How Long ...

[::pete::]

I was wondering how long a fish/coral can stay in a bag? Not that I want to keep them there :shock: , but as far as moving them goes? Thanks.

[TexasState]

You can keep corals in the bag for a day or more. Of course, you should unbag it as soon as possible. The fishes won't held out in the bag as long (ammonia build up and oxygen depletion.) You should put your fishes in the bucket and use some air stone or circulation pump.

[Jimnorris]

I do not know about fish but I had a shipment once that the clams and corals were in the bags for over 80 hours! I did not loose one coral but lost 10 clams out of 200 that were shipped.
Jim

[TexasState]

If you're passing by San Marcos, I have two battery operated air pumps that you can borrow. Just let me know b4 you head out so I can test their operability.

[Bigreefer]

I truck stuff out from California twice a year. I have two methods for doing this long trek.

1. I've got battery operated air pumps that I use to pump air into the buckets.

2. I bought a DC to AC converter for $50 that plugs into my cigarette lighter socket. I use it to run three air pumps.

I've never lost anything yet. I've even had success with pulsing xenia.

Jason

[TexasState]

Oh yeah, I have a brand new in box DC to AC converter that plugs into my cigarette lighter socket too. As well as one air pump that plug into the wall.

[Instar]

I use a boat bilge pump and/or bait bucket battery powered air pump. Both work well and have multiple uses and are quite portable. When stuff is shipped in bags, the air in there is O2. I wouldn't go for days with room air blown in. The longer the bag time, the greater the ammonia level and lower possible pH you have to deal with. Those things are what kill so many anemones in shippments.

[::pete::]

Thanks for all the help, I already have the bait deal. I figure they will be in there no longer than 20 HRS. From what I read the corals will be fine, but Im concerned about the fish and oxygen. What size container for say 15 - 20 animals. Would a rubermaid deal be big enough?

[GaryP]

Pete I have just moved mine in a large ice chest with an aerator. I have a 104 qt. ice chest.

[Instar]

I'd use a fair sized rubbermaid deal. When I did it, I used 3 of the 28 gallon ones. Trucked em from Georgia to here in and over-nighter; no losses, rock, sand and all the fish and corals. They actually seemd to like all that slish-sloshing about since they had air going. The only thing I mess up were the sponges. Keep any of them in a clean container by themselves so they don't get their pores plugged.

[TexasState]

When I upgrade, or move tank [across the room] I usually just try to sell off everything and start over afterward. This might not be a good advice if the LFS around SA do not carry good quality, healthy fishes for you to replace afterward.