Be ready to receive your livestock when it arrives. Follow the guidance for your animal below and check its product page for any specific care needs.
If an animal arrives dead or in poor condition, take clear photos in its original, unopened bag and email us within 48 hours of delivery. Include your order number and the affected item. Read the full Arrive Alive Guarantee.
Corals
Temperature Match
Float the sealed bag containing the coral in your tank for 15-20 minutes. This allows the coral to gradually reach the same temperature as your aquarium, minimizing temperature-related stress.
Prepare and Dip Coral
To ensure the health and safety of your new coral, prepare a dip solution using tank water and a coral dip product, following the dip’s instructions for dosage and timing. This precautionary dip helps protect your tank by eliminating any potential hitchhikers. Keep an eye on the coral during the process to confirm it’s responding well.
Rinse in Tank Water
After the dip, rinse the coral thoroughly in a separate container filled with clean tank water. This step removes any residual dip solution, preventing it from entering your display tank and ensuring the coral is safe to be introduced.
Introduce Coral
Carefully position the coral in your tank, ideally on a rock or suitable location based on the coral’s needs. Make sure the placement allows proper flow and lighting according to the coral species. Monitor the coral for the next few hours to ensure it adjusts well.
Fish and invertebrates
Temperature Match
Place the sealed bag containing the fish or invertebrate into your tank. Allow it to float for 15-20 minutes to gradually equalize the temperature between the bag and your aquarium. This step minimizes stress caused by sudden temperature changes.
Drip Acclimation
Set up a drip acclimation system by using airline tubing. Start a slow siphon from your tank into the bag or bucket containing the fish or invertebrate, allowing water to drip slowly. Acclimate over a period of approximately 30 minutes, gradually increasing the volume of tank water to match salinity and other water parameters.
Check Salinity
Use a refractometer to measure the salinity in the bag or acclimation container. Ensure the salinity matches your tank’s salinity before transferring the fish or invertebrate. Matching salinity helps reduce stress and prevents shock when introducing new animals.
Release Fish/Invert
Gently transfer the fish or invertebrate into the tank, avoiding netting them if possible to reduce physical stress. Allow the animal to swim out on its own if transferring from a container. Discard the acclimation water, as it may contain contaminants.
Species-specific questions
For sensitive animals or instructions not covered here, email info@ndaquaculture.ca before delivery with the product name and your tank details. For live foods, follow the storage and use instructions on the product page.
