Drip Kits for Acclimation

A drip kit is one of the easiest ways to slowly introduce freshwater fish and shrimp to the water parameters in their new aquarium.

Some fish and especially shrimp can be sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and water chemistry after shipping. This kit allows you to control the flow of aquarium water during acclimation for a slower, more gradual transition.

What's Included

• 1 water flow valve
• 1 plastic spring clamp
• 1 3ft piece of airline tubing 

Colors may vary on items 

How to Acclimate Fish & Shrimp

Before starting, turn off or dim your aquarium lights to help reduce additional stress after shipping.

1. Check Your Livestock

Inspect your livestock as soon as you open the box.

If there are any deaths, take all required DOA photos before opening the bag and remove any deceased livestock as soon as possible.

If a death is present, ammonia may have built up in the shipping water. Once the bag is opened, CO2 begins to escape, which can raise the pH and make existing ammonia more toxic.

2. Temperature Acclimate

Our livestock are shipped in breather bags, which allow gas exchange through the bag itself.

Preferred Method: Place the unopened bag inside a dry catch cup or container and hang or float the container in your aquarium. This allows the shipping water to adjust to the aquarium temperature without submerging the breather bag.

If needed, a breather bag can be floated directly in the aquarium, but never for longer than 30 minutes.

Temperature acclimate for approximately 15-20 minutes.

3. If a Death Is Present

Once the bag is opened, add the recommended amount of a dechlorinator that detoxifies ammonia directly to the shipping water.

This can temporarily detoxify ammonia while you complete the acclimation process.

This step is only necessary if a death is present.

4. Check the Temperature

Compare the temperature of the shipping water to your aquarium before beginning drip acclimation.

Once the temperatures are reasonably close, carefully transfer the livestock and shipping water into a separate clean container.

Use your drip acclimation kit to siphon aquarium water into the container.

Drip Acclimation for Fish

• Adjust the flow to approximately 1-2 drips per second.
• Drip acclimate fish for approximately 30-60 minutes.
• This slowly introduces your aquarium water and gives the fish time to adjust to differences between the shipping water and their new aquarium.

Drip Acclimation for Shrimp

• Shrimp should be acclimated slowly.
• Adjust the flow to approximately 1 drip every 2-3 seconds and acclimate for approximately 1-2 hours.
• Shrimp can be especially sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry, so the slower acclimation gives them additional time to adjust.

Add Them to Their New Home

Once acclimation is complete, gently net your fish or shrimp from the acclimation container and place them into their new aquarium.

Do not pour shipping or acclimation water into your aquarium

Keep the aquarium lights off or dim for at least a day after introduction to give your new livestock time to settle in. Give them some time to adjust before offering their first meal. Hiding or acting a little stressed immediately after shipping can be normal.