Why Shouldn't You Drip Acclimate African Cichlids?
What is Acclimation?
Acclimation is a process in which aquarium fish are slowly introduced to new water parameters such as pH, temperature and hardness. This is usually done when someone purchases a new fish, or when they need to move fish from one tank to another. Acclimation is an important step to ensure that the fish are not shocked by the sudden change in water parameters.
Why is it Important?
Acclimation is important for a number of reasons. In terms of African Cichlids, it is important to ensure that the fish are not subjected to sudden changes in water parameters, as this can cause stress and illness. It is also important to ensure that the fish are given a chance to adjust to the new environment before being released into the tank, as this reduces the risk of them being attacked by other tank inhabitants.
Why Shouldn't You Drip Acclimate African Cichlids?
While acclimation is important for African Cichlids, it is not always necessary to use the drip acclimation method. This method involves slowly dripping water from the new tank into the tank where the fish are currently being held. This can be time consuming and stressful for the fish, and it is also possible for the new water to contain impurities that could harm the fish. For these reasons, it is generally not recommended to use the drip acclimation method with African Cichlids.
What is a Better Method?
A better method of acclimating African Cichlids is to use a floating bag acclimation method. This involves placing the fish in a bag and floating the bag in the tank for approximately 15 minutes. This gives the fish time to adjust to the new water parameters and reduces the risk of them being attacked by other tank inhabitants. After this time, the fish can be released into the tank.
Conclusion
Acclimation is an important part of owning aquarium fish, and it is especially important for African Cichlids. While the drip acclimation method is commonly used, it is not recommended for this species as it can be stressful and time consuming. A better method is to use a floating bag acclimation method, which is much less stressful and time consuming.