A gentle introduction is needed for quick adjustment
Most pet store owners are notoriously oblivious to needs of the animals and marine life they sell, so do not expect any tips from the salesmen on how to introduce a new member/members to the growing brood in the fish tank. It is imperative to remember that fishes will need some time to adjust to their new life in the aquarium in your home, so a gentle introduction is crucial and here are some tips that will prove valuable and safe for the health of your new pet.
1. The first step is to allow the fish to remain in the plastic bag that it is brought home in; simply put the bag in the aquarium and allow it to float around with the fish inside for about twenty minutes.
2. Now, would be a fantastic time to rearrange the plants and other decor paraphernalia in the aquarium as this will help to break the territories created by the existing members of the tank and will allow the new fish to settle in without getting into fights.
3. Once the water in the bag has the same temperature as the water in the tank, you are ready to move to the next step and get the new fish out. Ensure that you DO NOT mix the water in the plastic bag with the water in the aquarium as this will jeopardize the lives of the fishes.
Open the bag and add some aquarium water to it; making the quantity of water in the bag exactly double. Allow the bag to float around with its mouth open and the fish still inside. You will need to close the hood of the bag at the edges to prevent the water from spilling out into the tank.
4. After about 20 minutes of this, your fish will be ready for a taste of life in the aquarium; carefully scoop it our of the bag with a net without spilling the water from the bag into the tank and let it in gently.
And that is all there is to adding a new member to your aquarium.
You are probably wondering about the caution that has to be exercised to prevent the mixing of the aquarium water and that in the plastic bag. It is quite simple, pet stores sell several fishes coming from various breeders, so a bacterial or fungal infection and even parasites are common place in their water.
By mixing it with the water in the fish tank you will contaminate the environment of the aquarium and significantly raise the chances of your fishes contracting a disease. So, the best way to prevent this untoward incident and the huge veterinary bills that it will lead to, avoid mixing the waters.