Day 1: Drip Acclimation
Float bag 20 minutes to match temperature. Then drip-acclimate using airline tubing tied in a knot — 2-4 drops per second for 60-90 minutes.
Skip the float-and-dump method. Sudden water-chemistry changes shock fish more than shipping itself.
Day 2-3: Lights Off, No Food
Keep tank lights off for 48 hours after introduction. Bright light triggers stress hormones in already-stressed fish.
No food for the first 48 hours. Fish in shipping bags often have full or empty digestive tracts and need recovery time.
- ✦Use a sponge filter or low-flow filter — strong currents stress weak fish
- ✦Add Indian almond leaves to lower pH gently and provide tannins
- ✦Keep ambient room noise low — fish recover faster in calm environments
Day 4-7: Gradual Reintroduction
Day 4: lights on at 30% brightness for 4 hours. First small meal — pinch of food, observe carefully.
Day 5-7: increase light gradually. Resume normal feeding by Day 7 if fish behavior is normal.
Red Flags
Clamped fins, pale color, refusing food after Day 4, sitting on bottom — indicates persistent stress or developing disease.
Move suspect fish to a quarantine tank immediately. Do NOT add to main display until fully recovered.