I always recommend putting the fish in a separate quarantine tank for 2-3 weeks before putting them in the pond. This should be routine regardless of where or when you buy your fish. A stressed fish is vulnerable to any opportunistic bug and or pathogen that are always present in the pond. Just about any time that a fish has a problem, it can be traced back to something that stressed the fish. Most folks don't do the quarantine thingy but should.

The quarantine time gives the fish time to get over the stress of being moved from one place to another. Quarantining 2-3 weeks allows time for any parasites and/or disease(s) that the new fish may have to show up. It also protects your fish that you already have, just in case the new fish is carrying an undetected parasite or pathogen. While the fish are in quarantine, slowly raise the salinity level to 0.3%. This can be done by adding 1 pound of non-iodized salt per 100 gallons of water every day for 3 days. Salt helps to reduce stress, stimulates the slime coat, and adds electrolytes that are lost due to stress.

It is sad to say, but there are many dealers/retailers of fish that do not care whether a fish is healthy and parasite free. They get a shipment of fish and immediately put them out for sale. They do not quarantine the new fish shipment. They do not check the fish for parasites. Most fish parasites are microscopic in size, and cannot be seen with the naked eye. A microscope must be used to detect these parasites. Most dealers/retailers do not even own a microscope. Here at C&C Waterscapes, we definitely own a microscope and know how to use it!

There are a few steps to take when you get your newly purchased fish home.

1. Always float the unopened* plastic bag in the pond/tank for at least 15-30 minutes. This will equalize the water temperature in the bag with the water temperature in the pond/tank. *The exception to leaving the bag unopened is if the fish look like they are having trouble, or the oxygen has leaked out of the bag.

2. Float the bag out of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight could heat the fish to intolerable levels. If there is no shade, place a cloth or towel over the bag for shade.

3. After the acclimation time, open the bag and place the fish into the pond/tank.

4. Don't put the water that is in the bag into the pond/tank. When fish are bagged, they excrete a lot of ammonia and waste. When you add the water from the bag to your water, you are also adding all of that ammonia and waste. Not a good thing to add to your system.

5. If you are putting the fish into a tank, be sure to cover the tank or float a few pieces of Styrofoam on the water’s surface. The fish are jumpy when placed in a new place, and could jump out of the tank.

CCW’s fish are already very sociable pets, but don’t be surprised if they are a bit skittish for a week or so after you introduce them to the pond/tank. They may hide and/or not come to eat (if you are feeding at this time). Just give them a little time to get used to their new surroundings. They will practically be eating out of your hand in no time.

Home  Back

All photos and content on this page and this website are the property of C&C Waterscapes and may not be reproduced without the express permission of C&C Waterscapes.

©C&C Waterscapes 1993-2005