Acclimation Guide

In this explanation we will go over several portions of the acclimation process and explain some of our techniques/tips and knowledge.

*Not everybody acclimates their pets the same way*

At Live Gem Factory we believe the process of acclimating should be simple and safe. With a smooth acclimation process you can ensure your new pets don’t suffer from changes in water chemistry. The two parameters that matter the most when acclimating is salinity and dkh (alkalinity). If the water the animals come from is too different in salinity or dkh death can result if acclimation is not done, or done too quickly. We recommend a 4-hour acclimation if there is more than a 2.0 point change in either direction, for either or both parameters.

We prefer to drip our animals over a period of several hours (2 hours minimum – 6 hours maximum). More sensitive animals get a slower drip rate and a longer drip duration. Our normal starting drip rate is 1-2 drops per second. As long as you’re doing the acclimating process inside your house you don’t really need to worry about temperature change. The water chemistry being changed gradually is more important than the animals being cold for a bit. The acclimation should be completed when the original water volume has tripled. We usually slowly accelerate the drip rate a few times (every 30 minutes or so) and in the last few minutes we turn the valve so it is fully open to allow for a continuous stream of water to further accelerate the process. Once the animals have been placed in their tank with either a net or your hand remember it is always good practice to DISCARD ACCLIMATION WATER. You have no idea what could be suspended in the water your pets came in. Most pests or problems avoid visible detection. Don’t make the mistake of trusting strangers or even your favourite stores water. Always protect yourself and your tank.

If you don’t have a drip valve/hose you can also easily acclimate your animals with a timer and a shot glass. We recommend a shot glass every 5 minutes. The shot glass should be slowly poured into the acclimation bucket (make sure not to pour right on top of the animals). This is repeated until the original water volume has tripled. Once you have finished and placed the animals in the aquarium make sure to discard the acclimation water.

Drip Method Acclimation Tips:
USING A HOSE 
Step 1. Get an appropriate size (clean) container for animals to acclimate in.
Step 2. Using air-line tubing set up a siphon from the main tank to the bucket, you will need a separate tube for each bucket. Using either a small drip valve or by tying a knot in the tube you can control the speed of the drip.
Step 3. Animals can now be taken out of their bags and put into their acclimation container. If there is not enough water in the bucket to submerge the animals, the container should be tilted and propped up until enough water is in the container.
Step 4. Suck on one end of the hose (with the other end underwater in the main tank) to get the drip going. Make sure the drip speed is slow, 1-2 drops per second.
Step 5. Do this until the water volume has tripled.
Step 6. With a net, move the animals from the acclimation bucket to the tank.
Step 7. Discard acclimation bucket water

USING A SHOTGLASS (I DON’T OWN A HOSE)
Step 1. Get an appropriate size (clean) container for animals to acclimate in.
Step 2. Get a timer and a shotglass.
Step 3. Animals can now be taken out of their bags and put into their acclimation container. If there is not enough water in the bucket to submerge the animals, the container should be tilted and propped up until enough water is in the container.
Step 4. Slowly pour one shot glass of water from the main tank to the acclimation bucket every 5 minutes (Use the timer to keep track of time and do not pour water directly on top of animals)
Step 5. Do this until the water volume has tripled.
Step 6. With a net, move the animals from the acclimation bucket to the tank.
Step 7. Discard acclimation bucket water