Beginner Help Guide Day 7: How to Introduce Your First Fish

Day 7: How to Introduce Your First Fish – A Stress-Free Transition

Today’s the big day! After days of preparing your tank, it’s finally time to select and introduce your first fish. Choosing fish wisely and introducing them properly will set the foundation for a healthy, balanced aquarium. Here’s a guide on how to buy and safely acclimate your first fish to your new setup.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Fish for Your New Tank

In a new aquarium, the nitrogen cycle is still stabilizing, so selecting hardy, beginner-friendly fish is essential. Do not introduce too many fishes in your aquarium.

1. Buy from East Ocean Aquatic Concept Store
   Purchase fish from a well-maintained store where tanks are clean, fish appear active, and staff are knowledgeable. Look for fish with clear eyes, intact fins, and smooth scales—avoid those that look lethargic or have clamped fins.
2. Select Healthy Fish
   Choose fish that are active and swimming comfortably in the middle of the tank. Avoid fish that are hiding or showing signs of disease (e.g., white spots, torn fins).

Step 2: Bringing Fish Home – Transporting Tips

Once you’ve chosen your fish, the way you transport them home can also impact their stress levels:

1. Head Straight Home
   To minimize stress, avoid running errands with the fish in the car. Go directly home and keep the bag out of direct sunlight.

Step 3: Acclimating Your Fish to the Aquarium

To help your fish adjust to the new water chemistry and temperature, follow these gradual acclimation steps:

1. Float the Bag
   Place the unopened bag in your aquarium to allow the water temperature in the bag to slowly match the tank’s temperature. Let it float for 15-20 minutes.
2. Slowly Add Tank Water to the Bag
   After temperature acclimation, open the bag and add a small amount of aquarium water (about ¼ cup) every 5-10 minutes. This gradual mixing helps the fish adjust to differences in pH, hardness, and other water parameters.
3. Continue the Process for 30-45 Minutes
   Repeat the process until the bag contains about twice as much water as when you started. This gradual transition can help reduce stress and make it easier for fish to adapt.
4. Use a Net to Transfer the Fish
   When the acclimation is complete, gently net each fish from the bag and place it into the aquarium. Avoid pouring bag water into the tank, as it may contain contaminants from the store.

Step 4: Monitor Your Fish’s Behaviour

Once the fish are in the tank, observe their behaviour to ensure they’re adjusting well:

1. Look for Normal Behavior
   Healthy, adjusting fish will explore the tank, show mild curiosity, and interact with the environment. Some fish may hide initially, but they should gradually become more comfortable and active.
2. Signs of Stress or Discomfort
   If you notice fish gasping at the surface, hiding excessively, or displaying erratic swimming, check your water parameters. Sudden increases in ammonia or nitrite can cause stress in new fish.