Acclimating KOI   To minimize stress on your new arrivals and to ensure their long-term success, the acclimation procedure listed below must be followed for all KOI. Please note that following this procedure is mandatory to qualify for our 7-day guarantee. Be sure to read this entire procedure - including the Important Facts - before beginning the acclimation process.  Acclimation Procedure Float the sealed bag in the pond  for 30  minutes  Never open the shipping bag at this time. This step allows the water in the shipping bag to adjust slowly to the temperature in the pond, while maintaining a high level of dissolved oxygen.   After floating the sealed shipping bag for 30 minutes, cut open the bag just under the metal clip (Fig. B) and roll the top edge of the bag down one inch to create an air pocket within the lip of the bag. This will enable the bag to float on the surface of the water.   Add 1 cup of pond water to the shipping bag (Fig. D).   Repeat step 3 every four minutes until the shipping bag is full.   Lift the shipping bag from the pond and discard half the water from the bag (Fig. E).   Float the shipping bag in the pond again and proceed to add 1 cup of pond  water to the shipping bag every four minutes until the bag is full.   Net the KOI  from the shipping bag and release into the pond (Fig. F).   Remove the filled shipping bag from the pond and discard the water. Never release shipping water directly into the pond. Important Facts Be patient - never rush the acclimation procedure. The total acclimation time for your new arrival should take no longer than one hour.   Always follow the acclimation procedure even if your new arrival appears to be dead. Some fish  can appear as though they are dead when they arrive and will usually revive when the above procedure is followed correctly.   Never place an airstone into the shipping bag when acclimating your new arrival. This will increase the pH of the shipping water too quickly and expose your new arrival to lethal ammonia.   Keep pond lights off for at least four hours after the new arrival is introduced into the pond.   If a Loss Occurs We go to great lengths to ensure that the aquarium life we send you arrive in the best condition possible. Unfortunately, there are rare instances when aquatic life does not survive during transit or within the 7-day guarantee period despite every effort to ensure its well-being. Please refer to our Returning Deceased Specimens page for information on what to do should you experience a loss.     S I M P L Y      T H E      B E S T       S I N C E       1 9 8 9