How to Acclimate Your New Discus

How to Acclimate Your New Discus Fish from Aquagems: A Step-by-Step Guide

Congratulations on your new discus fish from Aquagems! Properly acclimating your new fish to their tank is crucial to ensure they thrive in their new environment. This guide will take you through the steps based on your tank's pH levels and the type of water you use.

  • Quarantine New Arrivals: Although the discus fish from AquaGems are healthy, it is highly recommended to quarantine new arrivals before introducing them to your main tank. This helps prevent the spread of different bacterial floras, which could clash and potentially cause serious issues, including infestations that could endanger your fish population.

    • Set up a separate quarantine tank and follow the acclimation steps to introduce the fish to this temporary environment.
    • Monitor the fish for any signs of distress or illness over a period of a few weeks.

Preparing for Arrival

Before your discus fish arrive:

  • Check the pH level of your aquarium water. Knowing the pH level helps determine the best acclimation method to prevent shock and stress in your new fish.

Step-by-Step Acclimation Process

For All pH Levels

  1. Temperature Adjustment
    • Place the sealed bag containing your discus fish directly into the aquarium.
    • Allow the bag to float for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps to equalize the temperature between the water in the bag and the tank, providing a gentle transition for the fish.

If pH is Lower Than 7.0 or Using R/O Water

  1. Acclimation Setup

    • Prepare a five-gallon bucket and place it beneath the tank.
    • Attach a regular airline tube with a closed valve to the tank and extend it to the bucket.
    • Carefully cut the bag open and gently pour the fish, along with the water, into the bucket.
    • Add a few cups of water from your tank into the bucket to start neutralizing the shipping water.

  2. Water Drip Process

    • Begin a slow drip (not a flow) of water from the tank into the bucket using the airline tube. This gradual adjustment helps the fish get used to the new water chemistry.
    • Continue this process until the bucket is nearly full, which should take less than one hour.
    • Carefully net the fish out of the bucket and transfer them to the aquarium.

If pH is Between 7.0 and 8.3

  1. Direct Transfer
    • After the initial 20 minutes of temperature acclimation, carefully slice the bag open.
    • Discard the shipping water into a waste container to prevent any potential contaminants from entering your tank.
    • Gently slide the discus fish from the bag into the tank.

Post-Acclimation Care

  1. Adjusting to New Home

    • Turn off the aquarium lights for the rest of the day to help the discus fish adjust without added stress from bright lighting.
    • Allow the fish to settle in quietly and start to explore their new home at their own pace.

  2. Resuming Normal Routine

    • The following morning, you can turn the lights back on and begin your usual aquarium care routine.
    • Monitor your discus closely for the first few days to ensure they are adjusting well and look healthy and active.