At our facility, the process starts long before a fish hits the "Available" list. Any new stock that arrives goes through a strict 2–3 week quarantine process. To me, this isn’t optional—it’s crucial.
Why This Matters to You
Whether you have 1 tank or 100, the risk is the same. If you buy a fish and drop it straight into your display tank without a quarantine period, you are gambling with every fish you already own. One sick "newcomer" can quickly turn into an entire room of sick fish, costing you more time, more money, and the heartbreak of losing your stock.
I quarantine all new fish so that I am the one dealing with any potential issues—not you. I will never sell a fish that hasn't cleared my health and eating standards.
Beyond the Bag: The Acclimation Process
Acclimation isn’t just about floating a bag for temperature. pH and water parameters are just as important as heat. Since every home’s water is different, a slow transition is the key to survival.
My Pro-Tip for Acclimation:
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Float for Temp: Get the water temperature matched first.
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The "Quarter-Cup" Method: Don’t just dump them in! Every 5–10 minutes, add about 1/4 cup of your tank water into the bag or a bucket.
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The Goal: This slowly introduces the fish to your specific pH and parameters, preventing the shock that kills so many new arrivals.
⚠️ CRUCIAL NOTE FOR BREATHER BAGS:
Never float a "Breather Bag" (like Kordon bags)! Breather bags work by exchanging oxygen through the plastic itself when exposed to the air. If you submerge or float a breather bag in your tank water, it stops working and your fish will quickly suffocate.
How to acclimate breather bags: Do not float them. Instead, empty the bag immediately into a clean container or bucket, and use the Quarter-Cup Method or a slow drip acclimation on your counter to adjust their parameters before netting them into your tank.
The quarantine process works! All of our fish have officially cleared their 3-week health check. They are hardy, eating great, and ready for their new homes.
Check out the updated inventory and book your Sterling Local Pickup! 🐟👇"