Transporting Large Fish for Move?

[RandomWiktor]

Howdy Monster Fishkeepers. I need your help.

I am moving from NY to AL - a good 16 hour drive being conservative - near the end of this month. I will be moving parrots, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, etc. and I know how to safely transport all of them. However, I'm very worried about moving my larger fish, including a wolf fish, goldfish, and koi. All of the fish I am moving are between 4 and 10 inches in length (I'm probably leaving my three biggest goldfish behind with my parents, who have taken a shine to them and their pond).

I am VERY nervous about transporting and was hoping you could give me some tips.

My game plan was to cool everyone down to the lower end of their preferred range, have battery operated bubblers & an abundance of batteries, and maybe some gallon jugs to do partial water changes. I know bagging is generally safer but I don't think I even have bags for fish this size - would 5g buckets filled halfway with a lid (drilled for air tubing) work?

Please help! I want my guys to survive the trip.

 

[kevinfleming21]

There was a guy that had a thread on here previously that hooked his FX5 up and running in the backseat of his truck to transport a large arrow, might wanna check that out.

 

[Cakilla]

I would try and use coolers if possible , because they are insulated and are long so the fish would be less cramped , I would use battery powered air pumps (lots of batteries like you mentioned) bring as much conditioned water as you can so you can do some water changes or I would buy some amonia remover to keep the levels down while your on your trip . I have seen some tablets that will put oxegen into the water also at big als , but it soundes like you have a good handle on it best of luck.

 

[scalesandfins]

i would suggest buying some catch and release or a live well additive from academy or walmart that will help them out alot. i have revived nearly dead fish with this stuff.

 

[BODYDUB]

A cooler with a bubbler is an excellent idea. You could also do partial w/c with a cooler because of the drain valve........

 

[scalesandfins]

its a white bottle with a blue lid and orange label
i know your prob iffy about it but i swear it works and wont harm your fish. i use in in my moves alot

 

[Pepito]

Seconding the coolers w/bubblers idea. Coolers help regulate the temperatures, keep it dark, and you don't have to drill it to slip a tiny air hose into it. That's how I moved my fish halfway across the country before.

 

[haphazzard]

Yeah coolers are the way to go, and dont feed for a day or two before the move it will cut down on waste while in the coolers. Have the tank at the new place up and running before you move the fish if at all posible.

 

[pauly187]

how are you going to keep the BB alive for the trip?
im curious because i to am going to be moving the end of this month
my plan was to by a 30 gallon trash can fill it up 3/4 of the way and throw the fish in there with bubbler running with a power converter you plug into cig lighter in car
was thinking of having FX5 running on trash can also to keep BB alive but i think it might be to much
was also thinking of throwing all BB in seperate trash can with bubbler running on it also

 

[youngbuckfl]

First, prepare your fish several days in advance by fasting them - stop feeding at least two days prior to shipment or moving. Before catching and bagging your fish, prepare two buckets of freshly treated tap water. Both should contain the proper amount of fish tranquilizer (e.g., Hypno, Trance, or Bag Buddies). These can be purchased cheaply from The Florida Tropical Fish Farms Association. Boxes, bags, and heat packs can also be purchased from them.