What do I do once fish arrive?Updated 2 hours ago

When Your Fish Arrive (acclimatisation guide)

When your fish arrive

Your fish have had a comfortable overnight journey in an insulated box. Here is all you need to do to set them up at home.

1. Unbox straight away. Open the box as soon as it arrives, in a dimly lit room if possible. Do not leave the box unopened.
2. Check the bags. Cloudy water or an upside-down fish? Photograph the bag now, in good light, and email [support email] with your order number within 4 hours. Verified losses are refunded automatically under our Live Arrival Guarantee.
3. Float the sealed bags in your aquarium for 15 to 20 minutes so the temperature equalises.
4. Add tank water gradually. Open each bag and add a cupful of your tank water every 5 minutes, three or four times. This lets the fish adjust to your water chemistry gently.
5. Net the fish into the tank. Lift each fish out with a soft net and release it into the aquarium. Discard the bag water; do not pour it into your tank.
6. Lights low, no food. Keep the lighting dim for the rest of the day and skip feeding until tomorrow. New arrivals settle faster in calmer environments.

New fish may hide or look pale for a day or two. That is normal; colour and confidence return quickly in a settled tank.