From Store to System: The Ultimate Guide to Rehoming Fish into Aquaponics

Moving house sucks. From packing and unpacking boxes to switching over utilities, the whole process is time-consuming and, ultimately, very stressful. Just like you, fish hate moving from one environment to another. Unlike you, a cold one on the back porch isn’t going to cut it. For fish, stress can be, and often is, fatal. With that in mind, we will use today’s newsletter to talk about how to transition your fish from one home to another, minus the stress. 

Before discussing our rehoming process, let’s consider why your fish are so prone to stress. 

There are a whole host of biological and environmental factors that contribute to your fish being stressed. 

Firstly, it’s important to remember that temperature, pH and water quality fluctuations are rare in their natural environments. From an evolutionary standpoint, fish have not adapted to rapid or sudden changes in their external environments. 

Secondly, fish have a very limited ability to self-regulate their body temperatures internally. Unlike mammals, fish must rely on their external environment to maintain a stable body temperature. 

Finally, when fish become stressed, they release a hormone called cortisol, which can suppress their immune systems, making them susceptible to disease and infection. 

What does that information mean for you? 

This means that even if your fish survive the initial shock of being rehomed, they’re still at high risk of fatality from subsequent illness, making it imperative that every care is taken to reduce stress during rehoming.  

Okay, now you understand why stress is such a big deal when moving fish, let’s talk about how you can put it into practice. 

Firstly and most importantly, buy your fish from a reputable supplier. At Aquaponics WA, we regularly inspect our fingerlings for signs of pests and diseases to ensure that the fish you take home are healthy. Additionally, we will ensure that the breed of fingerling you’ve paid for is the breed you get—no sneaky surprises later on. 

Before you leave the house on the day you’re collecting your fish, check the weather forecast. Hot days are a recipe for disaster, so if it’s set to reach temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, we recommend rescheduling pick-up. 

At Aquaponics WA, we take great care when catching and bagging your fish to ensure they have enough oxygen to last the trip back home. Once you’ve secured your fingerlings, you’ll need to drive straight from our store to your house. We know it’s tempting to stop for a quick coffee or grab a few groceries for dinner, but trust us, your fish will thank you for resisting the urge. 

If you’re embarking on a longer journey (typically more than an hour of driving), come prepared to pick up your fish with a small air pump and stone. If you don’t have these items on hand, we recommend the Aqua One 250 Battery Powered Air Pump, which includes an airstone and is stocked in-store for only $19.90.

Once you’ve arrived home with your new fingerlings, it’s time to introduce them to your Aquaponics system, which should be set up and filled with water. Place the sealed bag with your fish in the water, letting it float for 5-10 minutes. This process helps the fish gradually acclimate to the temperature of their new environment. 

Once your fish have adjusted to the water’s temperature, you’ll need to acclimate them again, this time to the pH of their new home. 

Over the next 15-20 minutes, add 200-300 ml of your system water to the bag with your fish at 5-minute intervals. This gradual introduction helps your fish adapt to their new water chemistry without the shock. 

Now that your fish have been properly acclimated, it’s time for the final release. Over the next few weeks, monitor your new additions closely for any signs of stress or illness. 

If you do notice a fingerling looking under the weather, it’s best to quarantine them from the others to prevent the potential spread of disease. In the unfortunate event that a fingerling doesn’t make it, be sure to remove it promptly to maintain the health of any remaining fish. 

As your fish adjust to their new surroundings, it’s essential to adapt your feeding habits accordingly. We recommend offering smaller, more frequent meals, making sure your fish consume all the food you’ve given them before providing more. If you notice any food lingering in the water, remove it quickly with a net to maintain optimal water quality. 

By following these steps and giving your fish the attention they need during its transition period, you’ll set them up for success in their new home. 

At Aquaponics WA, we’re passionate about helping customers create thriving systems. We understand that introducing new fish can be daunting, so we’re always here to lend a helping hand. If you have questions about introducing fish into your system, call us at 1800 640 222 or see us in-store. 

That’s all we’ve got for you today, so until next time, happy growing!