How to Acclimatise New Aquarium Fish at Home

Bringing a new fish home? Prepare an established, species-appropriate aquarium and check ammonia, nitrite and temperature before collection.

On arrival

1. Take your fish home promptly and avoid temperature extremes.
2. Dim the aquarium lights.
3. Float the sealed bag for approximately 15–20 minutes to help equalise temperature if the fish is comfortable.
4. Once opened, transfer the fish promptly using a clean net or suitable container, avoiding adding transport water to the aquarium. Do not leave fish for long periods in opened transport water. Ask for species-specific advice if water conditions differ significantly.
5. Keep the aquarium calm and observe the fish.

Feeding

Offer a small quantity of suitable food later that day or the following day according to the species and its condition. Avoid overfeeding and remove uneaten food. Feeding frequency and diet vary by species and age.

Monitoring

Watch for abnormal breathing, swimming, appetite or aggression. Test water parameters and seek specialist advice if the fish appears distressed.

Important information

This is general educational guidance, not a guarantee of livestock survival. Acclimatisation needs vary by species, transport conditions and water chemistry. Nothing in this guide affects your statutory consumer rights.