How to Acclimate Your New Shrimp, Fish and Snails

Congratulations on your new order from Razz Aquatics! Whether you ordered freshwater shrimp, nano fish, snails, or aquatic plants, getting your new livestock safely settled into their new home is the most important step after unboxing. Follow this guide and you'll give them the best possible start.

Why Acclimation Matters

The water in your shipping bag is different from the water in your tank — different temperature, pH, and mineral content. Moving your new animals directly from the bag into your tank without acclimating them can cause shock, stress, and even death.

Taking 30–60 minutes to acclimate properly makes all the difference.

What You'll Need

• A clean bucket or bowl
• An airline tube or small cup for dripping
• A net
• A thermometer (optional but helpful)

Step 1: Float the Bag (15 Minutes)

As soon as your order arrives, place the sealed bag directly into your aquarium and let it float for 15 minutes. This equalizes the water temperature between the bag and your tank without exposing your animals to your tank water yet.

Do not open the bag yet.

Step 2: Open the Bag and Begin Drip Acclimation (1–2 Hours)

After 15 minutes, open the bag and pour the contents (animals and water) into your clean bucket or bowl.

Now slowly drip your tank water into the bucket. You can do this by:

• Tying a loose knot in an airline tube to slow the flow, or
• Using a small cup to add a small amount of water every few minutes

Add tank water until you have quadrupled the water volume in the bucket. This should take 1–2 hours. The slower the better — especially for shrimp and sensitive Caridina species. There is no such thing as acclimating too slowly.

Step 3: Net and Transfer

Once acclimation is complete, gently net your animals and place them into your tank. Do not pour the bag or bucket water into your aquarium — this is good practice to prevent cross-contamination.

Important Tips

For shrimp specifically:

• Neocaridina shrimp are hardy and beginner friendly but still sensitive to temperature swings and ammonia. Take your time — rushing is the #1 cause of shrimp loss after arrival.
• Caridina shrimp are more sensitive and benefit from an even slower acclimation — aim for the full 2 hours.
• If your shrimp arrive looking pale or inactive, don't panic. This is normal shipping stress. Give them 24–48 hours to settle.
• Keep the lights off or dimmed for the first few hours after adding them to your tank.

For nano fish:

• Nano fish are slightly hardier than shrimp but still benefit from slow acclimation.
• Make sure your tank is fully cycled before adding fish.

For snails:

• Freshwater snails are the most tolerant of the three but still appreciate a proper acclimation.
• Don't be alarmed if they retract into their shells for a day or two — they're adjusting.

Water Parameters We Recommend

Questions?

We're always happy to help. Contact us or visit our FAQ page for more information.

Happy fishkeeping! 🦐

— Razz Aquatics