybe bathing in Paraguard instead of MB would be less harsh.
Really great info
Hmoob Thor brought me here; and boy, am I glad that he did! Just subbed!
Very helpful - thanks
I understand the chemistry behind this method and I just want to clarify, this can be used with most any common freshwater fish/shrimp and how about snails? I am finally getting back into the hobby after many many years away (we are talking over 14 years) and I love learning all the new tricks and such. Thank you so very much!
I really like your method of acclimation, my question is regarding guppies. I have some salt in my tank. When I get guppies, they are in a bag for about 20 mins from the store to my house. Do you still recommend the method that you do in this case?
Hello, I was wondering if this method also works for Amano shrimp. I have been told the drip acclimation is best, but I am worried as my shrimp will be shipped for two days due to my location; would you recommend this method given the ammonia buildup? I have owned many fish before and have thankfully not lost any, but I have used methods similar to a drip.
Thank you for your time, I have been watching your videos, and you are very helpful.
Would this apply for fish bought from a store and brought home? I’ve been drip accumulating for store bought fish, but always observe they go crazy in the bag as they are being floated and dripped. It really does seem like it’s prolonging the stress by keeping them in the bag and floating.
Well explained 👏👏👏
So I buy from a local store, 30 minutes away. Although I'm sure my pH in my tank is higher than the local stores pH. My tank runs around stable at 8.2 and I tested fish store water is usually right around 7. Would you still plop and drop in this situation?
Great tip. I guess sometimes keeping it simple is better.
do you recommend acclimating rams? i just had some shipped to me, 24 hour ship. also whats dip and pour mean?
Maybe I can talk one of my clubs into having you come and speak. Great Video
+Brian's Opinion/Comments where are you located?
Do you consider this to be the best way to acclimate fish bought locally as well? I understand the benefits when the fish have been in the same bag for a day or two, but what about short time periods like 30 minutes?
Never thought of the plop and drop method. I'm going to try your way, and also wet the net. You do it so quickly. I'm always a noob at it.
Hi Rachel!
I am absolutely loving your videos, I go here for any help I need :)
I have one question about the "plop and drop" concerning soft water: Is a ph of 6.8 considered too soft to do the "plop and drop" method?
Thanks a ton in advance, you are great!
If the bag water is similar, no. If the bag water is is way harder then you may want to do a prolonged acclimation but in general with shipped fish, except for things like extreme Blackwater species, plop and drop is best
You just blew my mind, valid points, i may give your method a try. But how about Saltwater fish/corals?
+g Josué moir cerna I don't keep se, but my understanding is it's similar
Rachel O'leary thanks for quick response, I want to buy some livestock from you, just waiting for the temps to go up. When do you reckon is earliest you can ship without worrying about cold temps?
+g Josué moir cerna I still am shipping overnight. Once spring is here I will also ship 2nd day
Could I do this with saltwater fish as well? I’ve had nothing but death with my dripping method though never added detoxifier so maybe that’s it?
I've had several problems with buying shrimp and them ending up having parasites . Do you think it's advisable to just salt dunk each one before putting them in the tank ?
Will Breather bag have same issues with Ammonia build up? Especially if you getting shrimp and alot of shrimp keeper i know like to drip acclimate shrimp.
Awesome! Thank you so much Rachel, now I know better... Let me share this link to NJAGC
While this is a nice radical new idea but Id still stick to what im doing.
That is, I get a fish, let the bag acclimate on the surface of the tank for 10-25 minutes, drip some of the main tank water for another 5 or 10 minutes into the now-cut bag, use my hand (if the fish is handsensitive like the BGK, I use a net then) to get them out of the bag and into the main tank. And its been working fine so far. No casualties
Rachael, I learn so much from your videos, I would like to know if you use the plop & drop method with Otocinclus as most advise that you use a slow drip acclimation. Thnks
I do plop and drop them