Page 47 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

CHOOSING AND INTRODUCING FISH 45

INTRODUCING NEW FISH

Being moved can be traumatic for fish, and it
takes several days for them to acclimate to
their new home. Provide a vitamin C–rich diet
at first, to boost the immune systems of the
fish and help them avoid stress-related illness.

1 Equalize water temperatures
1
Float the bag in the tank for about an hour,
so that the temperature inside the bag
gradually adjusts to match that in the tank.

CATCHING AND TRANSPORTING FISH
Most fish can be caught with a net. Patience be steered into a bag, because they can
is essential, since chasing the fish around the become caught up in the mesh of a net. When
tank will simply cause them to panic, and buying fish, the supplier will catch the fish for 2 Catch the fish
the water resistance will make it even more you. Fish are usually transported in clear 2
difficult to catch them. Nets can transfer plastic bags, tied at the neck, with a ratio of Net the fish inside the bag, gripping the neck
of the bag to stop water from escaping into
disease between tanks, so dip about two-thirds air to
the net in a solution of one-third water. Put the the tank, which could introduce disease.
aquarium disinfectant after plastic bag in a brown paper
use. Fish with spines should bag to make the journey
less stressful for the fish.
Neck securely tied
during transit
The store may inflate
the bag with oxygen

Scoop up the fish from
below when it is near the
surface. As you lift it from 3 Release the fish
3
the water, place your hand
over the net (above) to stop Carefully allow the fish to swim out of the
the fish from escaping. net. To minimize stress for the new arrivals,
do not turn on the tank lights for a while.

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