How to Introduce New Fish to Older Ones

You've found the newest fish for your aquarium. After bringing the fish home, you must now introduce it to the established fish in your aquarium. However, you might be unsure how to properly introduce the fish and avoid a potential disaster. From eliminating territories to keeping an eye out for bullies, taking the proper approach to incorporating a new fish into your aquarium ensures the safety of all your fish.

Things You'll Need

  • String
  • Fish food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Eliminate territories. Before introducing your new fish, eliminate all established territories in the tank. Change plants around, move decorations and rearrange any rocks in the aquarium.

    • 2

      Get the fish used to the water and its surroundings. Keep the fish in its bag. Tie a thread around the top of the bag. Tie the other end of the string to the outside of the tank. Immerse the bag into the aquarium. Let the bag with the fish float in the aquarium until the temperature of the water in the bag is the same temperature as the water in the aquarium. This also gives your new fish time to observe its new surroundings and other fish.

    • 3

      Feed your established fish. Full fish are less aggressive than hungry fish. Food also works as a distraction while you place the new fish in the tank.

    • 4

      Put your new fish in the tank. Watch for signs of extreme aggression between the fish. Keep a close eye on all fish. Remove aggressive fish if fighting or bullying gets out of hand.

    • 5

      Before buying new fish for your aquarium, find out what fish are compatible with the fish you currently own. This eliminates unwanted aggression.