moving a tarpon

[pbass lover]

I found a indo-pacific tarpon for sale near me but it is about 10-12" long
the ride will probably take about 3-5 hours depending on some variables. I read in another thread that you can put them in a coolerfor transportation. I don't have a cooler but I do have some big styrofoam boxes that he could probably fit in. My question is should i use a plastic bag with the styrofoam or is the box itself ok? Also is it ok if I run an air pump and heater with a converter for the trip? Finally does the box have to have lots of room for him to swim or is he fine sitting mostly stationary? I know this guy will get big and I am ready for that and I'll post pics up later if he makes it.
Thanks
Paul

 

[pupumole]

if i were u .... big styro box. big plastic bag... like 8 gallons of water at least , air pumping into the bag constantly with the bag opening tied closed ( so ya, the bag will be inflated) .... use bag buddies... depends on how cold ur area is, heatpack .... and bring luck with you

 

[pbass lover]

where could I get bag buddies and a heat pack?

 

[poly-nomial]

Haha so hopeful, "if he survives".

I say put the bag inside of the box to prevent leaking etc. A battery powered air pump, some stress coat and a heater if you can get one ( too much wattage? )

Good luck

 

[SimonL]

Remember tarpon gulp air, so oxygen is less of a problem than "normal" fish.

 

[pbass lover]

haha thats more of my moms opinion on it
would I be able to run a heater off of a converter that is connected to the cigarette lighter in my car?
So if they can gulp air do I really need an air pump?

 

[coeus]

would I be able to run a heater off of a converter that is connected to the cigarette lighter in my car?

yes

 

[MonsterMinis]

If he's gulping air.. you don't want a huge difference in your air temp.. from your water temp. Your best bet is to wear a tee 'n shorts 'n crank the heater in your car imo. airpump, 'n line the styro w/ a plastic bag if only to keep any potential toxins from the styro from previous use out of the water. make the lid tight, pop some holes in the top and run the airhose threw. and drive home. And don't crank your stereo on the drive back >.< .... yes those silly lil' things can make a difference. keeping the fish as stress free as possible. never delt w/ tarpons before... but i know bettas can be killed from differences in air temp 'n water temp. Most labirinthe fish ime are like this.. some more sensative then others. Drove a few cichlids, 'n a handful of adult syno's 3 hours dureing a move. wasn't a problem. didn't use an airpump. kept car heater at 75 whole drive and had a spare 5 gallon bucket w/ fresh water incase I needed a water change along the way. didn't need it. Moved the whole lot in a larger cooler. held about 10 gallons iir. I checked them 1/2 way home then 3/4 way home.

 

[[enjoyable_attempt]]

I would get a HUGE bag, and a large styro box. Have a air pump for sure going into the bag. Heatpacks you can find at your local sporting goods store.


I'm not exactly sure if its safe,...but I would think you could just use clove oil to sedate him for while..

 

[TheFishWrestler]

Dont sedate him. Go to your local grocery store and get trash compactor bags. They are large and heavy duty. fill them about 1/3 full then trap a pocket of air in them and rubber band them closed. You should have no problem. I have done this many of times for up to 9 hours. Also, make sure the current owner stops feeding the fish at least 2-3 days before you are going to pick it up.