Summary of Betta acclimatisation
- How long should you acclimate a betta fish?
- What does a stressed betta look like?
- How soon can I put my betta in his new tank?
- What happens if you don’t acclimate a betta fish?
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AI Overview
AI Overview
To acclimate a betta, first float its sealed bag in the new tank for 15-30 minutes for temperature equalization, then slowly drip or add small amounts of new tank water (1/2 cup every 5-10 mins) into the bag over 30-60 minutes to adjust pH/chemistry, and finally, net the fish into the tank, leaving the store water behind to prevent introducing contaminants. This gradual process minimizes shock from temperature and water chemistry changes, ensuring a healthier transition.
This video provides a step-by-step guide on how to acclimate your betta fish:
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thebettaboys1
TikTok · Jan 17, 2025
Step-by-Step Acclimation:
Prepare the Tank: Ensure your aquarium is fully cycled, heated (78-82°F), and treated with a water conditioner like Aquascape Art. Turn off the tank lights to reduce stress.
Temperature Acclimation (15-30 mins): Float the sealed bag (with the fish inside) in your aquarium for 15-30 minutes so the water temperature gradually matches the tank.
Water Chemistry Acclimation (30-60 mins):
Open the bag and gently roll down the top to create a pocket for air.
Add about half a cup of your tank’s water into the bag every 5-10 minutes, allowing it to mix.
Repeat this process until the bag is full or you’ve acclimated for 30-60 minutes.
Optional Drip Method: For more precise acclimation, use a siphon tube to create a slow drip (1-2 drops per second) of tank water into the bag.
Introduce the Fish:
Gently net your betta from the bag, careful not to scoop up the old water.
Place the fish into the new tank. Do NOT pour the bag water into your aquarium.
Post-Acclimation: Keep the tank lights off for a few hours. Avoid feeding for the first 24 hours to let the fish settle in.
Key Tips:
Never mix bag water with tank water: unless you’re drip acclimating, as it can contain harmful ammonia or diseases.
Be gentle and patient; acclimation reduces stress, which prevents illness.
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By the time you get your betta home, it would have gone through stress of travelling and transit. In order to minimise the time that they are in a state of stress, start the acclimation process immediately.
Bettas are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment and sudden changes in water parameters and temperature will cause unnecessary stress. There is also a good chance of introducing diseases or parasites into your tank affecting your existing fish so acclimatising your new friend is a must!
If you’re aquarium is already set up and cycled, congratulations! You may now move onto the next steps below. If you have not cycled your tank yet, please make sure you keep it running for 2 weeks before adding your betta. Adding a new fish into un un-cycled tank may cause shock and death.
Turn off your tank lights to help your betta settle and float the plastic bag in your tank for 20 minutes. This will allow the tanks water to surround the bag and reach an equilibrium temperature.
Open the transport bag carefully by cutting the top end of the bag. I recommend using a cup or bowl to steady the bag and avoid accidental spillage. Remove 50% of the water in the bag and clip/secure it to the side of the tank.
Drip method is used to slowly add tank water into the bag, and the drip rate should be 1 drop every 1-2 sec. You can use tube or pipette to do this until you have added the 50% water from the tank.
30mins after drip method is complete, scoop your betta carefully and ensure as little water from the bag gets transferred into the tank as possible. Remove and dispose the bag! Phew, that was easy, wasn’t it?
Acclimation is all about being patient, slow and steady. Please take your time and don’t rush the process as this is crucial to getting your betta settled in quickly in his new home.