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.
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.
I tried this with new panda cories and blue and yellow shrimps. I’ve never seen new additions to my planted tank go right to swimming, digging and eating so quickly. You are the mother of nanos and beyond!
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.
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!
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!
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!!!
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.
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.
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 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.
I have never kept fish but watch all your videos just because you make it interesting now I hv 9 guppies and 3 fry 1 female came pregnant even though they were suppose to be virgin I didn't trip out anyway I did what I saw you do it was simple Thank you. You made me not afraid keep fish my.daughter showed me your channels and I have to admit I was scared at first you kept me watching we love your supercute fish still scared of the big boys😂
I don't follow the advice of just any "expert" on youtube. It took someone with actual knowledge and experience to convince me that it would be ok to change. Thanks.
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.
For local bought fish, I imagine water parameters are near identical. I don't know the perfect method for local transfer, though. Differences in water conditions would be temperature (especially in the middle of winter/summer) and bacteria load..... Also, just ask the local fish store xD, cause they will tell you if they changed the water parameters from tapwater
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!
Great video Rachel. It's nice to see you so active on your UA-cam. 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!
Looks like you got a shout out in this article here. More professional information on how to acclimate. www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Disease.html#quarantine
I just received my first box of RCS. I was certain I was going to drip acclimate. I just watched this 3 times in a row & I am putting my trust in you & going to do it your way. Wish me luck! I will update how it goes! I'm terrified!
This worked PERFECTLY! It is very cold outside, when my package if shrimp came, I let the box sit, unopened for a good hour. I then got my bucket & net ready, opened the box, checked for any DOA, there wasn't any. I cut the top of the bag off, poured the water thru the net & immediately put the shrimp in the aquarium. They were adjusted almost immediately & not a single loss! This saved me so much time & saved my shrimp! THANK YOU! I used to drip acclimate for 3-4 hours thinking it was my best chance to save them. I was wrong! This method is so much better! THANK YOU RACHEL! I put your youtube in my review on the shrimp I ordered! Spread the word of your amazing channel! God bless!
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.
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 !!!
Glad I found this video everyone has told me to drip acclimate, but from my years of chemistry and biology I didn't see how it served the fish at all. I figured it was just better to get them out and into some fresh water...yet I have only lost some shrimp. Never lost any other fish to acclimation and I literally just float the bag on top for a few minutes and plop them right in. I also only buy from hobbyists or local FISH stores though I don't buy anything at petco or pet smart. Best fish come from ebay lol. So I feel better knowing my instincts made sense. About to welcome 4 new fish members!
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.
so thankful for this and your "how i handle shipments" videos. my endlers were actively searching for food within the first 7 minutes after dumping them into the tank. lights came on an hour later and they got more active. i've been studying this since march in preparation. Now i just gotta wait the week to see if they develop any issues. So far tho the dark plop n drop method seems to have been an overwhelmingly positive success. i now have 2 male and 2 female endlers happily scouting the snail tank. THANKS SO MUCH
Definitely works vs. all the confusing acclimation types out there. Not sure if it's right, but I try to do this as quickly as possible to minimize their stress when I get my fish. Also I take notice if some are sensitive to bright lights or even high pitch noises.
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
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
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!:)
It's strange isn't it? 30 years ago we were told that under no circumstances should we put fish in our tanks without first acclimatising them to temperature and water chemistry but what you say makes perfect sense. It's far less stressful to get out of the bag water as soon as the seal is broken.
While this is a nice radical new idea but Id still stick to what im doing. That is, I get a fish, let the bag acclimate on the surface of the tank for 10-25 minutes, drip some of the main tank water for another 5 or 10 minutes into the now-cut bag, use my hand (if the fish is handsensitive like the BGK, I use a net then) to get them out of the bag and into the main tank. And its been working fine so far. No casualties
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?
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.
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 :)
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.
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!
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!
+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!
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!
Just watched this video again. Excellent advice. Since I can't find the species of fish I want locally, my fish are being shipped to me overnight next week. Doing the plop and drop (first time)! The shipper's water hardness (gH) is identical to mine (my pH is way lower as I keep South American fish, 6.6-6.8 and breeder has pH of 8). I've always dripped acclimated fish purchased locally because of difference in hardness/pH and have never had a problem, so fingers crossed all goes well.
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.
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.
woah... thanks for this video. hugely important reasons for the differences in your methods! im glad i saw this now - my fish arrives on thursday and i want the best for her! this will be the first fish ive kept as an adult and im super nervous
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 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.
+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.
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.
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?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
I'm so glad you don't pop the bags. I see people all the time ripping into bags and popping them with a loud pop. I feel that the increase in pressure from popping bags can't be good for them. I always cut my bags open.
Bought some CPDs today along with a few other little guys and my fish store is 3 hours away. Floated the bags in the tank for 15 minutes to get the temperatures closer and then plopped and dropped! Everyone is doing great and were eating less than an hour later. Bought a Panda Cory also to add to my school of 4 and I think plop and drop is especially important for cories because, according to what I've read online, they emit a toxin into the water from around their eyes when they're scared and taking them home in a bag of that water is basically killing them (in a tank or wild they can leave the area and toxin behind but in the bag they're trapped with it). I hope he's okay as with my LFS (an hour away), we do the kick the bucket (or bag in my case) method and my cory deaths were reduced to zero doing this. Didn't do it at this store so I think getting him out of the bag asap is important...I usually know within four days if a cory will make it. Anyone else heard of this cory toxin?
these videos are appreciated by so many of us and this one in particular. I know this thread is old but I have a scenario I wondered if you might shed light on. I have had trouble with Neon Tetra in the past and to this day I dont get why it is considered a beginner fish. they not like below 7PH on any data sheet I can find. I can never find out where they just came from or water Parameters etc. and I lost an online bunch I plopped and dropped and decided to buy local a few at a time. So I bought ten and the local PetSmart informed me the PH was 6.86 and 150PPM so I decided to drip acclimate as I was 7.4 with CO2 off and 203. I tested the water they came in and it was 206PPM which seemed high for a lower PH in this area so I test the PH and it was 7.5 and not 6,86 as informed. So I sped up the drip as I was at 7.3-7.4 already with the CO2 off. When I got to just over a 50/50 mix the TDS spiked to 700+. the fish appeared to have a graying all of a sudden so I just plopped and dropped as I got nervous. So they colored up just fine and then the tnext day looked just fine. I was left in confusion no clue. So two days later everything looks good and go buy 15 more same place. now the water tested 150 and 7.5+PH so a water change took place is my guess there as I was early to the store. Ok so get home and decide drip again and this time lets get to the bottom of that TDS spike if possible. Long story short, same scenario after the 50/50 or so was reached TDS spike to over 800 this time. Must be my eyes says I and pour out some of the tranfer water into a cup and take to the tespt bench and I read .25 ammonia , no nitrates, no Nitrites a KH of 5 and I stopped testing for GH when I put in the 27th drop. the TDS Spike was real and I am totally lost as to the reason. Any ideas will be very appreciated.
I understand the chemistry behind this method and I just want to clarify, this can be used with most any common freshwater fish/shrimp and how about snails? I am finally getting back into the hobby after many many years away (we are talking over 14 years) and I love learning all the new tricks and such. Thank you so very much!
Hi!my nae is Rachel too!😊I have in my tank 11 plants, 4 ornaments, rainbow grave,l n,eon tetras, 1 glolight tetra, 2 flame tetras, and 1 mystery snail.I love you're videos, and I want to have a fish room like you when I grow up!!!;) ;););)
so hold up .... you didn't say where the water in the small container is from .... should I take water from my tank or should I use conditioned tap water and then also how long do you leave them in the small tank until you spill them in their final environment tank?
I did this yesterday and for the first time they all sunk to the bottom upside down. This lasted for a couple of hours then started swimming. The fish are ember tetras, pygmy corydoras, and a bumblebee goby. I have never seen this before.
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.
+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".
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..
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 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.
+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?
+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.
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.
+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.
Some folks in a fish group helped me find your video because this is something I’m really struggling with! And you make it look so easy, obviously from experience. I’m adding tiny fish to a little nano tank, and watching you put those fish in that tiny little acclamation container I have no clue how the fish don’t end up all over the countertop 😂! I feel like if I try to use a net that big and then dump them into my little tank, Half or all of them would end up all over my floor. Any advice for someone new and clumsy? Thanks!
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
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 :)
![Prevent NEW FISH DIE OFF [Watch this Before Adding Fish] My Top 5 Deadly Mistakes when Adding Fish!](/img/n.gif)
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.
Rachel O'leary awesome video
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.
That makes so much sense ! Ty
Yes, but what about the fish we buy from the store, don’t we have to float them in the tank? Thanks in advance.
I tried this with new panda cories and blue and yellow shrimps. I’ve never seen new additions to my planted tank go right to swimming, digging and eating so quickly. You are the mother of nanos and beyond!
yeah this is what you supposed to do with shipped animals, the older method is for fish you get from a local store within 40 mins of your own tank.
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.
I'm going to try this. I don't anyone who knows more about fish than Rachel. Thank you
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!
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!
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!!!
I would never suggest my way is the only way. I just try to explain the choices I have made.
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.
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.
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.
I have shrimp coming in today, SO glad to know this! It’s going to save me so much time on day that I don’t have it to spare. Thank you!
I am happy to report that not a single shrimp died from this method, all survived right down to the tiniest speck of a baby.
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 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.
I have never kept fish but watch all your videos just because you make it interesting now I hv 9 guppies and 3 fry 1 female came pregnant even though they were suppose to be virgin I didn't trip out anyway I did what I saw you do it was simple Thank you. You made me not afraid keep fish my.daughter showed me your channels and I have to admit I was scared at first you kept me watching we love your supercute fish still scared of the big boys😂
that is so awesome! I am so glad you are enjoying the hobby!
I don't follow the advice of just any "expert" on youtube. It took someone with actual knowledge and experience to convince me that it would be ok to change. Thanks.
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.
+auelasuka unless you are doing a prolonged drip, acclimation is not useful except to make the hobbyist more comfortable
For local bought fish, I imagine water parameters are near identical. I don't know the perfect method for local transfer, though.
Differences in water conditions would be temperature (especially in the middle of winter/summer) and bacteria load.....
Also, just ask the local fish store xD, cause they will tell you if they changed the water parameters from tapwater
Rachel O'Leary I have well water with a higher pH, if I were to plop and drop wouldn't it cause pH shock?
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!
+Almarma awesome, thanks
I used this method with amano shrimp the other day. Excellent results. They got to work fixing my hair algae problem within minutes. No losses.
Great video Rachel. It's nice to see you so active on your UA-cam. 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!
Looks like you got a shout out in this article here. More professional information on how to acclimate.
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Disease.html#quarantine
Devon Trigg q
Fantastic! I've only ever done plop and drop. Never had a fish die.
I don't think we give our fish enough credit.
I did this! And it worked! My fish and shrimp were happy exploring the tank in a matter of minutes.
Glad to hear it
I just received my first box of RCS. I was certain I was going to drip acclimate. I just watched this 3 times in a row & I am putting my trust in you & going to do it your way. Wish me luck! I will update how it goes!
I'm terrified!
This worked PERFECTLY! It is very cold outside, when my package if shrimp came, I let the box sit, unopened for a good hour. I then got my bucket & net ready, opened the box, checked for any DOA, there wasn't any. I cut the top of the bag off, poured the water thru the net & immediately put the shrimp in the aquarium. They were adjusted almost immediately & not a single loss! This saved me so much time & saved my shrimp! THANK YOU! I used to drip acclimate for 3-4 hours thinking it was my best chance to save them. I was wrong! This method is so much better! THANK YOU RACHEL! I put your youtube in my review on the shrimp I ordered! Spread the word of your amazing channel! God bless!
"plop and drop" method, nice! love it.
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.
the most educational video Ive seen on acclimating. Thanks! I always felt it was delaying the stress as well, and now will simplify my method.
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 !!!
Glad I found this video everyone has told me to drip acclimate, but from my years of chemistry and biology I didn't see how it served the fish at all. I figured it was just better to get them out and into some fresh water...yet I have only lost some shrimp. Never lost any other fish to acclimation and I literally just float the bag on top for a few minutes and plop them right in. I also only buy from hobbyists or local FISH stores though I don't buy anything at petco or pet smart. Best fish come from ebay lol.
So I feel better knowing my instincts made sense. About to welcome 4 new fish members!
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.
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!!!!!
so thankful for this and your "how i handle shipments" videos. my endlers were actively searching for food within the first 7 minutes after dumping them into the tank. lights came on an hour later and they got more active. i've been studying this since march in preparation. Now i just gotta wait the week to see if they develop any issues. So far tho the dark plop n drop method seems to have been an overwhelmingly positive success. i now have 2 male and 2 female endlers happily scouting the snail tank. THANKS SO MUCH
Glad to hear it!
Definitely works vs. all the confusing acclimation types out there. Not sure if it's right, but I try to do this as quickly as possible to minimize their stress when I get my fish. Also I take notice if some are sensitive to bright lights or even high pitch noises.
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
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
+benboarder09 thanks and glad you found me
Really great info Rachel. Thanks for sharing!
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!:)
It's strange isn't it? 30 years ago we were told that under no circumstances should we put fish in our tanks without first acclimatising them to temperature and water chemistry but what you say makes perfect sense. It's far less stressful to get out of the bag water as soon as the seal is broken.
While this is a nice radical new idea but Id still stick to what im doing.
That is, I get a fish, let the bag acclimate on the surface of the tank for 10-25 minutes, drip some of the main tank water for another 5 or 10 minutes into the now-cut bag, use my hand (if the fish is handsensitive like the BGK, I use a net then) to get them out of the bag and into the main tank. And its been working fine so far. No casualties
You just blew my mind, valid points, i may give your method a try. But how about Saltwater fish/corals?
+g Josué moir cerna I don't keep se, but my understanding is it's similar
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?
+g Josué moir cerna I still am shipping overnight. Once spring is here I will also ship 2nd day
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.
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.
+MsArtemis01 Super glad to hear it!
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 :)
+Shelley :) my pleasure
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.
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!
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!
+Kaveh Maguire wonderful
I love the way you give explain your logic - totally makes sense! Great tip!
+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!
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?
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!
A most excellent tutorial, brutal audio.
Great advice, Rachel! Thanks! Joe said the same thing, if I'm not mistaken.
an old fish dog can learn new tricks still....I learned from this...and now is my practice...thank you...
+EBS Marinelab glad it helped!
Just watched this video again. Excellent advice. Since I can't find the species of fish I want locally, my fish are being shipped to me overnight next week. Doing the plop and drop (first time)! The shipper's water hardness (gH) is identical to mine (my pH is way lower as I keep South American fish, 6.6-6.8 and breeder has pH of 8). I've always dripped acclimated fish purchased locally because of difference in hardness/pH and have never had a problem, so fingers crossed all goes well.
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.
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.
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.
+R Bear glad to hear it!
+R Bear glad to hear it!
Nice video. I've been doing this exact method for years - straight into the QT tank.
Love all your vids! Completely agree this is the best way to do it.
woah... thanks for this video. hugely important reasons for the differences in your methods! im glad i saw this now - my fish arrives on thursday and i want the best for her! this will be the first fish ive kept as an adult and im super nervous
I've been doing it wrong the whole time.Thanks for making this video.
Me too! I'll try this!
Rachel I love your videos I've learned so much from you!
Thanks for everything that you do!
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.
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 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.
+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.
wow, thank you so much for the well thought out and presented approach.
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.
You are an amazingly smart lady. I feel much more confident with our fishes. Thank you. :)
great tip...didn't think of it that way. Thanks Rachel!
Great job on the videos btw...keep em coming
Very practical and systematic. Thanks for showing us
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?
+Christina MacNaughton excellent suggestion
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.
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!
Had a quick look at the preview of this book on Amazon. This looks like one awesome book. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for this video. Tried this with my female betta I just got and it worked great.
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.
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.
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.
I'm so glad you don't pop the bags. I see people all the time ripping into bags and popping them with a loud pop. I feel that the increase in pressure from popping bags can't be good for them. I always cut my bags open.
Great great video!!!!! I agree plop them right in I did it when I got a new tank
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.
love the method! been using it for years now
Bought some CPDs today along with a few other little guys and my fish store is 3 hours away. Floated the bags in the tank for 15 minutes to get the temperatures closer and then plopped and dropped! Everyone is doing great and were eating less than an hour later. Bought a Panda Cory also to add to my school of 4 and I think plop and drop is especially important for cories because, according to what I've read online, they emit a toxin into the water from around their eyes when they're scared and taking them home in a bag of that water is basically killing them (in a tank or wild they can leave the area and toxin behind but in the bag they're trapped with it). I hope he's okay as with my LFS (an hour away), we do the kick the bucket (or bag in my case) method and my cory deaths were reduced to zero doing this. Didn't do it at this store so I think getting him out of the bag asap is important...I usually know within four days if a cory will make it. Anyone else heard of this cory toxin?
www.ratemyfishtank.com/blog/self-poisoning-a-damaging-defense-mechanism
I have seen video evidence of it with sterbai cory in particular
great video. I also like the plop and drop method
these videos are appreciated by so many of us and this one in particular. I know this thread is old but I have a scenario I wondered if you might shed light on. I have had trouble with Neon Tetra in the past and to this day I dont get why it is considered a beginner fish. they not like below 7PH on any data sheet I can find. I can never find out where they just came from or water Parameters etc. and I lost an online bunch I plopped and dropped and decided to buy local a few at a time. So I bought ten and the local PetSmart informed me the PH was 6.86 and 150PPM so I decided to drip acclimate as I was 7.4 with CO2 off and 203. I tested the water they came in and it was 206PPM which seemed high for a lower PH in this area so I test the PH and it was 7.5 and not 6,86 as informed. So I sped up the drip as I was at 7.3-7.4 already with the CO2 off. When I got to just over a 50/50 mix the TDS spiked to 700+. the fish appeared to have a graying all of a sudden so I just plopped and dropped as I got nervous. So they colored up just fine and then the tnext day looked just fine. I was left in confusion no clue. So two days later everything looks good and go buy 15 more same place. now the water tested 150 and 7.5+PH so a water change took place is my guess there as I was early to the store. Ok so get home and decide drip again and this time lets get to the bottom of that TDS spike if possible. Long story short, same scenario after the 50/50 or so was reached TDS spike to over 800 this time. Must be my eyes says I and pour out some of the tranfer water into a cup and take to the tespt bench and I read .25 ammonia , no nitrates, no Nitrites a KH of 5 and I stopped testing for GH when I put in the 27th drop. the TDS Spike was real and I am totally lost as to the reason. Any ideas will be very appreciated.
I understand the chemistry behind this method and I just want to clarify, this can be used with most any common freshwater fish/shrimp and how about snails? I am finally getting back into the hobby after many many years away (we are talking over 14 years) and I love learning all the new tricks and such. Thank you so very much!
Hi!my nae is Rachel too!😊I have in my tank 11 plants, 4 ornaments, rainbow grave,l n,eon tetras, 1 glolight tetra, 2 flame tetras, and 1 mystery snail.I love you're videos, and I want to have a fish room like you when I grow up!!!;) ;););)
+Rachel K. Awesome! ! Good for you! Mystery snails are one of my all time favorites
so hold up .... you didn't say where the water in the small container is from .... should I take water from my tank or should I use conditioned tap water and then also how long do you leave them in the small tank until you spill them in their final environment tank?
Awesome advice, and makes things easier too!
I did this yesterday and for the first time they all sunk to the bottom upside down. This lasted for a couple of hours then started swimming. The fish are ember tetras, pygmy corydoras, and a bumblebee goby. I have never seen this before.
Wise advice. Thanks Rachel
Maybe I can talk one of my clubs into having you come and speak. Great Video
+Brian's Opinion/Comments where are you located?
Subbed! Your videos are super helpful, wishing I would have found you last year!
Might be a good plan to float the bag if there is a significant temperature difference.
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.
+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".
great information this is the way i did it when I ran the fish store
You have some good points. Thanks.
Hmoob Thor brought me here; and boy, am I glad that he did! Just subbed!
really really great video about acclimating fish!! thks!!
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..
The "plop and drop"! The method used by Discus Hans as well!
Great tip. I guess sometimes keeping it simple is better.
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 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.
+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?
+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.
+Rachel O'leary Thanks for the reply Rachel - much appreciate you taking the time :)
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.
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.
+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.
Some folks in a fish group helped me find your video because this is something I’m really struggling with! And you make it look so easy, obviously from experience. I’m adding tiny fish to a little nano tank, and watching you put those fish in that tiny little acclamation container I have no clue how the fish don’t end up all over the countertop 😂! I feel like if I try to use a net that big and then dump them into my little tank, Half or all of them would end up all over my floor. Any advice for someone new and clumsy? Thanks!
Very helpful - thanks
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
Great information, Rachel! Curious . . . are you still out there? Hope so! ~Ron
I have cancer and am dealing with living with that, but yes, i am alive!
@@RachelOLeary I am so sorry to hear that. You've got fantastic cotent and I only just stumbled onto you channel. Our paryers are with you! ~Ron
The good news is there are hundreds of videos should you want more of my pa accent and loud background noise from an active fishroom lol
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 :)
Yes, it is :) My pleasure! Glad you get something out of it!
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?
Awesome! Thank you so much Rachel, now I know better... Let me share this link to NJAGC