Step 1: Float the Bag

Float the sealed bag in your aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalize the temperature.

Step 2: Drip Acclimation

• Open the bag and roll down the top to create an air pocket to keep it floating
• Add 1/4 cup of aquarium water to the bag every 5 minutes for 30-45 minutes
• Monitor fish behavior for signs of stress

Step 3: Net Transfer

Use a net to gently transfer the fish to your aquarium. Avoid adding bag water to your tank.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm

Step 1: Float the Bag

Float the sealed bag in your aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalize the temperature.

Step 2: Extended Drip Acclimation

• Invertebrates are more sensitive to water parameter changes
• Use a drip line or add 1/4 cup of aquarium water every 10 minutes
• Continue for 60-90 minutes for best results
• Shrimp and snails especially need slow acclimation

Step 3: Gentle Transfer

Carefully net or pour invertebrates into the tank, avoiding sudden movements.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• GH/KH: Appropriate for species
• Copper: 0 ppm (toxic to invertebrates)

Step 1: Remove Packaging

• Carefully remove plants from pots or containers
• Remove rockwool, foam, or gel completely from roots
• Rinse plants gently in dechlorinated water
• Remove any dead, brown, or damaged leaves

Step 2: Trim and Prepare

• Trim roots to 1-2 inches for stem plants
• Remove lower leaves from stem plants (bottom 1-2 inches)
• Separate bunched plants into individual stems
• Trim any damaged or melting leaves

Step 3: Planting Techniques

• Stem Plants: Plant 1-2 inches deep, space 1-2 inches apart
• Carpeting Plants: Plant small portions 1 inch apart for spreading
• Rhizome Plants (Anubias, Java Fern): Attach to rocks or driftwood, do not bury rhizome
• Rosette Plants (Swords, Crypts): Plant crown at substrate level, not buried

Placement and Care:

• Lighting: Low to high depending on species
• Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
• CO2: Optional but beneficial for most species
• Fertilization: Root tabs for heavy root feeders, liquid fertilizer for water column feeders

Step 1: Float the Bag

Float the sealed bag in your aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalize the temperature.

Step 2: Drip Acclimation

• Set up a drip line from your tank to a container with the fish
• Adjust drip rate to 2-4 drips per second
• Continue for 45-60 minutes until container volume doubles
• Marine fish are sensitive to salinity changes

Step 3: Net Transfer

Use a net to transfer fish to the display tank. Turn off aquarium lights for the first few hours.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
• Salinity: 1.023-1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm

Step 1: Float the Bag

Float the sealed bag in your aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalize the temperature.

Step 2: Extended Drip Acclimation

• Marine invertebrates are extremely sensitive to parameter changes
• Set up a slow drip line (1-2 drips per second)
• Continue for 90-120 minutes
• Shrimp, crabs, and starfish need extra care

Step 3: Careful Transfer

Gently transfer invertebrates to the tank. Never expose starfish or urchins to air.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
• Salinity: 1.023-1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Calcium: 400-450 ppm (for calcifying inverts)
• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH

Step 1: Temperature Acclimation

Float the sealed bag or container for 15-20 minutes to equalize temperature.

Step 2: Drip Acclimation

• Place coral in a container with shipping water
• Set up slow drip line (1-2 drips per second)
• Continue for 60-90 minutes
• Corals are sensitive to salinity and alkalinity changes

Step 3: Placement and Lighting

• Place coral in lower light area initially
• Gradually move to final position over 1-2 weeks
• Ensure proper water flow for coral type
• Monitor for signs of stress (tissue recession, color loss)

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
• Salinity: 1.024-1.026 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Calcium: 400-450 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
• Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
• Lighting: Varies by species (low, medium, or high)

Step 1: Temperature Acclimation

Float the sealed bag for 15-20 minutes. Handle anemones with extreme care.

Step 2: Extended Drip Acclimation

• Anemones are very sensitive to water chemistry changes
• Use slow drip acclimation (1 drip per second)
• Continue for 2-3 hours for best results
• Never expose the foot to air

Step 3: Placement

• Turn off pumps during placement to prevent anemone from being sucked in
• Place on rock or sand in moderate flow area
• Allow anemone to choose final location (may move for 24-48 hours)
• Provide moderate to high lighting

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
• Salinity: 1.024-1.026 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Calcium: 400-450 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
• Nitrate: Below 10 ppm
• Lighting: Moderate to high intensity
• Flow: Moderate, indirect flow