How to introduce shipped guppies safely

Acclimation Guide

Help customers reduce shock and protect new guppies during the first 24–48 hours after arrival.

Home›Acclimation Guide
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This page reduces avoidable DOA and stress claims.

Before you open the bag

  • Prepare a clean, cycled aquarium before your fish arrive.
  • Turn off aquarium lights to reduce stress.
  • Check that temperature, pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate are safe.
  • Do not feed new fish immediately after arrival.
  • Have a small container, net, and timer ready.

Step-by-step acclimation

1

Turn off the tank lights

Keep the room calm and avoid tapping the bag or chasing the fish.

2

Float the sealed bag for 15–20 minutes

This helps equalize temperature between the shipping bag and the aquarium.

3

Open the bag carefully

Roll down the top edge or place fish and bag water into a clean temporary container.

4

Add small amounts of tank water slowly

Add a small amount every 5 minutes for 20–30 minutes. Avoid sudden water changes.

5

Net the fish into the aquarium

Do not pour shipping bag water into your tank. Transfer only the fish.

6

Observe for 24–48 hours

Some stress is normal after shipping. Keep lights low and avoid heavy feeding.

Do not do this

  • Do not dump the entire bag into the aquarium.
  • Do not pour shipping water into your tank.
  • Do not acclimate into a brand-new uncycled tank.
  • Do not mix new fish with aggressive fish immediately.
  • Do not feed heavily on arrival day.

Need the care basics?

Review the Guppy Care Guide for temperature, pH, food, filtration, and stress signs.

Open Care Guide
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