Emergency Aquarium Evacuation Help!

Here is a BASIC list of the supplies and equipment you'll need to pack-up and quickly move your aquarium pets for evacuation. Depending on how much and what types of livestock you will be be moving will determine the quantities and sizes of things you should have, which you can figure out for yourself. Remember, you are going to need enough stuff to go "both ways", there and back again, as well as care for your wet pets while you are away!

• Plastic Containers

The ideal transport container is one that will not allow water to splash out. Items such as oversized or large insulated Coleman, Igloo or other similar types of Styrofoam ice chests or coolers, 33 gallon garbage cans and such with lids are good choices. However, any appropriate type or size of "clean" plastic container can be utilized. The key to the number of containers you'll need is to avoid overcrowding. You want a sufficient volume of water for the number of animals you will be placing into any given container, and you don't want to fill the container to the top. By only filling it 1/2 to 3/4's full it helps to prevent spillage, not to mention problems with containers possibly tipping over during transit.
• Heavy-Duty Plastic Bags (Optional)

If you are concerned about possible leakage, such as when using a regular type styrofoam ice chest, line the container with an ample sized plastic bag. This is one that will fit flat to the bottom and up the sides of the container, with some room to spare.
• AmQuel by Kordon

This product is for adding to the transport water to neutralize any ammonia build-up in the water during transit, as well as will be used in the emergency QT after it's set up when you reach your destination. Similar ammonia eliminating products can be used, but we strongly recommend this product. It acts immediately, is fish and invert safe, is a dechlorinator, and you CANNOT overdose with it.
• Emergency QT Items

You do not need an "aquarium" to set up an emergency type QT (Quarantine Tank). Any large container you are transporting the livestock in can be converted into a temporary aquarium by running electrical powered and battery operated items such as a small water pump/powerhead, air pump and stone, or other portable aeration devices, a compact hang-on-tank power or stand-along-side canister style filter, and so on. In other words, take along any pieces of equipment that can be used to keep the QT water circulated, oxygenated, clean, as well as heated it necessary.
• Saltwater

You will need enough prepared saltwater to put in each transport container (tank water can be used if needed), and to store and take some with you on the trip for making small water changes in transit if necessary. As far as saltwater needed to make QT water changes during the time you'll be gone, and for the return trip back home again, you can take a supply of sea salt mix with you, or buy some after reaching your final destination to make-up batches when you need them. However, the first option is best, because there is always the possibility sea salt mixes may not be available in the area where you are going to stay.
• Antibacterial Medication

Although this is an optional item, we highly recommend adding a small dose of nitrofurazone or similar type of antibacterial medication to the water during transit to help protect "fish" from being exposed to possible bacterial infection problems that can arise from the build up of animal waste, as well as ammonia in the water. Do not add this medication to any containers that invertebrates, live rock, live sand, or corals are being transported in.
• Other Items

Food, a few nets, test kits for ammonia, nitrite and pH, a salinity tester, and whatever else you can think of as deemed necessary. If you forget something, don't worry. You can always stop into a store along the way or when you reach your final destination to in all likelihood buy what you need!

>> More Important Details About Transporting Aquarium Pets
>> Advanced Packing Procedures