Bag Sealer

[triguy]

I've only sold coral locally and I'm thinking about starting to ship to reach more buyers. Many of the frags I received were rubberband in a few bags. I was thinking about using a bag sealer instead. Would this work? Any recommendations on type/brand of sealer? What thickness (mm) size bags do most shippers use?

Thanks

 

[TiTAN]

Are you talking about the one that seals the bag with a metal Clip or the one that heat seals the bag ends together?

The Metal Clip option is fairly expensive, the last time I checked they were around the 2-3K mark used.

If you looking at the heat sealer, do not skimp on getting a cheap one if you will be moving alot of Corals.

The thickness of the bags will depend on the type of heat sealer you purchase. Talk to the sales guys they will be able to advise you on that.

 

[nowlan]

I believe they are called impulse sealer.

 

[triguy]

I believe they are called impulse sealer.

That is exactly what I am talking about. Anybody using these? If not, why not? It seems like they would seal a bag better than rubberbands.

 

[Pescado Amigo]

Check out ULine. They have what you need. both Bags and the sealer.

 

[triguy]

Check out ULine. They have what you need. both Bags and the sealer.

Got a catalog recently and that is why I thought of the idea, but nobody is saying whether or not this is a good way to ship/package coral.

 

[GreshamH]

Harbor Freight has them cheap. I've sued both $$$ and cheap and both in a wet environment work about the same. You need to adjust the cheaper one more often but it's like a third the cost (or it used to be a few years ago when I last bought some).

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43477

Well it looks like they don't have the smaller models like they used to

http://www.uline.com/BL_2253/Tabletop-Poly-Bag-Sealer-Impulse

For the other style (clip/band machines) the two major players of PolyClip and TipperTie.

http://www.tippertie.com/

http://www.tippertie.com/

 

[GreshamH]

Got a catalog recently and that is why I thought of the idea, but nobody is saying whether or not this is a good way to ship/package coral.

It's fine, clip machines I find better and easier to use though.

You need to be aware of water droplets with the impulse sealers. Once you get the knack of it, you use the edge of the machine to help pull any water from the area you want to seal. They work better with 4mil bags, in fact, for aquatic use, I wouldn't impulse seal a 2mil.

 

[Pescado Amigo]

Got a catalog recently and that is why I thought of the idea, but nobody is saying whether or not this is a good way to ship/package coral.

Many vendors ship this way. It is a complete seal and little/no chance of leaking. Much better than a rubberband. I just got some ORA frags and they were all sealed this way. They used a pretty think mil bag.

 

[nowlan]

Google practicalcoralfarming / heatsealers.html

 

[triguy]

Google practicalcoralfarming / heatsealers.html

Thanks for that info to that link. Some good reads. Any chance you know why they say a 9" length is good? I was looking at a 4" or 6" believing this would be large enough to seal bags for small frags.

 

[knockout]

I use it, saves a TON of time and my fingers don't hurt from tying rubber bands or making knots with the bag slack, GETIT

 

[GreshamH]

Thanks for that info to that link. Some good reads. Any chance you know why they say a 9" length is good? I was looking at a 4" or 6" believing this would be large enough to seal bags for small frags.

The heating element, like VHO bulbs, has a hot spot and a weaker spot. the weaker is towards the ends. By using a larger unit you can maximize the hot spot and get a more even seal