How to Acclimatize Your New Pleco Fish – Step-by-Step Guide
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How to Acclimatize Your New Pleco Fish – Step-by-Step Guide
Published by LG Pleco – Premium Pleco Fish in the UK
Bringing home a new pleco is exciting, but proper acclimatization is
key to keeping your fish healthy and stress-free. In this guide, we’ll
walk you through exactly how to acclimatize your pleco safely, whether
it’s a bristlenose, L-number, or rare species.
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Why Acclimatization Matters
Plecos are hardy fish, but sudden changes in temperature, water
chemistry, or environment can cause serious stress or even death.
Proper acclimatization helps your pleco adjust gradually to its new
tank and greatly increases survival and long-term health.
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What You’ll Need:
A clean bucket or container
Aquarium thermometer
Timer or phone clock
Dechlorinated water (in case of spills or topping up)
A soft net (for transfer)
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Step-by-Step: Acclimatizing Your New Pleco
1. Turn Off Tank Lights
Dim or turn off the lights in your tank to reduce stress for your new pleco.
2. Float the Bag (15–20 minutes)
Place the unopened bag with your pleco into your tank. This lets the
water temperature in the bag match your aquarium’s temperature.
3. Open the Bag & Add Tank Water Slowly
After 20 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of tank water to
it — around 1/4 cup (50ml). Wait 5 minutes, then repeat. Do this every
5 minutes for about 30–45 minutes total.
4. Gently Transfer the Pleco
Once acclimatized, gently net the pleco out of the bag and place it
into your tank. Avoid adding bag water to your tank.
5. Let Them Settle
Leave the lights off for a few more hours. Don’t feed your pleco right
away — give it a few hours (or overnight) to adjust before offering
food.
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Tips for Success
Avoid rushing the process — slow and steady always wins.
Keep tank mates calm and don’t add multiple fish at once.
Monitor your pleco over the next 24 hours for signs of stress or
unusual behavior.
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Final Thoughts
Acclimating your new pleco properly gives it the best start in your
aquarium. At LG Pleco, we only ship healthy, well-raised plecos, but
it's your care that ensures they thrive in their new home.
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Need Help?
We're happy to offer advice — contact us any time, or browse our
collection of pleco fish for sale in the UK to add to your tank.
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