Advise about using an acclimation box.

stanleo · Feb 22, 2021

My Eshopps acclimation box arrived today and I am going to get a new fish tomorrow but I have some questions. The best place to put it will be on the front glass but I worry about stress to the fish when someone approaches the tank. Should I shield the box on the outside to lesson the stress of the fish? Also, how long should I keep the fish in for? Should add the new fish with the lights off? Is it better to have the box sit high in the tank or closer to the bottom?

Also side question, I may get the fish at a store that I know holds their fish at hypo salinity. How is the best way to acclimate the new fish to my water?

Alexreefer · Feb 22, 2021

First, if the lfs holds them at hypo then a longggg drip acclimation is required. After they have acclimated to your tank water and temp then you put them in the acclimation. Usually the fish will start being a lot more active when its ready to go out of the acclimation box. As for a shield of some sort you could always just tape a piece of paper in front so they wont see you as easily

Bars · Feb 22, 2021

Just put a few pieces of pvc elbows/tubing in and he'll be fine. New fish have never freaked out because of me walking towards the tank. Some were a bit more shy than others and in that case the elbows gave them a nice place hide.

As for placement: I place mine just under the water level to make feeding easier. Usually release the fish after about 3 days. I lower the box, remove the lid and feed everyone together. The new fish usually swims out right away and the established fish are way to busy filling their stomach to notice the new guy.

revhtree · Feb 22, 2021

Bars said:
Just put a few pieces of pvc elbows/tubing in and he'll be fine. New fish have never freaked out because of me walking towards the tank. Some were a bit more shy than others and in that case the elbows gave them a nice place hide.

As for placement: I place mine just under the water level to make feeding easier. Usually release the fish after about 3 days. I lower the box, remove the lid and feed everyone together. The new fish usually swims out right away and the established fish are way to busy filling their stomach to notice the new guy.

This exactly!