If your fish tank is now fully set-up and running, the water is treated, matured and has been tested then you’re ready to add some fish. There are some rules to follow when adding new fish to your aquarium.
The first and most important is not to overload your tank all at once. Start by buying no more than 4 or 5 small fish. Many people new to fish keeping have bought all the fish for their aquarium in one go and have lost all their fish.
When choosing your fish try to get as much information as you can and pick a healthy, lively specimen without any disease.
The retailer will put the fish in plastic bags, filled with oxygen. You must get your fish home as quickly as possible as transporting the fish will be very stressful for them. For this reason try to find a dealer close to your home.
Once you get your fish home you will need to float the bag on the surface of the water in the aquarium. This is to make sure the water in the bag reaches the same temperature as in the tank. A sudden change of temperature can kill a fish.
After about 15 minutes, open the bag and tip a little aquarium water into it. Do this gently and make sure there are no areas of the bag the fish could get trapped in.
After another 10 to 15 minutes tip the bag at an angle and let the fish swim out of its own accord. Never pour the fish into the water.
It is a good idea to keep a close eye on your new fish during this induction period.
© Fresh Water Fish Keeping.com 2006
