Invert Acclimation

Crabs, Snails, and Shrimp

For most crabs, snails, and shrimp, we recommend a temperature acclimation only method.

  1. Float the sealed bag in your aquarium for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the water temperature inside the bag to match your tank temperature.
  2. Once the temperature has equalized, open the bag and promptly transfer the animals into your aquarium.
  3. Do not add the shipping water to your aquarium. Discard all shipping water, paper towels, and packing materials.
  4. Place the animals in a safe area of the tank, away from predators, aggressive fish, stinging corals, anemones, or strong flow

Do Not drip acclimate crabs, snails, or shrimp.

It is normal for some shipping bags to contain very little water or a damp paper towel. This is intentional and helps certain invertebrates ship safely. Snails may remain closed or inactive for several hours after arrival. Give them time to adjust before assuming there is a problem.

During shipping, ammonia can build up inside the bag while the pH drops. Lower pH keeps ammonia less toxic. Once the bag is opened or aquarium water is slowly added, the pH can rise, which makes ammonia more harmful. Because of this, we recommend limiting the time the animals spend in opened shipping water and transferring them quickly after temperature acclimation.

Starfish and Anemones

Starfish and anemones are more sensitive to changes in water chemistry and should be acclimated slowly.

  1. Float the sealed bag in your aquarium for 15–30 minutes to equalize temperature.
  2. Carefully pour the animal and the shipping water into a clean container. As a general rule for drip acclimation use an ammonia reducer such as PRIME if an invert has been in transit for more than a couple of hours.
  3. Begin a slow drip using airline tubing, or add small amounts of aquarium water to the container every few minutes.
  4. Continue acclimating for 1–2 hours, or until the water volume in the container has approximately doubled.
  5. Gently transfer the animal into your aquarium. Avoid adding the shipping water to your tank whenever possible.
  6. Place the animal in a safe, stable area away from aggressive tankmates, strong direct flow, pumps, and stinging corals.

Do NOT add Shipping water to you tank

Questions or concerns? 

E-mail Alex@longislandtropical.com or text us at (516)-366-0245