Main killer during shipping.

[68Wreefer]

So I was reading over the "shipment method alternative" thread started by Kodock and it got me thinking. What would you think the main killers during shipment are? I'm thinking number one is temperature, but what would you say falls after that in line? Stagnant water? No light? So maybe the full "fish/coral life support shipping container" with a small LED, media, and filter as mentioned by drbogger in the other thread is a long way off, but what can we be tackling now to improve shipping? My first thought was a small 1 time use LED. They can be purchased online pretty reasonably. Now I don't have the best understanding of water chemistry but algae on coral is photosynthetic right? So would providing a light source be enough to keep oxygen up in the water?
Thanks in advance

 

[RandyC]

Most corals can easily last five days without light. And given that typical shipping time is at most 18-20 hours, light will not be a factor. Light isn't a problem that needs solving for shipped corals in my opinion.

Temperature is probably the #1 factor to be concerned about. Second factor would probably be concerned about after temperature is providing too little amount of water for the coral type/size.

 

[68Wreefer]

Most corals can easily last five days without light. And given that typical shipping time is at most 18-20 hours, light will not be a factor. Light isn't a problem that needs solving for shipped corals in my opinion.

Temperature is probably the #1 factor to be concerned about. Second factor would probably be concerned about after temperature is providing too little amount of water for the coral type/size.

So what specifically is it about too little water that is the killer then? Nutrients?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I say Heat and Cold. I always prior to requesting a certain ship-out day , watch the weather forecast for the day of arrival.

 

[watanabeireefer]

Taking an educated guess, I would think it's how they are handle while the bags are in the box during the shipping process. While I believe they are still handled with care, the constant pressure changes due to altitude from sea level to flying levels can be a contributing factor. Combine the aforementioned with continually being bounced around in a box for several hours causes stress hormones to be released into the water. IMO

 

[RandyC]

So what specifically is it about too little water that is the killer then? Nutrients?

For some corals too little water, I suspect, can lead to a build up waste or lack of oxygen. For example, some chalices can release a significant amount of a mucous. Other corals, this probably won't matter as much like zoas or shrooms.

 

[Crabs McJones]

For fish definitely ammonia. Corals would say temperature

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Not sure if you meant coral only. Fish the concern would be ammonia.

And ....

 

[Mastiffsrule]

That’s going in the too funny thread.

 

[68Wreefer]

For some corals too little water, I suspect, can lead to a build up waste or lack of oxygen. For example, some chalices can release a significant amount of a mucous. Other corals, this probably won't matter as much like zoas or shrooms.

I definitely agree on all. So you don't think the led could help with the lack of oxygen? Not trying to sound like I'm debating you here just looking for your opinions. As for the waste I agree that's probably unavoidable with too little water. So either way the light wouldn't get around that. I get it, it sounds super extra but I mean would the $2 per shipment be worth it?

 

[68Wreefer]

Taking an educated guess, I would think it's how they are handle while the bags are in the box during the shipping process. While I believe they are still handled with care, the constant pressure changes due to altitude from sea level to flying levels can be a contributing factor. Combine the aforementioned with continually being bounced around in a box for several hours causes stress hormones to be released into the water. IMO

That's a good point I hadn't thought about the effects of pressure changes.

 

[resortez]

Fluctuations in temperature are definitely a factor. Temperature swings in an aquarium can cause havoc so I would assume that it will cause stress during shipment. Other issues would be O2 levels & the risk of having the water produce nitrite or ammonia during shipment.

 

[RandyC]

I definitely agree on all. So you don't think the led could help with the lack of oxygen? Not trying to sound like I'm debating you here just looking for your opinions. As for the waste I agree that's probably unavoidable with too little water. So either way the light wouldn't get around that. I get it, it sounds super extra but I mean would the $2 per shipment be worth it?

I don't think it's worth it. You have a strong enough LED and a battery that I think would cost more than $2. Then you have to declare that there's a battery in the shipment. And then what if the water leaks and shorts the LED? I'd rather just add more water.

 

[68Wreefer]

I don't think it's worth it. You have a strong enough LED and a battery that I think would cost more than $2. Then you have to declare that there's a battery in the shipment. And then what if the water leaks and shorts the LED? I'd rather just add more water.

What if you get something that's water proof? $1 a piece. Comes with batteries. If a couple of these isn't enough power to at least supplement I'm sure there are more options. also I'm thinking small boxes not huge orders. My knowledge of the actual power of an led needed in a small space is limited so if I'm wayyy off just tell.

 

[Joshua Warne]

I like where you're going with this. In my opinion, the lighting in the box is too extra. We are already paying roughly $9 a box from Uline if you include shipping cost from their facility.

The main thing people should be concerned with is not just the quality of the shipping container, but the health of your system and the coral being shipped. Coloration, heal time, pests. Thinking about the end receiver is the goal.

That being said, aside from heat/cold, I would say poor health of coral prior to shipping is one of the biggest causes of death.

 

[joseserrano]

I definitely agree on all. So you don't think the led could help with the lack of oxygen? Not trying to sound like I'm debating you here just looking for your opinions. As for the waste I agree that's probably unavoidable with too little water. So either way the light wouldn't get around that. I get it, it sounds super extra but I mean would the $2 per shipment be worth it?

light would not alter oxygen in the water. it is sealed, so no way of oxygen getting in. I would say main issue is temperature, and then little water/nothing to filter out any waste (this includes mucus to copepods,... dying).

 

[rkpetersen]

The amount of oxygen you generate from a single LED in the box would be trivial, if any.
Also, note that some sellers pack shipments (mostly fish) with pure oxygen over the water, rather than room air.
Changes in atmospheric pressure en route will have little effect (if the coral stays underwater).
Heat, cold, ammonia, other toxins, and frags accidentally sitting out of water for a time during transport are the big issues.