Anyone use this acclimator?

[seamonster124]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=MG8PERWZP78BZCTW79YA&ref_=pd_rhf_yaod_s_cp_2

 

[wpeterson]

I own this product and it was handy when I had a nano tank without a sump. I use the upper container with drip nozzel for ad-hoc dosing into our larger tank now.

If you have a sump, it's simpler/easier to use airline tubing with an adjustable valve into a container at a lower level:

I use this setup 95% of the time to drip acclimate coral and invertebrates in a solid container.

The apparatus you posted is useful if you want to acclimate a small fish in a bag inside your display tank - since you roll the bag over the teeth in the lower level and then can drip tank water into the bag from the upper container. This allows you to keep the bag at tank temperature for a slow drip. However, it doesn't connect very solidly to the tank edge and can be flimsy without a full bag/container attached.

 

[shifty51008]

no reason to spend $25 on one when a bowel, empty salt bucket or what ever other container you have laying around along with the airline and valve as pictured above will do the same thing but for about a $1. plus in that pic of the system on amazon it looks like you need your water level to be very low in order to have the bag hang on the end. I don't know anyone that runs their tanks that low.

 

[South City]

I have been using two of these for nearly a year now. Really love them. I have acclimated 8 fish, countless cleanup crew and a few dozen corals. Have yet to suffer a single loss while acclimating.

I keep my tank water at a normal level.(about 1 inch below the top) Once you place the bag in the holder, the opening of the bag is just about even or slightly below the lip of the tank. That places the opening about an inch above the water line. It works out perfectly. I'm not sure what they are doing with that picture on Amazon.

 

[Ron Reefman]

no reason to spend $25 on one when a bowel, empty salt bucket or what ever other container you have laying around along with the airline and valve as pictured above will do the same thing but for about a $1. plus in that pic of the system on amazon it looks like you need your water level to be very low in order to have the bag hang on the end. I don't know anyone that runs their tanks that low.

+1
But if you really feel the need to spend the money, the economy well appreciate it!

 

[Bent]

I have it. I use it occasionally. It's nice. I never drop anything for longer than 30min, gives you pretty nice control.

 

[CStrickland]

These threads make me feel so ghetto
I just use a binder clip I stole from work by clipping the black part to the tank rim and running some airline through the metal loops so one end is pushed under water, tie a knot in the airline and poke it through a hole in the lid of a styrofoam box. I start with a tight knot and loosen it gradually.

Be careful with temp if you use a bucket, it's nice how this product lets it stay at tank temp.

 

[laga77]

I have never been a fan of drip acclimation. I use a turkey baster. After hanging the bag in the water, suck some water out of the bag and replace with same amount. Repeat every 10-15 minutes. This way you reduce the amount of ammonia in the bag.

 

[alprazo]

I do not recommend drip acclimation in situations were the pH has dropped and there is a potential for ammonia build up in the bag like online purchases of fish and long distance trips to fish stores. I have posted my method as well as others on the technique and reasons why drip acclimation can be harmful. They are great however for inverts sensitive to changes in temp, salinity and where they produce very little waste in the bag (starfish, urchins, etc...).

 

[Bent]

You can match salinities and still drip for 20-30 minutes max without any danger. Unnecessary? Probably.

 

[alprazo]

Danger is in adding buffered tank water to water with a much lower pH that has ammonia build up in it. As pH decreases, the ammonia is less toxic. Just a little tank water can cause large pH swings and create an immediate toxic environment. I have transported sharks as few as 4 hours and seen the pH drop to as low as 5.5.

 

[Bent]

Dripping can be effective and not dangerous if done while keeping the NH4->NH3 conversion process in mind.

 

[CStrickland]

Dripping can be effective and not dangerous if done while keeping the NH4->NH3 conversion process in mind.

+1
Also, Prime is your friend.

For a lot of things dripping is more trouble than it's worth, like if you can just match a qt to your salinity and temp. But you can do it right if you pay attention to a few factors, and sometimes it is a good option to have.

 

[Bent]

These threads make me feel so ghetto
I just use a binder clip I stole from work by clipping the black part to the tank rim and running some airline through the metal loops so one end is pushed under water, tie a knot in the airline and poke it through a hole in the lid of a styrofoam box. I start with a tight knot and loosen it gradually.

Be careful with temp if you use a bucket, it's nice how this product lets it stay at tank temp.

+1
Also, Prime is your friend.

For a lot of things dripping is more trouble than it's worth, like if you can just match a qt to your salinity and temp. But you can do it right if you pay attention to a few factors, and sometimes it is a good option to have.

Options and flexibility is never a bad thing.