Transporting fish over distance?

[Pickleowl]

I have only bought from LFS that are within an hour away but I was away for work awhile ago and saw a couple clowns at a fish store that was about 3 hrs away, I really wanted them.. what is the best way to get these fish home safely?

I didn't get these fish because I had no plan, or if it was even feesible so in the event it happens again,, can this done with some planning? Or is it just a bad idea?

If it can be done, what would you need to make this happen and what would the maximum time period be to transport fish from an LFS?

 

[ihavecrabs]

I have only bought from LFS that are within an hour away but I was away for work awhile ago and saw a couple clowns at a fish store that was about 3 hrs away, I really wanted them.. what is the best way to get these fish home safely?

I didn't get these fish because I had no plan, or if it was even feesible so in the event it happens again,, can this done with some planning? Or is it just a bad idea?

If it can be done, what would you need to make this happen and what would the maximum time period be to transport fish from an LFS?

Definitely can be done. Cooler or Styrofoam container and a bag with water is all that is needed unless it is extremely warm or cold.

A quarantine tank with matching water salinity would be idea too that way you can temp acclimate and drop in.

 

[Palyzoa]

When I moved I drove my fish from Wisconsin all the way to Tennessee (about 12 hours). Everyone survived. I used 2 gallon buckets and drilled a hole in the lid to put air line and stone attached to a battery operated air pump. You could buy a converter for your car and even hook up a little heater and everything. Add a few drops of prime to the bucket.

 

[miPapareef]

My lfs selections are 1 and 2 hour drivers away. But I only go when the whole family is going and we make a day trip out of it. As a result, the fish I have were in the bag anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. I use a styrofoam cooler and haven’t had any trouble.

 

[Pickleowl]

Thanks everyone.. I thought for sure a fish in a bag would lose temp for sure and the ammonia would certainly be an issue in a bag that small, but sounds like some of you have made this happen.. and worst case, add some prime and a cooler and should be good to go,, thank you

 

[ihavecrabs]

Thanks everyone.. I thought for sure a fish in a bag would lose temp for sure and the ammonia would certainly be an issue in a bag that small, but sounds like some of you have made this happen.. and worst case, add some prime and a cooler and should be good to go,, thank you

Careful adding prime. If the LFS runs copper in their system (even if they tell you they don't, many do to hide parasite symptoms on fish) prime will make the copper toxic and the fish will die.

I would only add to water I have mixed or after performing a copper test.. ammonia will not likely build up that quickly where 3 hours in a bag become problematic.

 

[Eastlake]

I second Palyzoa's statement. A bucket with a battery powered air pump should get you through just fine.

 

[CindyKz]

3 hours in a bag, inside a cooler is no big deal at all. Fish are in bags for much longer when shipped. I've kept them in bags in the cooler for day long multi-store shopping trips without issue.

If you are worried about cold temps, one of those chemical hand warmers in the cooler with the bag works well.

 

[Pickleowl]

Careful adding prime. If the LFS runs copper in their system (even if they tell you they don't, many do to hide parasite symptoms on fish) prime will make the copper toxic and the fish will die.

I would only add to water I have mixed or after performing a copper test.. ammonia will not likely build up that quickly where 3 hours in a bag become problematic.

Didn't consider copper aspect, thanks..

 

[Pickleowl]

3 hours in a bag, inside a cooler is no big deal at all. Fish are in bags for much longer when shipped. I've kept them in bags in the cooler for day long multi-store shopping trips without issue.

If you are worried about cold temps, one of those chemical hand warmers in the cooler with the bag works well.

Good to hear,, I just assumed being in a bag that small, ammonia would spike quick..

I also assumed that when they were shipped they had special cooling/heating "things" to help with that and they shipped with something to help with ammonia..

If temp was good, how long would it take for ammonia to build to bad levels in a standard bag with small to medium fish? Anybody know?

 

[Jesterrace]

In most cases a fish can survive in a bag with saltwater and air for 8-12 hours, unless there is some really extreme weather. As mentioned above, keep them in a cooler where they won't slosh around too much on the ride and they should be fine. Just make sure you give them some extra acclimation time.

 

[Pickleowl]

Thanks everyone,, won't be so scared next time to get the fishies!

 

[cmcoker]

Also mention to the store before they bag them that you will be travelling with them a few hours away, they can use a larger bag than usually used for short trips.