Tip of the Day – 3/4/2012

When first introducing new fish to your aquarium, one of the biggest priorities is to get them eating as soon as possible. When fish are captured and sent through the supply chain, fish are often stressed and don’t eat very well. Of course, this isn’t a universal truth as the better collectors and wholesalers keep their newly acquired livestock in tip top shape, but you never know where your fish are coming from, so it’s better to err on the side of caution. During the first day or two in their new and permanent environment, try to keep the fish as calm as possible. Keep the lights dim, turn off some water flow, and provide ample foods to encourage a feeding response. Once the fish starts eating, they will come out of their shell more and more, allowing you to return the aquarium back to its normal operation mode.