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How To Introduce New Fish Into A Fish Tank

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How To Introduce New Fish Into A Fish Tank

This film will show you how to add a fish to a new aquarium, as well as add a fish to an existing aquarium. This film will show you how to add a fish to a new aquarium, as well as add a fish to an existing aquarium.

Step 1: You will need

Step 2: Prepare

The key to adding fish to an aquarium is to go through each stage slowly and gently, so that the fish don't have any sudden shocks. If you are adding fish to a new aquarium, set up the aquarium and allow it to settle for 2-3 days before adding your first fish. To see how to set up a new aquarium, watch VideoJug's films http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-choose-fish-for-a-coldwater-fish-tank or http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-set-up-a-tropical-fish-tank
Resist the temptation to immediately fill up the new aquarium with lots of fish. Just add one of two fish each week, so that the ecosystem in your tank can develop gradually. Your retailer will supply your fish in a plastic bag, which you should transport home with great care. Before putting the fish into the tank, switch the tank light off, as the fish will be calmer in the dark.

Step 3: Float

Float your new fish inside its bag in the tank water for about 15 minutes. This will allow the temperature of the water inside the bag to adjust to the tank temperature, so the fish can become accustomed to it.

Step 4: Bacteria

If the fish is being added to a new aquarium, this is a good time to add live bacteria to the water. Bacteria are essential for the health of your fish, as they process the fish's waste and prevent the water from becoming toxic. Aquarium bacteria come in liquid form, which can simply be poured into the tank. If the aquarium has been established for a while, then it will already have bacteria in it.

Step 5: Release

After adding bacteria and floating the fish in the bag for 15 minutes, the fish can be released into the water. First pour some water from the tank into the bag, so the fish can adjust to the chemistry of the tank water. After a few minutes, gently open the bag and turn it upside down so that the fish can swim out into the tank. Leave the fish in darkness for another 10 minutes or so, and then switch the light on.

Your fish are now ready to adapt to, and enjoy, their new home.

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Tips & Comments
  1. linlianming

    cheap clothes that's a good idea,like it!!

  3. living4cheese

    Unlike this video's instruction, it is a bad idea to add the bag water to the tank, no matter how small the volume. Even if the fish that was bought is healthy, there is no guarantee that the water from the lfs is totally clear of troubles, especially if it is from a low-expertise store like Petsmart or Petco.

  4. Anonymous

    the only instant bacteria available is biospira... otherwise fishless cycling is the most humane way to stablish a tank.... this video doesnt say anything about performing water tests or doing water changes on new tanks to avoid ammonia poisoning...

  5. Anonymous

    but i only have a small fish tank and do i have to have a light?

  6. Anonymous

    This video leaves out a LOT of key information. You cannot just add fish to a brand new aquarium. The nitrogen cycle must take place before there is enough beneficial bacteria in the filter to support the amount of fish waste that will be produced. This can take up to 6 weeks. Fish added before the aquarium is 'cycled' will quickly fall ill and die as they are poisoned by their own ammonia.

  7. Anonymous

    I'm a little fishy!!

  8. seatrak

    sound advice,well given.Thanks Seatrak

  10. Anonymous

    why has my water gone merky so soon