Adding Fish to Your Aquarium

You’re almost there! You’ve decided what type of fish that you want to keep and set up the aquarium in the perfect location. You’ve let it operate for 24 hours to stabilize the water temperature. Now you’re ready to go to the store and buy your new fish. Because this is a new aquarium, you are going to want to start with only 1 or 2 fish, adding more gradually over the next 4-6 weeks. This is a very important step to ensure that your fish will thrive in their new home.

You'll be bringing your new fish home from the store in plastic bags. Please be sure to come straight home after you purchase the fish, as you don't want to leave the fish in the bags any longer than necessary. When you get home, immediately float the bags in your aquarium for 15 minutes. This allows the water temperature in the bag to slowly match the water temperature in the aquarium.

DO NOT pour the water from the bag into your aquarium; the water from the bag may contain contaminants that you don't want to put into your tank. Instead, over a bucket or a sink with a drain plug, pour the fish into a net and immediately place the fish into your aquarium.

It is advisable not to feed your fish until they have adapted themselves to their new environment (1 to 2 days).

Whenever you have concerns about your fish (looking different, acting strangely, etc.), email or call the TetraCare aquarium experts for free advice at 1-800-423-6458.