RAP Noob Question: Coral Transport

[dmw913]

Hey y'all.

I'm thinking of attending RAP in CA this fall. I'll be flying in.

Obviously if I go, I want to buy coral. Noob question: does RAP have a mechanism for helping get things transported home? I

Thanks in advance for info!

Denise

 

[Water Dog]

Not really... frags are sold and put in small specimen containers and a small plastic bag for carrying. If you buy a lot, a vendor may give you a small styrofoam box. It's best to pack a cooler for your car to put your goodies in for the ride home... That said, I'm not sure how you'd fly that stuff home.

 

[ndrwater]

The best way to transport corals home is the specimen cups provided by the seller, placed in a styrofoam box (mentioned above) in your check in luggage. Depending on the airline, carry on coolers with corals may or may not be allowed. Check with the individual airline.
That said, a big variable is TSA. I have had them both allow and deny carry on corals.
If you come prepared with a styro, plastic bags, tape to seal the whole thing, checking your new additions isn't a big deal at all.
If you REALLY go crazy, it might be possible to get a box labeled "live fish" from a local LFS so you can check your corals and know they will get special handling from the baggage crew.

 

[dmw913]

Thanks, @Water Dog and @ndrwater! Sounds like I can prepare properly!!!

 

[dmw913]

Ok, next question.

If I buy stuff (and pay up front) on Saturday, will most folks hold for me until Sunday afternoon when I can box up and head to airport?

Again, just trying to figure out logistics.

 

[ndrwater]

That's how it usually works yes.

 

[reefwiser]

It depends on the vendor. Most don't like keeping sold corals because they spend time telling people the corals are sold.