How I Acclimate Freshwater Fish and Inverts and Why-Tuesday Tip

[@RachelOLeary]

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.

[@katiepynaker5880]

Rachel O'leary awesome video

[@tracys4161]

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.

[@Ali-Muscle]

That makes so much sense ! Ty

[@Just_Lurking8]

Yes, but what about the fish we buy from the store, don’t we have to float them in the tank? Thanks in advance.

[@jenniferlee818]

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!

[@pillsnpiegaming]

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.

[@shesellsfish]

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.

[@thomaskrafft9890]

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!

[@Skylrrider]

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!

[@brianbuczynski3555]

Thanks!

[@MLovesacoffee]

I'm going to try this. I don't anyone who knows more about fish than Rachel. Thank you

[@BenOchart]

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.

[@AquaticLogic]

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.

[@CottageCoreMom]

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!!!

[@tyvonnehs9102]

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!

[@tyvonnehs9102]

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.

[@searchXghost]

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.

[@StevePolandAquatics]

Really great info Rachel. Thanks for sharing!

[@OldSchoolFishGuy]

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!!!

[@RachelOLeary]

I would never suggest my way is the only way. I just try to explain the choices I have made.

[@OldSchoolFishGuy]

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.

[@stevetothepast]

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.

[@almarma]

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!

[@RachelOLeary]

+Almarma awesome, thanks

[@Hodric]

I did this! And it worked! My fish and shrimp were happy exploring the tank in a matter of minutes.

[@RachelOLeary]

Glad to hear it

[@gregoryfeast3968]

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!!!!!

[@TealPetunia]

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.

[@damionmarkham9835]

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

[@devontrigg517]

Great video Rachel. It's nice to see you so active on your KZbin. 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!

[@devontrigg517]

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

[@gabe8964]

Devon Trigg q

[@DeadStarNova1]

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

[@RachelOLeary]

Glad to hear it!

[@lelanidixon7941]

I love the way you give explain your logic - totally makes sense! Great tip!

[@RachelOLeary]

+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!

[@LRBaquatics]

Love all your vids! Completely agree this is the best way to do it.

[@auelasuka]

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.

[@RachelOLeary]

+auelasuka unless you are doing a prolonged drip, acclimation is not useful except to make the hobbyist more comfortable

[@sarahunt9331]

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

[@lauremckinney7111]

Rachel O'Leary I have well water with a higher pH, if I were to plop and drop wouldn't it cause pH shock?

[@freelifestyles8766]

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😂

[@RachelOLeary]

that is so awesome! I am so glad you are enjoying the hobby!

[@Fizzypopization]

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!

[@garageaquatics2023]

Great information, Rachel! Curious . . . are you still out there? Hope so! ~Ron

[@RachelOLeary]

I have cancer and am dealing with living with that, but yes, i am alive!

[@garageaquatics2023]

@@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

[@RachelOLeary]

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

[@OrisueCrew]

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!:)

[@CatFish107]

wow, thank you so much for the well thought out and presented approach.

[@wendyhankin4289]

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.

[@rbear4574]

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.

[@RachelOLeary]

+R Bear glad to hear it!

[@RachelOLeary]

+R Bear glad to hear it!

[@SomewhatNiceFellow]

Great advice, Rachel! Thanks! Joe said the same thing, if I'm not mistaken.

[@MaliciousMollusc]

Very practical and systematic. Thanks for showing us

[@paulc4173]

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.

[@bigsky445]

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!

[@bigsky445]

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!

[@shaker7804]

Wise advice. Thanks Rachel

[@gregjonesonline]

"plop and drop" method, nice! love it.

[@chicahchick]

Great great video!!!!! I agree plop them right in I did it when I got a new tank

[@MsArtemis01]

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.

[@RachelOLeary]

+MsArtemis01 Super glad to hear it!

[@ClassicRed2159]

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.

[@benboarder09]

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

[@RachelOLeary]

+benboarder09 thanks and glad you found me

[@shrimpsociety7057]

great video. I also like the plop and drop method

[@darrelladams1055]

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!

[@ebsmarinelab4998]

an old fish dog can learn new tricks still....I learned from this...and now is my practice...thank you...

[@RachelOLeary]

+EBS Marinelab glad it helped!

[@jhgannon]

Nice video. I've been doing this exact method for years - straight into the QT tank.

[@abrahamnutrition]

Rachel I love your videos I've learned so much from you! Thanks for everything that you do!

[@puppetwhoisnameless4822]

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.

[@gjosuem]

You just blew my mind, valid points, i may give your method a try. But how about Saltwater fish/corals?

[@RachelOLeary]

+g Josué moir cerna I don't keep se, but my understanding is it's similar

[@gjosuem]

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?

[@RachelOLeary]

+g Josué moir cerna I still am shipping overnight. Once spring is here I will also ship 2nd day

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.

[@juliemartinezhayes8319]

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?

[@riverdeep399]

You are an amazingly smart lady. I feel much more confident with our fishes. Thank you. :)

[@munafruit]

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

[@mbtravel7294]

Awesome advice, and makes things easier too!

[@leemeholdU]

great tip...didn't think of it that way. Thanks Rachel! Great job on the videos btw...keep em coming

A most excellent tutorial, brutal audio.

[@susanbriggs862]

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.

[@Px828]

Thank you for this video. Tried this with my female betta I just got and it worked great.

[@thorsaquatics6310]

love the method! been using it for years now

[@redforrori]

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 :)

[@RachelOLeary]

Yes, it is :) My pleasure! Glad you get something out of it!

[@linkinruss]

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?

[@Shelzbells]

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 :)

[@RachelOLeary]

+Shelley :) my pleasure

[@rbear4574]

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.

[@nadnerb_sr20]

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.

[@conemagnet6461]

Fantastic! I've only ever done plop and drop. Never had a fish die. I don't think we give our fish enough credit.

[@NYCityCichlids]

You have some good points. Thanks.

[@rimrodi7]

At 3:00 you say the build up of CO2 in the bag effects the PH and when you open the bag the CO2 escapes and the PH spikes. I’m curious as to why you also back up and believe this happens. I keep hearing people say it, Like yourself I import fish, I ask my suppliers to test the water parameters as the fish are packed and when the fish arrive Ill test it again, I’ve found in many occasions that nothing really changes, the PH will be the exact same, the only difference is temperature and NH3 / NH4.

[@TheBSideDJ]

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 !!!

[@xSpiralHorn]

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.

[@petershannon6160]

really really great video about acclimating fish!! thks!!

[@kmaguire7161]

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.

[@RachelOLeary]

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!

[@kmaguire7161]

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!

[@RachelOLeary]

+Kaveh Maguire wonderful

[@owengornicki8086]

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.

[@russellbeach3207]

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.

[@wyzemann]

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)!

[@RachelOLeary]

+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.

[@wyzemann]

+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.

[@andystokes8702]

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.

[@TheLesserTakenPath]

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!

[@stacey1245]

Subbed! Your videos are super helpful, wishing I would have found you last year!

[@GattoNero2014]

Well explained 👏👏👏

[@HonoluluTita]

When getting in new plants is there also some sort of quarantine or treatment dip to get rid of nasty things before placing the plants into display tank? I was wondering because I noticed some of my fish flashing after I had added some new plants. I had rinsed the plants with extra tank water before adding them too. I'm just starting to switch from plastic to live plants. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Rachel.

[@RachelOLeary]

+HonoluluTita There are lots of different opinions on that from bleach dip or peroxide (for algae) to potassium permangenate or alum for snails. One must also be cautious if the plants come from overseas, as they can be pre-treated with chemicals for snails which can be immediately deadly to shrimp or ornamental snails.

[@HonoluluTita]

+Rachel O'leary Thank you for the info. I'll research how to use these methods. Kudos for your quarantine/acclimation series.

[@jackhansen7410]

Hi Rachel! I purchased some snails that are on their way right now! 4 Nerites and 3 Chopstick snails. I'm wondering how you would acclimate with the snails. I've never owned them before. Do you pour them into the net over a bucket and then dump the net into the display tank as well?

[@christinamacnaughton3327]

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?

[@RachelOLeary]

+Christina MacNaughton excellent suggestion

[@MsArtemis01]

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.

[@kris7791]

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!

[@L1chtFarbe]

Had a quick look at the preview of this book on Amazon. This looks like one awesome book. Thanks for sharing!

[@--Paws--]

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.

[@Dontdalla]

I've been doing it wrong the whole time.Thanks for making this video.

[@rachelk.9729]

Me too! I'll try this!

[@anthonyragan2696]

Really handy video, as I have my first tank in years cycling and should be adding fish in a few weeks. One question: if several fish come in one bag (say, a bunch of danios) do you pour them all into one net, so they're in a bunch?

[@RachelOLeary]

I do, yes. I prefer to use large nets, this way they do not flip themselves out of it during the process

[@anthonyragan2696]

Thanks!

[@philwass481]

Very helpful - thanks

[@SirenSeaAquariums]

this is eye opening. next set of fish I'll be trying this method the less stress the better. not sure I'd you mentioned but I'll go back and watch again, but are you using water from tank to do the drop or new Water and declorinating treatment?

[@RachelOLeary]

Just dropping them straight into my qt. I generally have done a large volume water change or totally fresh water in my qt tanks.

[@SirenSeaAquariums]

+Rachel O'leary ok. thank you I'm going to try this out. love your videos and advice

[@brian7203]

Maybe I can talk one of my clubs into having you come and speak. Great Video

[@RachelOLeary]

+Brian's Opinion/Comments where are you located?

[@rachelk.9729]

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!!!;) ;););)

[@RachelOLeary]

+Rachel K. Awesome! ! Good for you! Mystery snails are one of my all time favorites

[@DEAexotics]

great information this is the way i did it when I ran the fish store

[@RyanKirk99]

Great info. Thanks!

[@natevizzi2901]

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?

[@cheryllong995]

Rachael, I learn so much from your videos, I would like to know if you use the plop & drop method with Otocinclus as most advise that you use a slow drip acclimation. Thnks

[@RachelOLeary]

I do plop and drop them

[@shirleymcintyre4263]

I really like your method of acclimation, my question is regarding guppies. I have some salt in my tank. When I get guppies, they are in a bag for about 20 mins from the store to my house. Do you still recommend the method that you do in this case?

[@DonaldSimsProduction]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@kevinoconnell8242]

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.

[@garyr4689]

Really great info

[@paulc4173]

do it the same way with shrimp? dump all the shrimp together in one net like the fish? did you mention putting in a drop of water conditioner in the bag before the dump? thanks

[@RachelOLeary]

+paul c If there is going to be any delay between opening and dumping, I do add the dechlor. I do pour all the shrimp into one net, then into the dip and pour for visual inspection. Fish are easier to see in a tank than shrimp. Maybe its me getting "older", but I have to really take my time looking at shrimp to make sure they are in good condition. So many of the potential diseases they have are so teeny, I like to shoot a few macro shots, so getting them into clean water for inspection is imperative. I then sort them into groups- obviously fine, obviously diseased, and those that my radar pick up as iffy. It is not the most practical arrangement for space, but I feel better about being overcautious.

[@garethmccaig8674]

I know I’m late to the party here but what if there’s a big difference in the PH the fish are coming from to what is in your tank? Does the plop n drop method still work for this or is that going to cause harm to the fish?

[@torim1988]

Rachel, would you recommend any sort of different acclimation if the pH difference is substantial? I have very hard, very high pH water. Or do you think it's going to be stressful either way, so might as well plop and drop? As always, great video :)

[@RachelOLeary]

+torim1988 plop and drop for sure into hard water!!

[@ShouldBeWiser]

Rachel O'leary Love your videos! My water is pretty soft. I'm not sure what the fish store's water is (I'll be asking), so hard to soft water, acclimate or plop and drop?

[@auelasuka]

Hey rachel I was wondering how you do the plop and drop with sensitive blackwater fish like your licorice gouramis and wild bettas? Do you prepare a tank already soaked in tanin and with low pH and hardness before you plop and drop them into it or do you let them plop and drop into your well/tap water before gradually adding things like your catappa leaves?

[@RachelOLeary]

With low pH- I do a very, very prolonged acclimation over several days

[@tomfasano9082]

Rachel, thanks for the tips. Do you recommend this method for fish from the LFS that may have only been in the bag for 45-60 min as well?

[@RachelOLeary]

Yes

[@williamkalvic8565]

Hello, I was wondering if this method also works for Amano shrimp. I have been told the drip acclimation is best, but I am worried as my shrimp will be shipped for two days due to my location; would you recommend this method given the ammonia buildup? I have owned many fish before and have thankfully not lost any, but I have used methods similar to a drip. Thank you for your time, I have been watching your videos, and you are very helpful.