Transporting fish long distance

[Jstn]

Today is exactly two weeks before I attempt a 1000 mile move with my 40 gallon reef. My coral and live rock are going in a 100qt cooler placed in the bed of my truck, equipped with a bubbler and a maxi 400 powered by a power inverter. The only problem left is my fish. , I have two pair (four fish), mandarine and picasso clowns. Now these fish mean alot to me and I have had them for a couple years. My plan is place each pair in there own 5 gallon bucket with an air powered bubbler. The buckets would be placed in the cab of my truck (a/c ). I was wondering if using aminolock or other ammonia reduction source would be a wise idea? In addtion, any other advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[bluewater921]

i would pick up some stress coat ... that will help them with the travel time .. dont know where your moving too but i would also think about freezing some RO/DI water in zip loc bags and put them in a cooler just in case something does go wrong and with the way the heat has been lately i would always have a fail safe back up plan ..

 

[Jstn]

Good idea with the ice, I'm moving from Buffalo Ny to Minneapolis Mn. I am staying one night in a hotel around chicago to break up the trip. I figure then I can do a water change seeing I am brining all my water wtih me.

 

[Tremelle]

If you have a good relationship with one of your lfs, you can have them hold the fish and corals for you until you get to MN and set your tank up. Then have them overnight the fish and corals to you.

 

[bluewater921]

IMO i think it would be cheaper to take them with you ... shipping would cost alot over night already .. i ship out of fla all the time and the best way to travel with fish and corals .. keep them cool and with less stress and everything will make it .. just get some stress coat ..

 

[Jstn]

Also, My lfs is great but I dont want someone else watching my stuff. I am rather chance it myself esp since my tank is not huge, I figure I can manage it myself.

 

[Shells4]

We have transported fish several times 850+ miles and rarely lost anything. Personally, I wouldn't mess with 4, 5 gallon buckets. I would put them in one large cooler with one bubbler. Your fish are small, they will be fine together. You will be able to hear it in the truck if the batteries run low. With 4 bubblers it would be hard to tell if one stopped working and it is just more to mess with--keep it simple. Not sure if it is true, but I feel like the cooler helps keep the temp. a little more stable than buckets. We have stopped for the night before but ususally prefer to drive straight thru--although we have a tank set up at the other end waiting. I would definately take some stresscoat and something for ammonia. We usually do a small water change half way thru each day and at night when we stop--you will get strange looks at the rest areas though--lol. I would be more concerned about having a stable tank at the end of the trip to put them in then the trip itself. good luck!