Help with transporting fish

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
C

Collinsmomma

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 19, 2011
19
0
0
MD
Hello,
I wasnt sure if this was the correct area to ask this. We are going tomorrow to pick up my cousins 55 gallon fish tank. He has 3 larger sized fish in there, I think over 5 inches at least. He was suggesting putting them in ziploc bags, which to me just doesnt sound right, especially for the larger fish. I always though buckets would be better. What is the best way to transport larger fish? I dont want to stress them out more than they have to be. I know to drain all the water from the tank when moving it. Any advice would be great!
Thanks!
Steph
 
depends, Is the distance within walking or requires transportation
 
I always get old salt buckets from the lfs to move my fish in.
 
Buckets fine, or place in a jar of water and wear them like a necklace
 
A large cooler box would be ideal
 
Also, since they are gonna be in the buckets. Once we get the tank all set up, how do we acclimate them? Do we put them in bags in the water, or just dump them in? My cousin has had these fish for 5 years, but doesnt have the best advice.
 
You can get a few rubber maid tubs or old milk bone buckets.
I bag small fish, tub med- large fish.
If you're moving any type of catfish or fish with barbs make sure to place them in tubs/buckets.
I've had a few cats pierce bags while transporting.
I like to put my bags in buckets so they don't move around so much.
Try to keep it on the dark side to reduce stress.
If you're moving fish that need more O2 use an airstone.
You can get those AC/DC adapters so you can plug in the air pump, or you can find battery operated air pump too.

Large cooler boxes are great for longer trips too.
 
You could always drip acclimate them. Use an old air hose...put one end in the tank then treat it like a manual vacuam. You can control the flow of water by pinching the tube so that it slowly drips the your tank water into the bucket. After sufficient amount of time, net the the fish out and add to tank. Do not add the water the fish are in back to the tank. Good luck and congrats on the new pick ups!!. What kind of fish are you getting?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom