Difference between revisions of "Add New Tropical Fish to Your Tank"

#Ask an expert. If you wish to add new tropical fish to your fish tank, you should discuss the process with an expert at your local pet store or ask your veterinarian. Many fish are territorial and may exhibit possessive behavior if they are housed in a crowded tank. A veterinarian or expert will be able to help you decide what type of fish will be compatible with your fish tank and what type of fish will happily co-exist with the creatures already living in the tank.<ref name="rf1">http://www.hartz.com/Fish/Habitat/How_to_Introduce_New_Fish_into_Your_Aquarium_Tank.aspx</ref>

#*Serpae tetras, another type of tropical fish, can also be a bit of a bully. They often nip at the long, flowy fins of other fish, such as Angelfish and betta fish. Serpae tetras typically get along with other, similar-sized tetras and bottom-feeder fish.<ref name="rf2">http://www.myaquariumclub.com/serpae-tetra-why-they-can-be-a-big-bully-5660.html</ref>

#Research how large the fish will grow. It is important to research the type of fish you would like to add to the tank, particularly how large the fish will grow. Be sure that your tank will provide enough room for the fish’s growth and that it will adequately house it once it reaches its full size.<ref name="rf3"> http://www.liveaquaria.com/PIC/article.cfm?aid=170</ref>

#Check the water quality. Use a testing kit to check the quality of the water. These kits can be found at your local pet store and include testing strips and a key to help interpret the water levels. The chlorine level in the tank should be at zero before you add new fish, and the pH balance should be equal to the pH balance of the water where you purchased your new fish.<ref name="rf4">http://www.hartz.com/Fish/Habitat/How_to_Introduce_New_Fish_into_Your_Aquarium_Tank.aspx </ref>

#Monitor the water temperature. Tropical fish thrive in waters that are between 76° to 80°F, or 25° to 27°C, so using a tank heater and having a thermometer are crucial. Some species require that the temperature be adjusted slightly, so be sure to find out the proper temperature for your new fish.<ref name="rf5">http://www.tfhmagazine.com/aquarium-basics/temperature-control.htm</ref>

#*A submersible or a hang-on heater can help regulate the water temperature, which is particularly important during colder seasons. Be careful not to overheat the water in the warmer months.<ref name="rf5" />  

#Transport your new fish safely. When transporting the fish home, it is important to take a light cloth or towel with you so that the bag can be covered. This helps minimize the stress a fish can experience when being transported to a new location. Also, be sure to keep the journey home as short as possible.<ref name="rf6"> http://www.firsttankguide.net/introduce.php </ref> Getting the fish safely transported in a reasonable amount of time will help lessen the stress and trauma.

#Create similar tank conditions. Be sure that the pH levels and temperature are similar to the levels in the main fish tank and use a similar filter and heater. This will allow your fish more time to adjust to the new atmosphere.<ref name="rf7">http://www.liveaquaria.com/PIC/article.cfm?aid=170</ref>

#Do not use rocks, sand, or gravel. Do not place anything on the floor of the quarantine tank if you are treating your new fish with any medications. Sand, rocks, and gravel can absorb copper salts and then release them later on, which can interfere with the medication.<ref name="rf8">http://petcha.com/pets/quarantining-new-aquarium-fish/</ref>

#Lower the tank lights. Adding a new fish to the tank can be stressful for both the new fish and those who have already made their home in the tank. To help make the introduction as stress-free as possible, lower the tank’s light or turn them off completely before introducing new fish. This will help create a less hostile, less stressful environment.<ref name="rf1" />

#Introduce new fish one at a time. Never buy several new tropical fish at once and add them to your tank. If you overload your tank, this can upset the pH balance, the ammonia levels, and the quality of life for the fish and other creatures.<ref name="rf9"> http://www.saltwatersmarts.com/signs-you-may-need-to-lower-your-reef-tanks-bioload-6134/</ref>

#Place the fish bag in the water. Let the unopened fish bag float in the tank water for about 30 minutes. This will help your new fish adjust to the temperature of the water in the tank. The water they have been housed in will be a different temperature from the water in your tank, so this process of acclimation is important.<ref name="rf10">http://fins.actwin.com/mirror/begin-addfish.html </ref>

#Pour some tank water into the bag. After the fish has acclimatized to the water temperature, keep the bag afloat in the tank. Slowly open the bag and pour about ¼ of a cup of tank water inside, taking care not to spill water into the tank. Every 15 minutes or so, add another quarter cup of the tank water into the bag. After an hour, your new fish should have adjusted to your tank’s water chemistry.<ref name="rf11"> http://fins.actwin.com/mirror/begin-addfish.html</ref>

#Monitor the fish. As the new fish adjusts to its surroundings, be on the lookout for any signs of aggression, including chasing and nipping. Rearrange the plants and rocks in the tank to create new territorial boundaries if you see any signs of hostility or stress. If the aggression continues, place the aggressor in the quarantine tank for a half hour or so and return it to the main tank.<ref name="rf12">http://petcha.com/pets/identifying-and-reducing-tropical-fish-aggression/</ref>

*Don’t overcrowd your tank. For every inch of fish in your tank, make sure you have at minimum one gallon of water.<ref name="rf13">http://fins.actwin.com/mirror/begin-addfish.html</ref>