How I Acclimate Freshwater Fish and Inverts and Why-Tuesday Tip

There are tons of ways to acclimate, I have found to have the best survival rate and the least amount of stress to my aquatic friends following the method outlined in this video. Come see me at the Big Fish Deal: http://capitalcichlids.org/aquamania/ Visit my facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msjinkzd/ Visit my website for upcoming speaking engagements and my current stocklist: http://msjinkzd.com/

How I Acclimate Freshwater Fish and Inverts and Why-Tuesday Tip sentiment_very_dissatisfied 12

Betta 8 years ago 37,180 views

There are tons of ways to acclimate, I have found to have the best survival rate and the least amount of stress to my aquatic friends following the method outlined in this video. Come see me at the Big Fish Deal: http://capitalcichlids.org/aquamania/ Visit my facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msjinkzd/ Visit my website for upcoming speaking engagements and my current stocklist: http://msjinkzd.com/

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Most popular comments
for How I Acclimate Freshwater Fish and Inverts and Why-Tuesday Tip

Watersocs 32
Watersocs 32 - 6 years ago
Great great video!!!!! I agree plop them right in I did it when I got a new tank
Edwin Saliendra
Edwin Saliendra - 6 years ago
I have 4 Black skirt tetras and 4 German Blue Rams currently in my quarantine tank.
Once done with the quarantine, shall I just drop them in my display tank (with both tanks having the same temperature setting)?
Edwin Saliendra
Edwin Saliendra - 6 years ago
thank you very much.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 6 years ago
Yes
Jonas Nolasco
Jonas Nolasco - 6 years ago
lol i love your videos but i keep skipping back this because i cant focus on what you're saying because of the air pump is so loud.. thanks for the tip though! :)
Jonas Nolasco
Jonas Nolasco - 6 years ago
yay!
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 6 years ago
Jonas Nolasco I have fixed that pump now lol
benboarder09
benboarder09 - 6 years ago
How have I not found your channel till today. You have so much common sense and making everything simple for everyone. Keep up the hard work and the videos coming
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 6 years ago
+benboarder09 thanks and glad you found me
Donald Sims
Donald Sims - 6 years ago
Very informative. Thank you.
Daniel Astbury
Daniel Astbury - 6 years ago
So once the shrimp are in the container of clean water can I drop them straight into a tank?
William Kalvic
William Kalvic - 7 years ago
Hello, I was wondering if this method also works for Amano shrimp. I have been told the drip acclimation is best, but I am worried as my shrimp will be shipped for two days due to my location; would you recommend this method given the ammonia buildup? I have owned many fish before and have thankfully not lost any, but I have used methods similar to a drip.
Thank you for your time, I have been watching your videos, and you are very helpful.
Ryan Kirk
Ryan Kirk - 7 years ago
Great info. Thanks!
auelasuka
auelasuka - 7 years ago
Hey rachel I was wondering how you do the plop and drop with sensitive blackwater fish like your licorice gouramis and wild bettas? Do you prepare a tank already soaked in tanin and with low pH and hardness before you plop and drop them into it or do you let them plop and drop into your well/tap water before gradually adding things like your catappa leaves?
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
With low pH- I do a very, very prolonged acclimation over several days

10. comment for How I Acclimate Freshwater Fish and Inverts and Why-Tuesday Tip

Gregory Marrero
Gregory Marrero - 7 years ago
I’m getting in some hypoptopoma species. Do you think this will work for them?
Youn Kim
Youn Kim - 7 years ago
People who just buy from LFSs that are just a few mins to an hour away, do you plop and drop? Successful?
Zakk Kaye
Zakk Kaye - 7 years ago
What if you have purchased fish from a fish store and they have been in the bag for a small amount of time. Is drip acclimation acceptable in that scenario? Which would also avoid getting residue from the fish store water from the bag into your tank.
Kate C
Kate C - 7 years ago
I've used this method now for rasboras and neocaridina shrimp. Everyone is doing fine, even after several weeks. Thanks so much for this advice, and the reasons behind it.
Adelyn Acevedo
Adelyn Acevedo - 7 years ago
Do you acclimate your Apple snails/mysterys?
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
I do not.
Adelyn Acevedo
Adelyn Acevedo - 7 years ago
Should I acclimate my African dwarf frogs /or is this a different subject?
Adelyn Acevedo
Adelyn Acevedo - 7 years ago
Thanks:)
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
I treat them the same as fish :)
Emma's Animal Adventure
Emma's Animal Adventure - 7 years ago
hey Rachel do you think this is ok for betta fish
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
+Dan's sad dimple __ my pleasure
Emma's Animal Adventure
Emma's Animal Adventure - 7 years ago
Rachel O'leary thank you for replying I love you so much just making sure that it was ok
Emma's Animal Adventure
Emma's Animal Adventure - 7 years ago
Rachel O'leary thank you for replying I love you so much just making sure that it was ok
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
+Dan's sad dimple __ yes
Wendy Hankin
Wendy Hankin - 7 years ago
Another awesome video Rachel. Thankyou. I never drip acclimatised my shrimp and was worried I had hurt them but this helped alleviate some of my worry. I only have four and they are all doing really well. Growing well and developing brighter colour practically every day. I will use your method in the future if I get more.
Burt McAster
Burt McAster - 7 years ago
If anyone is a member of that horrible forum "fishlore" copy and paste this vid for those idiots.
TheBSideDJ
TheBSideDJ - 7 years ago
this is what i found on the internet after watching this video : Ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) has a more toxic form at high pH and a less toxic form at low pH, un-ionized ammonia (NH3) and ionized ammonia (NH4+), respectively. In addition, ammonia toxicity increases as temperature rises. Cheers again to Rachel for another educational video !!!

20. comment for How I Acclimate Freshwater Fish and Inverts and Why-Tuesday Tip

Kevin Beckford
Kevin Beckford - 7 years ago
do you recommend acclimating rams? i just had some shipped to me, 24 hour ship. also whats dip and pour mean?
Stacey12 Stacey
Stacey12 Stacey - 7 years ago
Subbed! Your videos are super helpful, wishing I would have found you last year!
_Paws_
_Paws_ - 7 years ago
When I was a kid, by instinct I have done this method; it's reaffirming to know that it works since someone else does it as well.
DigniTy
DigniTy - 7 years ago
I did this today for the first time with my rams. It is scary when done for the first time tbh. But they'll do well.
Shrimp Society
Shrimp Society - 7 years ago
great video. I also like the plop and drop method
LastWindBreaker
LastWindBreaker - 7 years ago
When using breather bags will there be a ph spike after opening the bag?
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
+LastWindBreaker no
Arjun Sabu
Arjun Sabu - 7 years ago
so i tried this with corycats, they did not survive..lost 8 of em to a possible temperature shock. So what am i doing wrong?
Almarma
Almarma - 7 years ago
If Joey is the King of DIY, you're the Queen of Tips :). Thank you again Rachel, your channel is simply amazing. I remember when I discovered you thanks to Joey, and now you both are my favourite channels :). Cheers!
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
+Almarma awesome, thanks
Kaitlyn Powell
Kaitlyn Powell - 7 years ago
This works for very sensitive fish too like elaphant nose, knife, baby whales, and eels?
EBS Marinelab
EBS Marinelab - 7 years ago
an old fish dog can learn new tricks still....I learned from this...and now is my practice...thank you...
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
+EBS Marinelab glad it helped!

30. comment for How I Acclimate Freshwater Fish and Inverts and Why-Tuesday Tip

karen george
karen george - 7 years ago
I had bought 5 platys, a pair of guppys and a cory cat.I got a brand new 5 gallon fish tank as a early birthday present. I filled the tank and used the water conditioner that came in the tank instead of one I already had.(I have a Betta that I've had for 6+ months with no problems) I let the tank sit for almost 2 days and then plopped the 8 fish in the tank, and they were acting fine or so I thought, within a week or so all had passed, after the 1st few died I did at least a 50% water change and thought the rest might be ok, well they were not,the last one died last night. It has been a long time since I have had fish and wonder what iI have done wrong (if anything).As far as the new tank goes I rinsed it well with hot water,as well as the plants and the rocks and the filter and the cartridge. I used the water conditioner that came in the package with the tank(can water conditioner go bad or expire?)I am just trying to figure out what went wrong... Any help is appreciated... Thanks
Shock The North
Shock The North - 7 years ago
karen george you didn't cycle the tank. Wasn't the acclimation method, your beneficial bacteria hadn't built up to break down the now present ammonia. This ammonia spike killed your fish
Lucas Tan
Lucas Tan - 7 years ago
should I do this method for Oto catfish that come from LFS
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
+Lucas Tan yes
AquariumCop
AquariumCop - 7 years ago
Awesome!
Lamboguni L
Lamboguni L - 7 years ago
hi Rachel, thks for the informative vids. I'm always worry about pH shock coz my tap water n even tank water is always 7.6 to 7.8 & when i measure the water from the bag of new fish, it is usually 6 to 7. So is pH shock a concern that i have to deal with besides temperature, ammonium? Thk u.
Shelley G.
Shelley G. - 7 years ago
I so enjoy your videos Rachel. You really know your stuff and really put out a lot of very beneficial information that no doubt helps a lot of people in the hobby. I am so thrilled I came across this video. For years Ive been doing the floating bag, and adding a little bit of tank water to the bag every 10 minutes method...but no more. I will try this new way of doing things. Thank you :)
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
+Shelley :) my pleasure
auelasuka
auelasuka - 7 years ago
Hi Rachel! This makes perfect sense to me for fish and inverts bought online and/or shipped long distance which likely have spent days in bags with water full of ammonia and depleting oxygen. Still I was wondering if you would also suggest doing this method of acclimation for locally store-bought fish and inverts that are inside the plastic bag for a relatively short while (like maybe 3 hours tops; I know some people actually live within like 10-min walking distance to their LFS) and if so, why?

Not trying to question your expertise or anything! Just want the best for my little fishies like you and probably everyone else here.

And if anyone else reading this has anything to share on this matter too, by all means, please do.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
+auelasuka unless you are doing a prolonged drip, acclimation is not useful except to make the hobbyist more comfortable
drgnfrc13
drgnfrc13 - 7 years ago
Looks like I've been doing things wrong for a very long time. Makes me wonder how many fish I could have saved if I knew all this information in the past...
g Josué moir cerna
g Josué moir cerna - 7 years ago
You just blew my mind, valid points, i may give your method a try. But how about Saltwater fish/corals?
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
+g Josué moir cerna I still am shipping overnight. Once spring is here I will also ship 2nd day
g Josué moir cerna
g Josué moir cerna - 7 years ago
Rachel O'leary thanks for quick response, I want to buy some livestock from you, just waiting for the temps to go up. When do you reckon is earliest you can ship without worrying about cold temps?
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
+g Josué moir cerna I don't keep se, but my understanding is it's similar
SomewhatNiceFellow
SomewhatNiceFellow - 7 years ago
Great advice, Rachel! Thanks! Joe said the same thing, if I'm not mistaken.
Awesome St. Cool
Awesome St. Cool - 7 years ago
this is the way i always used to add fish to tanks, but then i started working at a big box pet store, and all the training was for slow drip or water mixing, and i was like "what? nah... is this really the way i'm supposed to do this?" but it's great to know that someone with such high standing in the hobby does it this way. it means i haven't been hurting my fish over the years, and actually potentially prolonged their lives haha.
Thomas Krafft
Thomas Krafft - 7 years ago
This is such new and almost radical information that should be shared among us in the hobby. I wonder why more sellers don't know or share this. I trust your experience and, as always, will apply your advice. I am always concerned about light acclimation and do mine slowly. Thanks, Rachel!
drkingslend
drkingslend - 7 years ago
Do you think this type of acclimation is safe for discus?
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
+drkingslend yes. Discus hans is who first taught me this route
solar clapson
solar clapson - 7 years ago
Rachel, would you please be so kind as to clarify what you are referring to as "poly filter", and when so suggest plopping them into your display, did you mean quarantine? As I live on a rather remote island in Canada, acclimating fish is very important to me. Having them die, breaks my heart. I am a new subscriber to your channel. You seem to know your stuff. I and my fish compions would greatly appreciate you shared knowledge. Thank you.
solar clapson
solar clapson - 7 years ago
A most excellent tutorial, brutal audio.
Brian Schoenharl
Brian Schoenharl - 7 years ago
Just curious: Do you do the same plop and drop with shrimp?
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
+Brian Schoenharl I do
Johanan Micaiah
Johanan Micaiah - 7 years ago
Does this apply to fish that have been bought from pet stores? Cos they are only in the bag for a few mins
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
+SpaceMicheladatchet ' either adjust the qt so it's harder or do a very, very prolonged drip
Johanan Micaiah
Johanan Micaiah - 7 years ago
Rachel O'leary ok
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
+Johanan Micaiah I plop and drop everything unless it's going into very soft water
Julie Martinez Hayes
Julie Martinez Hayes - 7 years ago
Thanks so much! I loved the lesson on the chemistry of shipping fish! Keep up the great work! Do you have a video on how gills work?
torim1988
torim1988 - 7 years ago
Rachel, would you recommend any sort of different acclimation if the pH difference is substantial? I have very hard, very high pH water. Or do you think it's going to be stressful either way, so might as well plop and drop? As always, great video :)
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
+torim1988 plop and drop for sure into hard water!!
Ne Ne Zilla
Ne Ne Zilla - 7 years ago
my "mom & pop" fish store is 10 minutes from my house, so the fish arent' in the bag that long. Is the drip method ok? Thanks!
Ne Ne Zilla
Ne Ne Zilla - 7 years ago
Rachel O'leary ok, thank you for responding! Love your videos, keep up the good work!
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
+dena butler it's unecessary
Rori Rants
Rori Rants - 7 years ago
The water that you have in those little plastic hanging cups, is it from the tank you are going to put the fish in? Thanks! Your videos are so informative and super helpful :)
linkinruss
linkinruss - 7 years ago
Rachel O'leary great method and tip! How long would you leave the fish in the tank water before moving them over to Q tank?
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
Yes, it is :) My pleasure! Glad you get something out of it!

50. comment for How I Acclimate Freshwater Fish and Inverts and Why-Tuesday Tip

Jay's Aquariums
Jay's Aquariums - 7 years ago
Will this work with freshwater stingrays?
Jay's Aquariums
Jay's Aquariums - 7 years ago
Thanks for the reply!
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 7 years ago
+Jay's Aquariums I have never kept rays, so cannot say but I would think so
OrisueCrew
OrisueCrew - 8 years ago
I tried drop and plop today! I also used Mark's tip on using a moist net. My dwarf puffer seems o be doing well and I am glad that I didn't make the transition more stressful for him. Thank you, Rachel!:)
SlippedBuck
SlippedBuck - 8 years ago
I'm expecting my new fish. They will be in transport for max 24. Just plop and drop?
SlippedBuck
SlippedBuck - 7 years ago
I guess that the bag was 15°C minimum when I received it.
SlippedBuck
SlippedBuck - 7 years ago
Hi Rachel, My fish finally arrived. I guesstimate that they were in transport for max 14hrs. min 5hrs. They arrrived in a plastic bag with a lot of air in an open cardboardbox. No heatingpad or closed up in the dark (the bag was a lot bigger than the box). I've checked the fish (boraras brigittae) and they seemed ok. I've plop and dropped them, indeed after a couple of minutes they were all swimming around and ready to eat. Now we are 4 day further and I counted 6 fish out of 15, I can't find the dead fish (other species in the tank are helena snails and 2 shrimp). I checked my pH, gH, kH, NO2, NO3, NH2, NH3 and all were ok. What could be the reason I keep losing fish? Due to the shipping method or just bad luck? I really like these fish but I'm getting weary because every day I count less and less fish. Thanks!
SlippedBuck
SlippedBuck - 8 years ago
Its for an existing 30l aquarium with plants and some shrimp and helena's
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+SlippedBuck yep!
Josh Thomas
Josh Thomas - 8 years ago
So my local lfs is 15mins away, when I get fish I sit them in the bag in my tank to adjust them to my tank temperature for about 20 mins, am I wasting time doing this method considering the lfs is about 15 mins away. should I just do plop and drop method when I get then straight home, hope for a reply thanks
Josh Thomas
Josh Thomas - 8 years ago
Rachel O'leary great thanks for reply subbed you're channel
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+Josh Thomas I would just plop and drop
Kaveh Maguire
Kaveh Maguire - 8 years ago
Just tried this method for a big order of fish I received today. I have to say I was a little bit nervous but decided to give it a shot. The lights won't come on the aquariums for a few more hours but so far it looks like most of the fish are perfectly healthy and swimming around happily. Small schooling fish are already schooling with the existing fish in the aquariums. And the biggest plus for me? The amount of time I saved was insane.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+Kaveh Maguire wonderful
Kaveh Maguire
Kaveh Maguire - 8 years ago
A few days later and the fish are all doing great! As you said they were all colored up and ready to eat pretty much right away. They all look like they have been in the aquariums for months instead of days. Thanks!
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
I remember clearly the first time I did it as well- Terrifying! But the amount of time saved, and the vitality of the fish spoke for itself! Glad it worked out and you gave it a try!
Edgecrusher- TWR
Edgecrusher- TWR - 8 years ago
How long on average does it take freshwater fish to complete a full osmoregulation cycle in a new tank after shipment?
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+Edgecrusher- TWR that really depends on a multitude of variables
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+Edgecrusher- TWR that really depends on a multitude of variables
Owen's Aquariums
Owen's Aquariums - 8 years ago
I only do drip acclimation because I keep lots of soft water, low pH fish and my tap water is rather hard and rather basic. Thanks for the ammonia tip! I think that it will definitely help with stressed fish.
L.R.Bretz's Aquatics
L.R.Bretz's Aquatics - 8 years ago
Love all your vids! Completely agree this is the best way to do it.
Px828
Px828 - 8 years ago
Thank you for this video. Tried this with my female betta I just got and it worked great.
R Bear
R Bear - 8 years ago
I did try your plop and flop and the fish were not stresses out as much and were swimming all over the tank right away. Thanks for teaching an old Bear a new trick.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+R Bear glad to hear it!
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+R Bear glad to hear it!
Aaron McGinty
Aaron McGinty - 8 years ago
so i could do this with my fish when i buy them straight from the shop?
if so do i still leave the lights off for a day and not feed for a day?
if i could do this it would make life so much easier.
R Bear
R Bear - 8 years ago
I'm from the old school of letting the bag float for 10 or 15 min. But I do like your plop and drop, I'm going to give it try when I get my new cories.
Avsfreak24
Avsfreak24 - 7 years ago
R Bear I do the 10-15 minute thing too. Did it with my Guppies, Cory Catfish, Cherry Barbs and Neon Tetras. But if the plop and drop makes it less stressful for the fish, I'll start doing that.
Jay's Aquariums
Jay's Aquariums - 8 years ago
Haha, I just realised how much time i waste by drip acclimating. I set up a 40 breeder as my quarantine and i usually set up an overflow to my drain then i go ahead and slowly drip water from my main tank into the quarantine for a week before i stop the flow, then monitor for 5 weeks more. Never lost a fish, but a REALLY long process
Gregg Horner
Gregg Horner - 8 years ago
Is this method ok to use if the Fish store has very hard water and the tank they are going into has very soft water?
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+Gregg Horner in that case, I would do a prolonged drip over a full day
Gregg Horner
Gregg Horner - 8 years ago
Great tip. I guess sometimes keeping it simple is better.
Snickahz
Snickahz - 8 years ago
I'll definitely try this when I get my next batch of shrimp, I drip acclimated my first 12 and lost 3. They where only in the bag for a couple of hours since I bought them from my lfs, but I guess that was long enough for some ammonia build up?

Love your channel Rachel, I'm learning a lot. Been wanting to add some micro crabs to my invert tank and I'm for sure going to buy from you.
Aquatic Logic
Aquatic Logic - 8 years ago
Rachel THANK YOU for addressing the pH swings and ammonium -> ammonia toxicity! So many people tout the drip method and fail to realize the chemistry involved in their decisions. You are doing a great service to the hobby, and be encouraged.
Rachel K.
Rachel K. - 8 years ago
Hi!my nae is Rachel too!
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+Rachel K. Awesome! ! Good for you! Mystery snails are one of my all time favorites
missesraisin
missesraisin - 8 years ago
very informative, even the extra in the comments.
Gregory Feast
Gregory Feast - 8 years ago
I LOVE your channel, Rachel!!! This is how I will go from here on out!!! It makes total sense! I don't wan't any unneeded stress on my babies!!!!!
Brian's Opinion/Comments
Brian's Opinion/Comments - 8 years ago
Rachel I am located just outside of Pittsburgh Pa.  I belong to the Pittsburgh and the OCA and Youngstown Club.  I am most active in the Youngstown Ohio Club.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+Brian's Opinion/Comments yea, it's hard because I do aquatic experience and every other yeat, catcon- all within a few weeks of each other
Brian's Opinion/Comments
Brian's Opinion/Comments - 8 years ago
+Rachel O'leary Yes we have the twins.... LOL. but don't tell anyone.... just kidding they are great guys. I thought I have seen you at the OCA in the past but it has been a couple years or more now.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+Brian's Opinion/Comments I may attend oca this year. Not sure yet. You Ave some killer hobbyisys in your club too. Aren't the twins in that one? They haven't asked me yet, I don't think but I have been out to gcas, and papa's and am coming bak out to papas next year.
Brian's Opinion/Comments
Brian's Opinion/Comments - 8 years ago
Maybe I can talk one of my clubs into having you come and speak. Great Video
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+Brian's Opinion/Comments where are you located?
Travis G
Travis G - 8 years ago
Hard to plop and drop a fish when the ph difference is great. My water is at 8.3 ph, and if I drop a fish that has been sitting in a bag of water that lets say is around 7-7.5, that can be a huge shock to a fish. I almost lost a fish when I added buffer for the first time (raising my tanks ph from 7.4 to 8.3. He was in shock (could barely move) for a day or two.
AQUA NUT
AQUA NUT - 8 years ago
Just wondering if you recorded any data to verify that this way really is better for fish being shipped. Also is this only a recommendation for fish that have been in a bag for 2 to 3 days shipping? Just asking because i have been hearing a lot about this method.
AQUA NUT
AQUA NUT - 8 years ago
Alright i get what your saying. Thanks for the reply Rachel. 
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
If the fish is only in the bag 15 minutes, probably doesn't require any real acclimation, as I would assume the source waters would be pretty close.
AQUA NUT
AQUA NUT - 8 years ago
+Rachel O'leary oh ok so do you recommend to do this with fish that has only been in a bag for lets say 15 minutes? Thanks Mike
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+AQUA NUT Just from experience on my imports. My losses went WAY down doing it this way.
c. Lo
c. Lo - 8 years ago
great tip...didn't think of it that way. Thanks Rachel!
Great job on the videos btw...keep em coming
Jeff Boyus
Jeff Boyus - 8 years ago
The "plop and drop"! The method used by Discus Hans as well!
AthensLhar
AthensLhar - 8 years ago
I just used this method on two pairs of blue rams. Half an hour later they're eating. Thanks!
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+AthensLhar glad to hear it!
SithRico
SithRico - 8 years ago
Do you think this works for saltwater also? I've lost a lot of fish by drip. I recently, just because of a scare, dropped a fish in with no acclimation. It did fine and just kinda did what you said a headstand and then 10 minutes later seemed fine. It still lives today. I like the explanation of the ammonia in the bag. I would have never thought of that. Thanks for this video.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+Steve Gee I think with domestic sw stuff it would be the same, with stuff directly out of the wild you may have to be more careful. To be clear, I don't work with any saltwater so this is just a hypothesis
Steve Gee
Steve Gee - 8 years ago
I was going to ask the same question. My main concern would be sudden differences in salinity messing up their osmosis.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+SithRico I have never kept a saltwater fish but would imagine it would matter whether it was purchased from overseas or domestically
IFG
IFG - 8 years ago
This topic is huge in the hobby. Thanks for sharing the info.
Lelani Dixon
Lelani Dixon - 8 years ago
I love the way you give explain your logic - totally makes sense! Great tip!
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+Lelani Dixon you know, this hobby has a real learning curve. It is so hard to know what to believe, what to do, where to find your info. I would never say my way is the only way, but I really try hard to share what I do and WHY. The why is important to me, because otherwise you know what they say about opinions!
Inglorious Bettas
Inglorious Bettas - 8 years ago
I used to drip acclimate for like an hour (most of my fish are in extremely soft water) and I was scared. Started doing this, and wow! They started coloring up and exploring their new environment right away. Thanks!
Darrell Adams
Darrell Adams - 8 years ago
VERY Informative and Helpful Video! I have heard about this type of acclimation, but have never tried it. With the information you have given us in this video, you have convinced me to change methods. Thanks!
Tommy Gun
Tommy Gun - 8 years ago
plop and drop...sounds like the next big hip hop song lol
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+Tommy Gun plop it while it's hot?
Devon Trigg
Devon Trigg - 8 years ago
Great video Rachel. It's nice to see you so active on your YouTube. Great point to just dump the fish in or use an extended drip method. You kind of touched on it, but a product like SeaChem Prime would be great for both these methods. For the long accumulation, I wouldn't recommend the poly pad... I'd use Prime over the pads. Pads strip minerals making them Redox oxidizer. During this stressful time, Redox reducers are much more needed. Looking forward to keeping up with your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Devon Trigg
Devon Trigg - 8 years ago
Looks like you got a shout out in this article here. More professional information on how to acclimate.

http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Disease.html#quarantine
Christina MacNaughton
Christina MacNaughton - 8 years ago
You briefly mentioned in one of your videos that live plants enhance coloration. How does this work? I think a great topic for a Tuesday Tip would be the use of live plants in nano aquariums. I think that live plants make a huge difference in smaller tanks where waste can build up fast. What are some other benefits of keeping live plants in an aquarium with fish/invertebrates? Are there any unique relationships that you have seen between plants and specific fish/invertebrates?
Shan Bland
Shan Bland - 7 years ago
as a long time fish keeper, if you ever put real plants in your tank, you'll quickly see that your fish will have visibly more pep in their step. they'll LOVE swimming thru them, among them, around them, above them, and thru them some more.
i didn't want to dirt my whole tank so i use little plastic containers with aquarium safe dirt and a thin layer of small gravel. amazon swords do well for me and they grow fast. fish LOVE plants. (except some fish tend to eat the plants)
L1chtFarbe
L1chtFarbe - 7 years ago
Had a quick look at the preview of this book on Amazon. This looks like one awesome book. Thanks for sharing!
kris7791
kris7791 - 7 years ago
I you're interested in the science behind how plants in an aquarium affect water parameters and how we hobbyists can use this information to provide a better environment for our fish; then take a look at Diana Walstad's book -
"Ecology of the Planted Aquarium: A Practical Manual and Scientific Treatise for the Home Aquarist". I found it very interesting!
MsArtemis01
MsArtemis01 - 8 years ago
I love live plants. Extremely happy I did this for my first tank in the hobby. Took a minute to do the research on every live plant in my tank though. I'm still learning as I go.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+Christina MacNaughton excellent suggestion
MsArtemis01
MsArtemis01 - 8 years ago
I just did the plop and drop method to my new neon tetras, and they are still living the next day. So far so good. They colored up real quick.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+MsArtemis01 Super glad to hear it!
Gavin's Aquariums
Gavin's Aquariums - 8 years ago
Why is it safe to put fish directly into harder water but not into softer water?
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
my pleasure!
Gavin's Aquariums
Gavin's Aquariums - 8 years ago
+Rachel O'leary thanks for the response, I'm enjoying the science behind your videos, thanks for dropping some knowledge on me!
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+Gavin's Aquariums It has to do with how they osmoregulate, basically, it is easier on the kidneys to process more of the electrolytes and salts in harder water than it is if they are seeking for the salts that are in much lesser quantity in softer water. If I am acclimating to super soft water, I do it over weeks and very gradually, this is especially important with my species that I breed outside who are esentially in pure rain water by the end of the season. I move them in to the fish room in their bin water, then do very small water changes a couple times a week for several weeks until it matches my tap water.
Tyrril DomoweAkwarium.pl
Tyrril DomoweAkwarium.pl - 8 years ago
and what with the heat, doesn't it have to be like that one in aquarium ?
Tyrril DomoweAkwarium.pl
Tyrril DomoweAkwarium.pl - 8 years ago
thanks for a quick answer :)
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+Tyrril Aquarium For my application, I heat my fish room, so leave the fish in the dark box to stabilize temp before adding them to the qt tank. I only think temp acclimation is needed if the temp difference is drastic. I have a laser temp reader that I use to compare the temps.
Gary R
Gary R - 8 years ago
Really great info
Tyrril DomoweAkwarium.pl
Tyrril DomoweAkwarium.pl - 8 years ago
great movie, thx for a good tips
Julian Morgan
Julian Morgan - 8 years ago
Very interesting! I really appreciate your explanation of the changes in water chemistry for why you do things the way you do. Given that the low pH in the bag water is a result of overnight shipping and probably wouldn't occur to anything like the same extent in the 15-30 minute drive from a LFS, presumably floating the bag for a little while isn't going to do the same amount of harm? I'm just trying to use the same science to understand why I've never had a problem doing a fairly lengthy temperature and water acclimation . . . which is not to say that new purchases wouldnt be still better off for ditching the whole process in favour of getting them out into a much larger volume of good quality water ASAP.

You should probably swap notes with Ted Judy - he has videos showing his unpacking process and is floating hundreds of bags of fish from Peru for what seems like long chunks of time before they're released - though of course the bags are still sealed so the CO2 isnt gassing off. Even so keeping them inactive in the dark would probably be a better move until time for release.

Thanks again Rachel!
Julian Morgan
Julian Morgan - 8 years ago
+Rachel O'leary Thanks for the reply Rachel - much appreciate you taking the time :)
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+Julian Morgan just saw this, in your fish room you could do the slow addition of water.usually I do not unless it's a really drastic difference like tds of 200 to a tank with almost no tds (my rainwater species). For those, I do a series of small water changes a few times a week for several weeks before putting them into the end tank.
Julian Morgan
Julian Morgan - 8 years ago
+Rachel O'leary Thanks Rachel. You mention briefly in this video something about water acclimation done properly taking many hours. How would you transfer a fish from one of your tanks to another assuming the water parameters were quite different but the water quality equally good? Still plop and drop?

For e.g. I have a fish in my community tank thats about neutral pH that I want to move to a breeding tank that's around pH 6. Just to take pH as an example, though there are bound to be other huge differences because the tanks have totally different substrates, one sand and one gravel over organic soil and peat and very heavily planted. How do I minimise stressing the fish? Plop and drop?
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+Julian Morgan This IS specifically for shipped critters, so yea, the LFS 20 minutes away is probably not as big of an issue. I do this with all my stuff, and get large orders just like Ted. That is how I have really been able to see the difference in mortality and have a good basis to compare.
ShelbyRae Lane
ShelbyRae Lane - 8 years ago
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I've been doing this plop and drop as you call it (luv it) for 3-4 yrs now and I've been screamed at...cussed...and told I'm "abusing" the fish and that when they die it's nobody's fault but my own...funny thing...they never die this way...LOL...I had multiple expensive fish die off while doing the 'drip' acclimation method or the dump out half the shipping water and replace with my tank water then float them for 15-20 mins and then dump into a net and into the tank...so thank you again for putting it out here in public for all the world to see that the 'plop and drop' method actually does work the best for the fish and for explaining all the chemical reasons why.
noinoi24
noinoi24 - 8 years ago
Awesome! Thank you so much Rachel, now I know better... Let me share this link to NJAGC
Chris Mac
Chris Mac - 8 years ago
I'm really enjoying your videos. However, I find the background noise very distracting. I'm not sure if it's something that can be resolved easily, maybe a Bluetooth noise cancelling mic or something similar might do the trick. I've heard that bad audio is one of the big things that will cause people to click off a video.

I hope you don't take my comment as an insult, I only wish you the utmost success.
-Chris
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
please note, these are "quiet" pumps hahaha
Chris Mac
Chris Mac - 8 years ago
No, I agree as well. It's not worth it to turn off the pumps. Keep up the great work!
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
I agree, and am using a mic but until I upgrade editing software, I am not wiling to turn off the air pumps for the fish. It's distracting but important
Steve Poland Cichlids
Steve Poland Cichlids - 8 years ago
Really great info Rachel. Thanks for sharing!
MELODY MUNRO
MELODY MUNRO - 8 years ago
I have always plopped and dropped as to me it seemed that it would be better for the fish to get out of the bag ASAP..and I think any fish who may be already stressed would appreciate being put into a tank with at least a piece of java moss to hide under until they have got themselves sorted...not too mention more oxygen and cleaner water..
Dustin Sylvanas
Dustin Sylvanas - 8 years ago
That was a great video! I had no idea about the chemical levels in the bag and opening the bag, thats amazing. Best acclimation video I've watched by far. Thank you so much for this insight!
Royal Crab
Royal Crab - 8 years ago
I'm a huge advocate of the drip method, especially since I deal with mostly inverts. HOWEVER, this video has made me think it may not be best, and I don't see anything wrong with your philosophy - actually I agree with it now that I'm thinking about it... Dripping would need to take days potentially and it's a whole lot easier on the animal in question (whether fish or invert) to let them "drip" in the tank (i.e. plop and drop) as it essentially does the same thing without the stress of the ammonia and such.

Also, having just read the Fish and Invertebrate Culture (which has two parts: how fish affect water and how water affects fish) I can attest to the validity of what you're saying about the CO2, ammonium, O2 causing the ammonium to become ammonia, etc.

Quick question for some clarification though. Is this still your recommended method for saltwater? They're a bit more sensitive, but the philosophy is essentially the same (and the chemical reactions ARE THE SAME), so I'd think the "plop and drop" method may be best in saltwater as well, especially if you use common sense and don't get inverts or fish that are too different from your water. Am I right, or am I missing something?

I mean, I know you work with freshwater and not saltwater, but do you have any thoughts on this?
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
I would never say that this is the only way that CAN work. It is just what works best for me, historically with EVERYTHING. It took Discus Hans saying he did it with thousands of Discus for me to give it a try. I thought I was going to die the first time I did it, but the mortality rates and vitality of the critters spoke volumes.
Royal Crab
Royal Crab - 8 years ago
+Rachel O'leary I read on a website once that a company in the US lost a great international buyer because they couldn't wrap their heads around a simple concept similar to this. It's really sad that people think it's something complex when it's pretty simple. The company was just practicing good husbandry and common sense, but their customer kept insisting they had a secret. Smh with sadness

Just did your method on some guppies I got from a seller on PR Aquatics forum and they're doing great. Not yet eating, but still doing better than I think they would be if I had drip acclimated. Very happy you posted this when you did. Thank you so much!
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
Reality is that MOST places still recommend dripping, or water exchange with the shipping water, despite science proving otherwise. I felt sort of silly making this video, as it is SO simple. I wasn't really sure what folks would get out of it, but Joey counseled me to, and as always, he gave great advice.
Victoria Obricki
Victoria Obricki - 8 years ago
+Rachel O'leary At the time I didn't know any better and the info sheet that they came with even said to do a long drip acclimation. Wish I still had the info sheet that I got from the one breeder.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+Victoria Obrycki Yea, with invertebrates especially, that ammonia, even trace amounts can be lethal from acclimating with the drip method.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+Jacob “GreenGo” Green I think that with sw it would really depend on if they were being shipped domestically or from the wild. I don't have any experience with sw, so am apprehensive to really give a firm opinion.
Victoria Obricki
Victoria Obricki - 8 years ago
I lost a lot of neocardinia shrimp doing the old drip method. I actually started doing the plop and drop method and it helped me tremendously with survival rates.
Jean Rosa
Jean Rosa - 8 years ago
I'm confused about the Poly-fill part. You mentioned it should be used during drip acclimation--but how? just place in the container where the fish are? Excellent and informative as always. Keep em coming.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+Jean “thebklynblujay” Rosa Yes, it adsorbs and absorbs, so just would help with any build up of ammonia or organics. It does not need to be placed in a filter to work. It is polyfilter- the chemical media, not poly-fill, or filter floss.
MsArtemis01
MsArtemis01 - 8 years ago
Never thought of the plop and drop method. I'm going to try your way, and also wet the net. You do it so quickly. I'm always a noob at it.

100. comment for How I Acclimate Freshwater Fish and Inverts and Why-Tuesday Tip

Liza M
Liza M - 8 years ago
Like it! This is pretty much what is recommended for goldfish acclimation. The tanks whether quarantine or display should already be set with the water parameters and temp that are good for the fish/shrimp we are acclimating so your method makes sense. You are awesome :)
Rico Suave
Rico Suave - 8 years ago
Hey what if you have some fish in quarantine and you use remineralize rodi water for them to ensure super clean water but use tap water for the regular tanks? Can the move and plop stuff work or should I drip the tap water tank water into a bucket with the fish and old rodi water ?
paul c
paul c - 8 years ago
o.k. thanks rachel .I gotta buy a bigger net now I know how to do it the right way.
Dee From Brooklyn
Dee From Brooklyn - 8 years ago
only issue i have is with Plecos and other cats getting stuck in the net
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
I had catch those. I pour the water out them move them by hand from the bag they are inevitably stuck to
paul c
paul c - 8 years ago
when you say clean water is that the tank water you use? or water from your sink? thanks
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
Every new species I get on goes into qt, I generally fill the tanks a few days in advance, clean water means either tank or treated tap rather than the shipping water.
paul c
paul c - 8 years ago
do it the same way with shrimp? dump all the shrimp together in one net like the fish? did you mention putting in a drop of water conditioner in the bag before the dump? thanks
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+paul c If there is going to be any delay between opening and dumping, I do add the dechlor. I do pour all the shrimp into one net, then into the dip and pour for visual inspection. Fish are easier to see in a tank than shrimp. Maybe its me getting "older", but I have to really take my time looking at shrimp to make sure they are in good condition. So many of the potential diseases they have are so teeny, I like to shoot a few macro shots, so getting them into clean water for inspection is imperative. I then sort them into groups- obviously fine, obviously diseased, and those that my radar pick up as iffy. It is not the most practical arrangement for space, but I feel better about being overcautious.
paul c
paul c - 8 years ago
thanks for the video rachel.really opened my eyes to a new way of doing things.im going to use this way from now on.
DEA- Exotics
DEA- Exotics - 8 years ago
great information this is the way i did it when I ran the fish store
wyzemann
wyzemann - 8 years ago
Rachel, I read this method on your website last month and tried it with my LFS purchase...it was smooth sailing after that...Thank You!

I'm now considering an all purpose acclimating method where I'll immediately bathe the fish in a methylene blue/tank water solution for 20m, then API pond salt bath for 30m and afterwards straight to a quarantine tank for at least 2wks. I've recently used MB to cure a horrendous outbreak of ich and it's now my BMF (Best Med Forever)!
wyzemann
wyzemann - 8 years ago
+Rachel O'leary Okay, I surely respect that. I love Paraguard also, but it's been inadequate at combating my previous ich infestations. Hmm, maybe bathing in Paraguard instead of MB would be less harsh.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+wyzemann just remember meds are toxic, sometimes they can cause problems that otherwise wouldn't arise. I am very much a less is more kind of fish keeper. I am a big fan of Paraguard for preventative, as its very gentle.
gd6585
gd6585 - 8 years ago
One of the best explanations I have heard about acclimation! Do you do the same with saltwater fish?
gd6585
gd6585 - 8 years ago
+Rachel O'leary okay, I assumed you had saltwater too.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+gd6585 I dont' keep any saltwater, so cannot really comment but I would imagine much would depend on their source- i.e. domestically shipped or from overseas
Noelle Price
Noelle Price - 8 years ago
You can't do that with neon tetras
MsArtemis01
MsArtemis01 - 8 years ago
I did this with my neon tetras and my Bloodfin Tetras, who are more shy then neon, and her method worked for me. I did add prime and api stress coat before I dropped them into the tank. Now I have a heavily planted tank and pretty much zero aggressive fish,so that also helped them to become less stressed out and dying on me. Now I do add vitamins into their food right away to boost their immune system. I also feed them peas too to flush out whatever is in their system they ate at the pet store. These types of methods have kept my new fish from getting extremely stressed out since I changed up my method.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
my website is msjinkzd.com, my current stocklist is there.
Noelle Price
Noelle Price - 8 years ago
+Rachel O'leary can you give me a list of fish that you sell because I am looking for fish to put in my tank.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
Four days a week, 50 weeks a year :)
Noelle Price
Noelle Price - 8 years ago
+Rachel O'leary oh I get them from pet stores I have a question do you ship fish?
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
I import them from the wild. I find the temperature of the tank to be more critical than the acclimation procedure for most tetras, including neons.
Noelle Price
Noelle Price - 8 years ago
+Rachel O'leary well they are not as sensitive as neons I have neons and they die easily so you have to acclimate them slowly or else they will die but they get hardy after you have them for a while.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
I do. And with cardinals. And green neons. And rummies.
Michael Agostino
Michael Agostino - 8 years ago
Question please. The "display tanks" you use in your videos are they sold online anywhere? Just asking cause I would like to get myself a dozen or so, yet have never seen them sold anywhere. I see them used at Pet Smart, Petco and other places where they place the fish in those 'display tanks" as they catch the fish and just before they bag them up. Just have never seen them sold anywhere.
Michael Agostino
Michael Agostino - 8 years ago
+Rachel O'leary Thanks for the info.  I was talking about the specimen containers.  Got the info.  Had no idea what to call it in my Amazon search which is why I could never find them.
Michael Agostino
Michael Agostino - 8 years ago
+wyzemann Awesome!  Thanks.  Exactly what I was looking for.  Probably never found it on Amazon.com because I had no idea what to call it for the search.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
I use specimen contianers, specifically Lee's. The tanks I use for filming are custom made.
wyzemann
wyzemann - 8 years ago
SirenSea_Reviews_Aquariums
SirenSea_Reviews_Aquariums - 8 years ago
this is eye opening. next set of fish I'll be trying this method the less stress the better. not sure I'd you mentioned but I'll go back and watch again, but are you using water from tank to do the drop or new Water and declorinating treatment?
SirenSea_Reviews_Aquariums
SirenSea_Reviews_Aquariums - 8 years ago
+Rachel O'leary ok. thank you I'm going to try this out. love your videos and advice
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
Just dropping them straight into my qt. I generally have done a large volume water change or totally fresh water in my qt tanks.
Lord Perzeval
Lord Perzeval - 8 years ago
here from king of diy... joey
jhgannon1
jhgannon1 - 8 years ago
Nice video. I've been doing this exact method for years - straight into the QT tank.
James
James - 8 years ago
I have always been taught that you want to acclimate your fish. That you shouldn't just drop them into clean fresh water because it could put them into shock. Instead I was taught to float the bags in the aquarium and let tank water into the bag at about 50/50 water for about 10 minutes. Then netting the fish, dropping them in the tank, and dumping the bag water into a sink.
wyzemann
wyzemann - 8 years ago
+James T. Brohard If your method produces 0 casualties, then you're good to go. Honestly, there will never be a "one perfect fit acclimation" for everyone because each method has pros/cons attached. I'm in favor of taking sole responsibility no matter what procedure I use; that way I don't get frustrated with a random "borrowed experience".
The Fish Closet
The Fish Closet - 8 years ago
I place hot water from the sink into a large bottle, which I wrap in a hand towel. I place this in a Styrofoam box. drive 90mins to the pet store. pick my fish, place in container along side of hot bottle. shop for a couple hours, drive home 90mins. drop fish in net and right in tank. very low death rate as well, unless u count cherry shrimp, they die no matter what I do. my pH is 6 from the tap and soft. I guess I'll never be able to keep them unless u gave suggestions.
Dontdalla
Dontdalla - 8 years ago
I've been doing it wrong the whole time.Thanks for making this video.
Rachel K.
Rachel K. - 8 years ago
Me too! I'll try this!
Damion Markham
Damion Markham - 8 years ago
thank you msjinkzd , my first inclination many years ago was get the fish out of the bag and into the tank asp and would be less stress,over time I've heard compelling theories persuading me to try other methods . I currently believe your helpful assistance has got me back on the right track
HonoluluTita
HonoluluTita - 8 years ago
When getting in new plants is there also some sort of quarantine or treatment dip to get rid of nasty things before placing the plants into display tank? I was wondering because I noticed some of my fish flashing after I had added some new plants. I had rinsed the plants with extra tank water before adding them too. I'm just starting to switch from plastic to live plants. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Rachel.
HonoluluTita
HonoluluTita - 8 years ago
+Rachel O'leary Thank you for the info. I'll research how to use these methods. Kudos for your quarantine/acclimation series.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+HonoluluTita There are lots of different opinions on that from bleach dip or peroxide (for algae) to potassium permangenate or alum for snails. One must also be cautious if the plants come from overseas, as they can be pre-treated with chemicals for snails which can be immediately deadly to shrimp or ornamental snails.
Anthony Ragan
Anthony Ragan - 8 years ago
Really handy video, as I have my first tank in years cycling and should be adding fish in a few weeks. One question: if several fish come in one bag (say, a bunch of danios) do you pour them all into one net, so they're in a bunch?
Anthony Ragan
Anthony Ragan - 8 years ago
Thanks!
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
I do, yes. I prefer to use large nets, this way they do not flip themselves out of it during the process
Ben Ochart
Ben Ochart - 8 years ago
I was doing this wrong for so many years. This removes so much time from the process and the 10+ fish I have used it with are all doing wonderfully. Thanks and check out my tank some time. I'd love to get your take on it.
Kathleen Coronado
Kathleen Coronado - 8 years ago
Makes so much sense! I am definitely going to try your method. I wish I would have heard of this sooner. Going to share this video to show there are different ways and because we have been probably been doing it wrong and harming the fish/inverts more than helping with drip acclimation. Another Awesome Informative Video! I enjoy your videos and knowledge more and more! Thanks!!!
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
My friend and co-author Mark Denaro reminded me of something i forgot to add in the video- I prefer to use moistened nets so that the mesh of the net does not compromise the slime coat of the fish.
Tracy S
Tracy S - 7 years ago
That's a good addition, Rachel. In addition to being a fishkeeper, I also flyfish. I'm all about catch-and-release, which is why I make sure my hands are good and wet before I touch the fish. I think that is the same principle.
Bernard Hechavarria
Bernard Hechavarria - 7 years ago
Rachel O'leary quick question so I am buying fire red cherry shrimp which would be shipped taking a couple days. The differences between parameters are 1 for ph. 3 for gh and 7 for kh. Any suggestion. I don't want to mess this up
Katie Pynaker
Katie Pynaker - 7 years ago
Rachel O'leary awesome video
james gonzalez
james gonzalez - 8 years ago
I always thought that the drip method was for ph acclimate from fish being sensitive to ph changes
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
Generally speaking, if going into water of similar or higher TDS, the shock is very low. Going from high TDS to very low can cause issues- but that is not very common unless you are adding to an extreme blackwater tank, for instance, in which case ammonia is rendered nontoxic by the low pH/hardness. One COULD measure TDS of the shipping water and the tank to compare.
james gonzalez
james gonzalez - 8 years ago
Thank you I've learned something new hahaha
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+james gonzalez That is the theory behind it, but it is really referring to osmotic shock which has more to do with TDS.
NYCity Cichlids
NYCity Cichlids - 8 years ago
You have some good points. Thanks.
Old School Fish Guy
Old School Fish Guy - 8 years ago
Well, you probably think you know what you're doing since you do it on such a large volume --- well, I certainly won't argue with you. I have done the drip method since the 1970s but everything you say makes sense. I guess it's time for an Old School guy to make a change. TANKS for such a good job of explaining your reasoning!!!
Old School Fish Guy
Old School Fish Guy - 8 years ago
Like you said, "... a million ways ..." But your way makes sense to me.  When you get to know me, you'll learn I don't blow smoke.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
I would never suggest my way is the only way. I just try to explain the choices I have made.
Danny's Aquariums
Danny's Aquariums - 8 years ago
Nice video Rachel!
Can you please check out my channel!
That would be really cool!
yocampout
yocampout - 8 years ago
I have kept fancy goldfish for years. my 8yo cousin loves them and now wants a tank with goldies and tetras. I tried to explain that wasn't a good idea without extinguishing his enthusiasm but he googled it and it seems some people do it. as an expert what do u think?
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
Goldfish are SO fun. I am a firm believer that picking fish from matching regions is really the best choice no matter what- the fish are happier and behave better. I have seen it work, but that is generally a short term goal, not for long term success. Makes me want to get goldfish again!
yocampout
yocampout - 8 years ago
+Rachel O'leary thanks so much. he's a big YouTube fan so this coming from you is going to carry more weight than you will ever know. thank you so much.
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+yocampout i think this is a bad idea. If you want goldies, go with other fishes of similar parameters, but really, goldies have so much personality on their own they are best in tanks with each other.
wyzemann
wyzemann - 8 years ago
+yocampout

Let him imitate other people's "methods" and once the consequences hit him...let him deal with them front and center. Personal experience/mistakes can be a BLUNT AND EFFECTIVE TEACHER!

Pardon me, I know you queried Rachel, but I just couldn't avoid the unsolicited advice today, Thank You.
Thor's Aquatics
Thor's Aquatics - 8 years ago
love the method! been using it for years now
Russell Beach
Russell Beach - 8 years ago
Wow this is news to me. I've never heard of doing this, Makes way to much sense after you explained it. Thanks I'll see if that helps.
Greg Jones
Greg Jones - 8 years ago
"plop and drop" method, nice! love it.
william johnstone
william johnstone - 8 years ago
Just a quick question would a bristle nose pleco be ok to do this with a tank with a different ph level
william johnstone
william johnstone - 8 years ago
+Rachel O'leary ok thanks cause the ph jump is quite different I will give it a go
Rachel O'leary
Rachel O'leary - 8 years ago
+william johnstone I do this with all fish species.

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