does anyone else test packages?

[rhino56]

I have been testing different packing methods for cold weather and so far I have found that typical packing methods are not good. After 6 hours in 32F the water temps drop considerably, like to 55f and lower in some cases. When i get a method that works for extended cold exposure ill share it.
I'm using a standard Uline insulated box 6x7x8 with 1" thick Styrofoam walls.

 

[GHill762]

I have been testing different packing methods for cold weather and so far I have found that typical packing methods are not good. After 6 hours in 32F the water temps drop considerably, like to 55f and lower in some cases. When i get a method that works for extended cold exposure ill share it.
I'm using a standard Uline insulated box 6x7x8 with 1" thick Styrofoam walls.

any time I've ever had anything shipped in cold weather there has been at least one heat pack.. sometimes 2 or 3 depending on how big the box is..

they are also styro inside the box, then either peanuts or newspaper inside the stryo..

 

[trido]

I was going to ask. Are you using heat packs? I'm pretty sure most reefers and vendors use the 40 hour heat packs when shipping.

 

[turbo21]

I have shipped many times at 32 using a 40 hr heat pack and a 6x6x6 styro lined box with no issues at all

One of the issues I see is with some people still using hand warmers that only last about 6 hrs. Definitely gonna bite you to use them. And the funny part is buying hand warmers locally is actually more expensive than buying the 40hr heat packs if you do some searching around

 

[rhino56]

any time I've ever had anything shipped in cold weather there has been at least one heat pack.. sometimes 2 or 3 depending on how big the box is..

they are also styro inside the box, then either peanuts or newspaper inside the stryo..

This is one of the problems, the heat pack being insulated from the water bags.

I was going to ask. Are you using heat packs? I'm pretty sure most reefers and vendors use the 40 hour heat packs when shipping.

Yes i have tried many tests with 40 hour packs and now im trying 72 hour since they are larger.

I have shipped many times at 32 using a 40 hr heat pack and a 6x6x6 styro lined box with no issues at all

One of the issues I see is with some people still using hand warmers that only last about 6 hrs. Definitely gonna bite you to use them. And the funny part is buying hand warmers locally is actually more expensive than buying the 40hr heat packs if you do some searching around

Hand warmers are a really bad idea for sure, they get way too hot. I've shipped several corals with no problems at all, but never actually tested temps like this, I'm sure corals can survive colder temps to a certain degree, and a little cooler is actually better for them, but not 50F, they may survive but that's harsh.

 

[turbo21]

I have had the people who received my boxes test the water and the lowest I ever had was 67 degrees and that was a long time ago when I used hand warmers and didn't know any better. Using the 40 hr heat packs the temp usually stays around 72 degrees. From the reports I get back

Are you testing by placing the box outside? Or are you doing real world shipping tests.?

 

[rhino56]

I have had the people who received my boxes test the water and the lowest I ever had was 67 degrees and that was a long time ago when I used hand warmers and didn't know any better. Using the 40 hr heat packs the temp usually stays around 72 degrees. From the reports I get back

Are you testing by placing the box outside? Or are you doing real world shipping tests.?

testing by putting in a 32F fridge

 

[turbo21]

What time frames are you using?

I know I drop my boxes off at the last possible moment. Which is at 6pm. And they arrive by noon the next day so 18 hrs of being shipped

I don't think putting them on a refrigerator is close to real world testing. Ups and fedex trucks that pick them up are not going to stay at 32 degrees and I am unsure of the plane ride. But then once in the warehouse hub they are not in that cold of conditions either.

You may want to try shipping to someone using a logger like this for the exact results.

http://www.temprotect.com/action/sh...40&locale=en&gclid=CKqTxey53bwCFczm7AodET8ABg

 

[rhino56]

even though the testing method is extreme what the heck temps where it may never see that harsh of conditions in real world shipping i am learning from it as what is effective use of heat packs. sometimes though a box may sit on someone's porch for a few hours also. not that the sender would be liable for that situation but if i can do it better than i am now i certainly want to. those logging devices are 260.00 so i don't think ill be trying that method.

What time frames are you using?

I know I drop my boxes off at the last possible moment. Which is at 6pm. And they arrive by noon the next day so 18 hrs of being shipped

I don't think putting them on a refrigerator is close to real world testing. Ups and fedex trucks that pick them up are not going to stay at 32 degrees and I am unsure of the plane ride. But then once in the warehouse hub they are not in that cold of conditions either.

You may want to try shipping to someone using a logger like this for the exact results.

Global Sensors Strip Chart Recorder

 

[turbo21]

You can find the sensors a lot cheaper. Was just te first thing I saw to show you can get them

Bob

 

[mfinn]

A guy on Reef Central did some tests a few years ago using the data loggers and heat packs.
I believe he actually shipped boxes.
If I remember right one of the tests were to see if it made a difference if the boxes were completely sealed vs. the boxes having small air holes in them.