Water Dog Care Guide

Welcome

Quite the Journey to You

Your Water Dog has travelled a long way to reach you. This guide helps you give them the warmest, safest welcome possible — and set the foundation for a long, happy life together.

Part OneBefore Arrival5 steps of preparation — start 5 days early
Part TwoThe First Week5 steps of settling in — patience builds trust
RememberPreparation is the single most important factor in your Water Dog's health.
Part One

Before Your Water Dog Arrives

Have everything ready at least 5 days before arrival day.

1
Quarantine Tank
25 DAYS
Water Prep
3
Air Pump
4
Filtration
5
Temperature
1

Quarantine Tank Setup

  • Set up a dedicated quarantine tank — keep your new Water Dog separate from other fish for at least 2 weeks.
  • Any watertight container works — glass aquarium or opaque plastic bin. Opaque means less visual stress.
  • Go 30 gallons or more — larger water volume keeps parameters stable while they recover.
IMPORTANTSkipping quarantine means Fin & Family cannot provide after-sales protection.
2

Water Preparation

  • Fill the tank 5 days in advance — pre-aged tap water is far gentler on sensitive mucous membranes.
  • No additives needed — plain aged tap water is perfectly safe. Skip the dechlorinator.
  • Weekly upkeep: change about 25% — always using replacement water aged at least 72 hours (3 days).
  • Run the air pump while aging — it encourages circulation and gas exchange.
3

Air Pump & Oxygenation

  • An air pump is required — not optional. Dissolved oxygen is essential for Water Dog health.
  • Choose adjustable flow — so you can tune the current down to a gentle level.
  • Leave one calm corner — place the air stone so part of the tank stays slow and quiet for resting.
TIPFresh off a long journey, your Water Dog needs rest — oxygen yes, strong currents no.
4

Filtration

  • Sponge filter is ideal — gentle biological filtration with no strong current. Use a brand-new one.
  • Lava rock is a must-have — highly porous, the perfect home for beneficial nitrifying bacteria.
  • Good filter? Media bag inside — a little lava rock in the filter stabilises water quality over time.
  • No filter? Straight in the tank — top rough lava with smooth stones to protect the delicate wen.
5

Temperature Control

  • Aim for 77°F (25°C) — slightly warm water boosts metabolism and speeds recovery.
  • Change gradually — never more than 5 degrees within any 24-hour period.
  • Heater only if needed — use one when your home stays below 68°F (20°C).
  • Check daily — a digital thermometer is your best tool for the first 2 weeks.
EXAMPLEBag water reads 40°? Set the heater to 45° on day one, then raise +5° per day.
Part Two

After Your Water Dog Arrives

The first week is the most critical — go slowly and be patient.

1
Calm & Dim
2
Acclimatise
3
Release
4
Feeding
520%
Water Changes
1

A Calm, Dim Environment

  • Lights off — keep aquarium lighting off for the first 24–48 hours.
  • Pick a quiet corner — away from foot traffic, televisions and speakers.
  • Brief check-ins only — your Water Dog does not know you yet. Give it time to settle.
WHYStressed Water Dogs instinctively seek shade and shelter — dim and calm feels safe.
2

Temperature Acclimatisation

  • Float the sealed bag — 30 to 60 minutes on the tank surface. Do not open it.
  • Rotate every 10 minutes — gently, to spread the heat evenly inside the bag.
  • Confirm within 2°F — bag water and tank water must match before release.
NEVERNever release your Water Dog straight into the tank.
3

Releasing Your Water Dog

  • Use a clean net — once temperatures match, gently transfer your Water Dog across.
  • Discard all bag water — it may carry ammonia built up during transit.
NEVERDo not pour bag water into your tank under any circumstances.
4

Feeding Schedule

  • Day 1 — no food — let your Water Dog rest and begin adjusting.
  • Day 2 — up to 10 soft, sinking pellets — only if swimming normally, alert and curious.
  • Day 3 — two feedings, 4 hours apart — 10 pellets per fish maximum, each time.
  • Days 4–7 — twice daily, ~10 pellets — no new food types or treats during this period.
STOPFloating at the surface, or motionless on the floor? Stop feeding and contact Fin & Family.
5

Water Changes

  • Usually not needed in week 1 — 30 gallons plus light feeding keeps water stable.
  • Watch the surface — lingering bubbles or foam mean declining quality: change 10–20%.
  • Replacement water — aged 72+ hours and within 2°F of your tank temperature.
NEVERNo full or near-full water changes in the first 2 weeks — they strip beneficial bacteria.
Fin & Family

Welcome to the Fin & Family.

Once your Water Dog has settled in, you'll discover just how personable these remarkable companions truly are. We are here to support you every step of the way.

FINANDFAMILY@GMAIL.COM