1. Turn off aquarium lights.
2. Dim the lights in the room where the shipping box will be opened.
Never open the box in bright light - severe stress or trauma may result from sudden exposure to bright light.
3. Float the sealed bag in the aquarium for 15 minutes. Never open the
shipping bag at this time. This step allows the water in the shipping bag to
adjust slowly to the temperature in the aquarium, while maintaining a high
level of dissolved oxygen.
4. After floating the sealed shipping bag for 15 minutes, cut open the bag
just under the knot or rubber band and roll the top edge of the bag down
one inch to create an air pocket within the lip of the bag. This will enable
the bag to float on the surface of the water. For heavy pieces of live coral
that will submerge the shipping bag, place the bag containing the coral in a
plastic bowl or specimen container.
5. Add 1/2 cup of aquarium water to the shipping bag.
6. Repeat step 5 every four minutes until the shipping bag is full.
7. Lift the bag from the aquarium and discard half the water from the bag.
8. Float the shipping bag in the aquarium again and proceed to add 1/2 cup
of aquarium water to the bag every four minutes until the bag is full.
9. The specimens can be transferred to the aquarium. Sponges, clams, and
gorgonians should never be directly exposed to air. Submerge the bag
underwater in the aquarium and gently remove the specimen. Next, seal off the bag underwater by twisting the opening, and remove it from the aquarium. Discard both the bag and the enclosed water. A tiny amount of the diluted shipping water will escape into the aquarium. Don't be alarmed; this will have no adverse affect on the tank inhabitants. Also, to avoid damage, please remember never to touch the "fleshy" part of live coral when handling.
10. Never release all shipping water directly into the aquarium.
NOTE: Most invertebrates and marine plants are more sensitive than fish to
changes in specific gravity. It is imperative to acclimate invertebrates to
a specific gravity of 1.023-1.025 or severe stress or trauma may result.
Test specific gravity with a hydrometer or refractometer.
Important Facts
• Be patient - never rush the acclimation procedure. The total acclimation
time for your new arrival should take no longer than one hour.
• Keep aquarium lights off for at least four hours after the new arrival is
introduced into the aquarium.