Things You'll Need:
- Aquarium
- Salinity testing equipment
- pH testing kit
- Scissors
- Measuring cup
- Fish net
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Step 1
Prepare your aquarium before you purchase your fish. Check that the salinity level of your aquarium is between 1.019 and 1.022. This provides fish with a high level of oxygen and helps keep them healthy. Keep the pH level from 8.2 to 8.4.
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Step 2
Get your fish home as soon as possible after purchase, if you purchase from a local store. Arrange to be at home when your fish arrives, if you've mail-ordered them. The oxygen supply in the bag that fish are generally placed in when purchased or shipped is relatively low, and fish cannot remain comfortable for long in the bag.
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Step 3
Place the bag containing your fish in the prepared aquarium, making sure that it is still well-sealed. Allow the bag to float in the aquarium for 15 minutes; this will acclimate the fish to the temperature of the water.
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Step 4
Cut off the top of the bag carefully. Fold the cut edge of the bag down and allow the bag to float on top of the aquarium water. Pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the water from your aquarium into the open bag. Every four minutes, pour another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of aquarium water into the bag.
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Step 5
Remove the bag from the aquarium when it's too full to add any additional water. Pour out half of the water and return the bag to float on top of the aquarium water again.
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Step 6
Pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the water from your aquarium into the open bag immediately after you float it on the surface of the aquarium, as you did in Step 4. Every four minutes, pour another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of aquarium water into the bag.
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Step 7
Use a fish net to remove your fish from the bag when the bag can hold no more additional water. Release the fish into the aquarium and discard the water from the bag.
