How to acclimate livestock
5 min read
Acclimation is the bridge between shipping stress and tank life. Done right, your livestock arrives the same day it left our tanks — psychologically.
Step 1 — Float
Float the sealed shipping bag in your QT (or display) for 15 minutes. This equalizes temperature only.
Step 2 — Drip
Open the bag, place contents in a clean bucket or rigid container, and set up a drip from your tank using airline tubing tied in a loose knot to control flow. Target 2–4 drops per second. Continue for 45–60 minutes, until the bag volume has roughly tripled.
Step 3 — Net and release
Net the animal directly into the tank. Never pour shipping water into your display — it contains ammonia and possibly pathogens. Pour the used bucket water down the drain.
Step 4 — Lights off, leave alone
Dim or turn off lights for the first 24 hours. Don't feed for the first day. Resist tapping the glass — new arrivals need recovery time.
Corals
Same float, same drip — but always dip before placing in your display. See the coral dip guide.