Shipping corals

laserjim

Another Day In Paradise
Anyone know what type of cold packs are used for shipping corals ? And how to do it ?


Thanks Jim
 
I've gotten a few packages shipped from Sexy Corals, thecoralfarmer and Rare Reef, I would just copy what they do, they all were packaged very similar

Use the minimal amount of water per coral
single bag each item then knot the bag
place 4-6 single bagged items in a bag and knot it then triple bag it each with there own knot
Take box lined with styrofoam or use a styrofoam shipping box and loosely pack with newspaper
place the coral bundles in box and fill with enough newspaper to make sure corals don't move

Before shipping you should check the weather, both where it's being shipped and where the item is actually going. For instance if you ship FedEx, the hub is in Tenessee, if the weather is 60degrees in the place your shipping to and 20degrees in Tenessee then theres a high probability that the package will be delayed because of the weather so a different day should be picked. This happened to my Sex Corals package, it took two months to get shipped because of the weather.

Anyway, for shipping and packaging supplies theres a store in Gibsonton that sells the plastic bags and styrofoam boxes for pretty cheap. Place is called 4fish stuff. Also, if you ship using ShipNEX the rates are much cheaper but I haven't used them. I've heard reviews of people shipping internationally and being charged hidden fees while people that use it for within 48 contigous states overnight shipping and don't have any issues at all. Another option is USPS overnight but have also heard they have the most delays and could lead to issues. Best bet is to use FedEX, it's what all the major coral vendor use. Hope I helped or offered some insight, good luck.
 
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I've gotten a few packages shipped from Sexy Corals, thecoralfarmer and Rare Reef, I would just copy what they do, they all were packaged very similar

Use the minimal amount of water per coral
single bag each item then knot the bag
place 4-6 single bagged items in a bag and knot it then triple bag it each with there own knot
Take box lined with styrofoam or use a styrofoam shipping box and loosely pack with newspaper
place the coral bundles in box and fill with enough newspaper to make sure corals don't move

Before shipping you should check the weather, both where it's being shipped and where the item is actually going. For instance if you ship FedEx, the hub is in Tenessee, if the weather is 60degrees in the place your shipping to and 20degrees in Tenessee then theres a high probability that the package will be delayed because of the weather so a different day should be picked. This happened to my Sex Corals package, it took two months to get shipped because of the weather.

Anyway, for shipping and packaging supplies theres a store in Gibsonton that sells the plastic bags and styrofoam boxes for pretty cheap. Place is called 4fish stuff. Also, if you ship using ShipNEX the rates are much cheaper but I haven't used them. I've heard reviews of people shipping internationally and being charged hidden fees while people that use it for within 48 contigous states overnight shipping and don't have any issues at all. Another option is USPS overnight but have also heard they have the most delays and could lead to issues. Best bet is to use FedEX, it's what all the major coral vendor use. Hope I helped or offered some insight, good luck.

Thanks Pedro, And everyone !
 
I agree with most of that. the only reason why they ship with a little bit of water is its cheaper. not better for the corals. the more water the better but do think about shipping cost. its a balancing act.
 
I agree with most of that. the only reason why they ship with a little bit of water is its cheaper. not better for the corals. the more water the better but do think about shipping cost. its a balancing act.

I have notice in an 8x8x8 insulated fish box there is little to no difference in cost if you ship 1 ounce of water or 8-16oz. The more water the better. think of a tank, more water = less impact from waste. if a coral is shipped its stressed excreting mucus and whatever else it does, would you rather it be barely wet and fouling the water or in lots of water?

I recently order from a vendor ( I don't even want to go there) that only used a wet paper towel to ship inverts and macros....Let just say that 1 oz of water gets fouled quick and half my order was rotten and smelled rancid.

Also the smaller volume of water the quicker it can fluctuate temp wise hot or cold and thats not good.

Trust me use an 8x8x8 insulated box fill the bags with as much water as the box with fit( it will act like filler and not allow it to bounce around either) crumble some Newspaper or peanuts to fill all voids, put styrofoam lid on then ice pack or heat pack then close box. I have shipped quite a few anemones and coral never lost anything.

People's lack of concern when shipping blows my mind sometimes. think about it, coral are some of the most sensitive things living. WHy cut corners shipping especially when its not a price difference.
 
I received a shipment with wet paper towels once too. 80 % of a $600 order died in 3 days and looked aweful when I got it
 
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