AQUARIUM CARE · MICRO AQUATIC SHOP

How to acclimate
fish & shrimp

Step-by-step instructions for introducing new fish and shrimp to your aquarium, plus preparation and care for live plants.

Prepare your aquarium

Start with a fully cycled tank and stable water.

Red cherry shrimp on moss in a planted freshwater aquarium Fish · Shrimp · Live plants

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Get your aquarium ready

Use a fully cycled aquarium with stable water conditions suitable for your new livestock. Gather your equipment before opening the transport bags.

  • Clean bucket or containerNever use a container exposed to soap.
  • Aquarium netTransfer livestock without transport water.
  • Timer or phoneKeep track of each acclimation stage.
  • Airline tubing & valveFor the shrimp drip method below.

METHOD 01 · FISH

Float & mix acclimation

A general method for most fish. Check the instructions supplied with your order before starting.

  1. A sealed fish transport bag floating at the aquarium water surface

    Match the temperature

    15–30 minutes

    Turn off the aquarium lights. Float the sealed, unopened bag on the water surface to match the temperature.

  2. Adding a small amount of aquarium water to an open fish bag supported in a clean container

    Add aquarium water

    20–30 minutes

    Open the bag and add a little aquarium water every 5 minutes until the water volume has roughly doubled.

  3. A fish swimming out of a partially submerged aquarium net

    Transfer with a net

    Keep transport water out

    Gently net the fish into your aquarium. Discard the transport water; do not pour it into the tank.

METHOD 02 · SHRIMP

Drip acclimation

For shrimp and sensitive species where gradual adjustment is appropriate.

Airline tubing with a valve dripping water from an aquarium into a lower container of shrimp
Aquarium → airline → container

Place the container below your aquarium. Use the valve to control the flow.

2–4 drips per second

  1. Match the temperature

    Float the sealed bag first. 15–20 minutes.

  2. Move to a clean container

    Gently empty the bag into a clean bucket or container below the aquarium.

  3. Start a slow drip

    Run airline tubing from your aquarium to the container. Adjust the valve to approximately 2–4 drips per second.

  4. Let the water volume triple

    Allow approximately 45–90 minutes for the drip stage, following the instructions for your livestock.

  5. Net the shrimp into the aquarium

    Transfer gently and discard the container water. Keep transport water out of the aquarium.

AFTER THE TRANSFER

The first 24 hours

Give new arrivals time to settle and keep an eye on their behaviour.

Keep the aquarium calm

Keep lights off and the room quiet for the rest of the day. Avoid chasing or moving livestock again for at least 24 hours.

Wait before feeding

Do not feed for the first 24 hours. This helps keep the water clean while your new arrivals settle.

Watch your new arrivals

Colour can look paler after travel, and livestock may hide at first. Shrimp grazing is a positive sign. Contact us if you are concerned.

LIVE AQUATIC PLANTS

Prepare your plants for planting

  1. Rinse gently

    Use dechlorinated water and inspect for hitchhikers.

  2. Trim damaged leaves

    Remove damaged or melted leaves before planting.

  3. Allow time to adapt

    Some melt-back can occur in the first 1–2 weeks. Watch for new growth as the plants adjust.

Common acclimation mistakes

  • Adding livestock to an uncycled aquarium.
  • Pouring transport water into the tank.
  • Rushing shrimp acclimation.
  • Feeding immediately after arrival.
  • Using bright lights or disturbing new arrivals.

Need help with acclimation?

Include your order number, species, tank size and water parameters when contacting us.

Contact customer support