What is the best way to transport live fish for over 2 hours.?

Question

I have a number of large fish in an outdoor pond and when I move I need to transport them to my new address, the trouble is, im moving 2 hours away.

Answer 1

You are lucky that you are only moving 2 hours away, thats not too far, and I guess you have Koi or similar fishes in your pond. Put the fish in Styrofoam boxes, and maximum 5 fishes per box, you should try to use an aerator for each box , all boxes should have lids.

Aerators are usually available in Pet stores and also Bait stores, and the battery lasts for about 10 hrs.

Also remember that the fish need a water temperature maintained so they do not get too cold or warm.

Check water level, aerators are running, and temperature is stable before closing the boxes. And remember that you have to prepare the new home beforehand with medication.

Don't feed your fish anything for the last 48 hours, before you put them in the container. Make sure there is no left over food of any kind in their home. We want their stomachs empty, when they go into journey.

Happy Travel and settlement !

Answer 2

The best way I've found is to get a large picnic cooler (find some cheap ones in a second-hand store and clean them out well with hot water and bleach and RINSE!). The insulation helps keep the temperature stable, you can close the lid to keep the water from splashing out, and even stack stuff on the top. The motion of the car will keep the water oxygenated. Just don't make any long stops if the sun's out - it can overheat the inside of the car and warm the water even in the cooler if it's hot enough.

When you get to where you're going, you can set up a filter right on the edge of the cooler, and use it as a temporary tank until you get everything set up. Depending on the size and number of fish, you might need more than one cooler.

Answer 3

i have moved fish quite a few (too many) times. I always use four of five gallon buckets I get from a restaurant. They are food safe and after being washed, perfectly safe for fish, and they have lids so the water won't splash out and the fish can't jump out. 2 hours is not very long, the fish should be fine. Especially if they are large fish, they tend to be tougher.

Answer 4

Well the obvious answer is in a big tub with lots of water.

Fish are transported all over the place (even internationally) without any problems.

All you need is a large enough tub or container so they aren't too cramped and enough water so they don't suffocate.

Are you moving them in a car?
If so, personally I would use a large enough tub with a lid that seals pretty tight (so the water can't splash out). I would also try and rig up an air pump to run off 12 volts (the cigarette lighter thing) so I could put an airstone in the tub to keep the water sufficiently aerated.

If in doubt, speak to the people at your local pet store, the vet might even be able to suggest something too.

Best of luck in your move. =)

Answer 5

I'm having this problem with my tropical fish in my tank at home I'm moving about 30 minutes away so me and my partner have come to a decision about going to the pet shop and getting some calming solution and using the large bags they use when you by fish that will probably work.

Answer 6

Talk to a pet shop because they have to do this all of the time....obviously they need to be submerged in water but they may know where to get hold of an adequate temporary pond that can be transported 2 hours away....good luck

Answer 7

Sunfish are very hardy...i think of two or 3 would be ok in one day in a 40 8-quart ice chest. i've got saved one million/2 a dozen or so one million to one million one million/2 inches long in a 15-gallon bait tank in one day without working the aerator/filtration pump. save an eye fixed on the water temp. changing the water after some hours, will get rid of the amassed amonia from their waste, and get 'em into an oxygenated environment. do no longer positioned 'em in faucet water without dechlorinating it first. they had probable stay to tell the story, yet do no longer risk it. you may get dechlorination drops at walmart interior the puppy fish aisle, or merely enable the water take a seat uncovered for twenty-four hours. in case you flow 'em to a distinctive field, the water temp desires to be tremendously plenty a similar in the two. Do examine with your state/provincial fish & activity authority approximately liberating fish into public waters -- there may be some sort of advisory relating to the unfold of ailment.

Answer 8

Unlike some answers I'm not being sarcastic. Place your fish in a large bucket of water and cover in to make it dark which helps the fish not to stress. 2 hours is a short time so they won't die.

Answer 9

Just cover the fish body with water in an airtight bag or container and pump in oxygen they survive 24 hrs. I flew from Japan with 5 koi 20 " 22years ago of course with importing documents they were OK, I live in England.
Or get in touch with koi dealers, they provide a service with a fee, large sometimes. Hope this help.

Answer 10

I would say that needs to be done in a steel tank and put aeration tablets in the water. If you have nothing suitable try to hire something from your nearest fish expert. Good luck with the move and the fish.