Who Gives A Fish Forums

Just got a new betta and wanna make sure I'm doing this right. I've got a 5-gallon tank with a sponge filter, heater set to 78, and some live plants. How long should I float the bag before adding them in?

Floating the bag for 15-20 minutes is a good start, but you gotta drip acclimate too. Get some airline tubing, tie a loose knot to control the flow, and let tank water slowly mix with the bag water over 30-40 minutes. Helps avoid shock from pH or temp swings.

yo, don't rush it. my last dude got stressed 'cause I dumped him in too fast. now I float for like 30 mins, then drip for another 30. also, dim the lights, they hate bright stuff when they're new.

What if the bag water is dirty? Should I still drip acclimate?

joystic wrote: ↑Tue May 27, 2025 12:01 am What if the bag water is dirty? Should I still drip acclimate?

Yep, even if it's sketchy. Use a net to transfer them after dripping, don't pour the bag water into your tank. Dirty water can mess with your cycle.

Thanks, everyone! Gonna try the drip method this time. My last betta seemed off for days, probably 'cause I skipped that step.

for real, patience is key. also, feed 'em light the first day, they might not eat right away. mine ignored food for like 2 days, then went ham on the pellets.

nEmo95 wrote: ↑Tue May 27, 2025 1:50 am for real, patience is key. also, feed 'em light the first day, they might not eat right away. mine ignored food for like 2 days, then went ham on the pellets.

Exactly. Their metabolism slows during transport. Skip day one, offer a tiny bit day two, then normal feeding by day three.

How do you know if they're stressed after adding them?

if they're glass surfing, hiding nonstop, or clamping their fins, it's a bad vibe. mine chilled out after a week, just give 'em time and keep the water clean.