Congratulations on Your New Arrival
Acclimation Guide
Bringing home a new fish or invertebrate is an exciting moment.
You’ve chosen a living animal that has already travelled carefully through a professional supply chain,
and the final step- proper acclimation at home -is one of the most important things you can do to ensure its long-term success.
Correct acclimation gently introduces your new animal to its new environment, reduces stress, and dramatically increases its chances of thriving in your aquarium.
Why Acclimation Matters
During transport, fish and invertebrates are packed in water taken from stable holding systems, however changes then occur in this water due to respiration and waste production.
Key differences may include:
- Lower pH
- Elevated ammonia levels
- Different temperature and salinity
These conditions are normal and expected during transport. Problems arise when animals are exposed to sudden changes, particularly in temperature and pH, which can cause severe stress or shock.
Acclimation allows these parameters to change slowly and safely.
Lighting: Start Calm
When opening the box, keep lighting low.
After transport, animals are more sensitive to sudden exposure to bright aquarium lighting, which can cause unnecessary stress.
Helpful tip:
- If possible, use ambient room lighting during acclimation.
- Low-intensity or red-spectrum lighting can help minimise stress while still allowing observation of the animal.
Temperature Acclimation
Temperature changes should always be gradual to avoid thermal shock.
Rule of thumb:
Try not to increase the temperature by more than 1 °C per approximately 30 min.
To begin temperature equalisation, float the sealed transport bag for 10 minutes in the aquarium or sump before opening it.
Measure Before You Mix
Once the transport bag is opened, we strongly recommend measuring the following parameters:
- Temperature
- pH
- Salinity ( for marines )
- Ammonia
It is completely normal for transport water to show:
- A significantly lower pH compared to the aquarium
- Elevated ammonia levels due to respiration during transport
pH is measured on a logarithmic scale, meaning that even small numerical differences represent significant chemical changes.
Rapid pH shifts are particularly dangerous and should always be avoided.
This is why slow, controlled acclimation is recommended.
The Drip Acclimation Method (Recommended)
Drip acclimation is the safest and most controlled method for introducing new animals to aquarium conditions, particularly for sensitive species and invertebrates.
How to Drip Acclimate
1. Place the animal and its transport water into a clean, dedicated container.
2. Use airline tubing fitted with a control valve or a simple knot to regulate flow.
3. Start a siphon from the aquarium to the container.
4. Adjust the flow to approximately 1–2 drops per second.
5. Allow the water volume in the container to double over 30–60 minutes.
6. If parameters differ significantly, discard half of the water and repeat the process once more.
7. Once water chemistry parameters are closely matched, gently transfer the animal into the aquarium.
Important:
Never add transport water directly to your aquarium.
Special Care for Invertebrates
Invertebrates are sensitive to changes in water chemistry and environmental parameters.
During transport, natural shifts occur in the water due to respiration and waste production.
For this reason, transport water is only meant for short-term use and should not be used for long-term housing, especially for invertebrates.
Extra care with slow drip acclimation is essential, particularly for:
- Shrimp
- Crabs
- Snails
- Corals
Tropic Marin® Pro-Tect
Tropic Marin Pro-tect can be used during acclimation to:
- Reduce stress
- Support slime coat health
- Aid recovery after transport
For best results, please follow the product instructions carefully.
Make It Easy: TMC Acclimation Kit
For a simple and reliable acclimation setup, the TMC Acclimation Kit provides everything needed to perform controlled drip acclimation safely and consistently.
Ideal for:
- New hobbyists
- Sensitive species
- Invertebrates
Designed to help reduce stress and ensure a smooth transition into aquarium conditions.
Tropic Marine Pro-Tect
Tropic Marin Pro-Tect is a high-quality marine aquarium product designed to enhance the health and vitality of your aquatic life. This product promotes the natural defenses of fish and invertebrates, helping to protect them against harmful environmental changes and stress. It also aids in the regeneration of damaged skin and fins, and the strengthening of the mucous membranes. Tropic Marin Pro-Tect is easy to use and suitable for all types of saltwater aquariums. It's a must-have for any aquarium enthusiast looking to maintain a healthy and vibrant marine environment.
TMC Acclimation Kit
- A high-quality, adjustable drip line for precise control of water flow
- A sturdy, easy-to-use clip for securing the drip line
- A comprehensive guidebook with step-by-step instructions on acclimation procedures
- Access to online resources, including video tutorials and expert advice
The TMC Acclimation Kit is designed to reduce stress and increase the survival rate of your marine life, making it an essential tool for any aquarium enthusiast. Whether you're introducing new fish, corals, or invertebrates to your tank, this kit will help ensure they thrive in their new home.
With the TMC Acclimation Kit, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing you're providing the best possible care for your aquatic pets. Order yours today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier aquarium.
Final Placement
Once acclimated:
- Net or gently transfer the animal into the aquarium without adding transport water
- Keep aquarium lighting dim for several hours
- Observe quietly and allow time for the animal to settle
- Delay feeding until the animal has fully adjusted to its new environment
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing the acclimation process
- Exposing animals to bright lighting immediately after transport
- Skipping basic water parameter checks
- Adding transport water directly to the aquarium
Good husbandry rewards patience.
Taking a little extra time during acclimation can make a lasting difference to the long-term success of your aquarium.
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