There are a number of occasions in a fish or critter's life in captivity that put it under a great deal of stress in a relatively short period of time. From the critter's point of view the top three (in no particular order) are probably: (1) being introduced into an established tank (What part of "Can't we all just get along" doesn't this damnsel (sic) understand?), (2) cycling (Why are my fins melting?) and (3) transporting (Why am I stuck in this little bag, in the middle of the night with the tide going out?).
Introducing a new fish to an established tank can be a pain, but with a little research on compatability (no.....That new Peppermint Shrimp will not last long in a tank with a 3 foot Snowflake Eel), and some innovative thinking (a temporary barrier or rearranging the "furniture" in the tank) will minimize most major problems.
Cycling a new tank shouldn't be a problem nowadays. With the use of some of the new starter bacteria on the market, practicing the "seeding" method, or adding Live Rock, the ease and quickness of tank cycling has advanced greatly over the years.
This leaves transporting the critters as the main potential problem. If you just follow some basic rules, it isn't really all that difficult. If you don't follow the rules, you are setting yourself up for a disaster.
Initially, the three main things to concern yourself with, as far as packaging are: (1) Type of critter being transported, (2) length of time in the bag, and (3) the method of transport. Even picking up a new tank critter at your LFS takes a little planning as there are a few things that you can do that will increase the probability of your new tank occupant getting home in top shape.
The four main things the critters will require in transit are the same that they require anywhere:
- Oxygen
- Good water quality
- Low to no toxins in the water, particularly ammonia!
- Proper temperature
From the LFS to Home
The trip home from the LFS is the easiest, since you will be in direct control of everything from the beginning of the trip. The LFS will partially fill a plastic bag (ask them to double bag the critter) with water, inflate it with air (O2 is always better, but few LFS do this) and seal it, probably with a rubber band. You are then handed the bag and sent on your merry way.
To begin with, make sure that the LFS, or you, add a good ammonia neutralizer to the bag water. Don't let the LFS salesperson talk you out of it, as ammonia builds up very quickly in a bag. The few pennies it costs either yourself or the LFS is very cheap insurance. We have always used Compare AmQuel Prices and highly recommend its use. AmQuel quickly and effectively removes ammonia, chlorine and chloramines (three of the most toxic chemicals commonly found in aquatic systems) from freshwater and seawater. It is non-toxic, unlike other similar products, so you don't have to worry about exact measuring or overdosing.
On the trip home, rather than just dropping the bag in the trunk or on the back seat, you might want to invest in a small styrofoam cooler to transport the bag(s). This will help keep them upright, shield them from rapid temperature changes and calm the fish by keeping it/them in the dark.
Personally I wouldn't transport a fish with "air" in a bag for more than an hour. You might want to check in on your fish if the transit time takes much more than that. If the fish appears to under stress (rapid gilling, listless) you might want to open the bag and manually aerate the water by hand. Using small battery operated pumps with an air stone work well to eliminate the hassle of having the manually aerate the water if needed. Units like the Big Bubbles, Bubbles™ Air Pump, and other Aerators by BassPro, or similar type units, can be found in most Sport Fishing stores or departments.
When you get home, make sure that you acclimate the new arrival. The chances are that the shipping water from the LFS will be quite a bit different from yours, as well as the bag water temperature from that in your tank. Introducing a new fish directly into a main tank is not wise. We highly recommend the use of a QT (Quarantine Tank) for new arrivals.
Next Page > Preparing for a Move & Bag Preparation
