48hr shipping possible with fish?

Clowning_Around72 · Jul 8, 2020

Could fish (both saltwater and freshwater) survive a 48 hr trip in a bag by car? I am at an lfs far from home and shortening the trip is not preferable. The LFS said they can guarantee a 24 hrs trip but they did not say anything about 48 hrs. What about clean up crew could they survive the trip too? I am away from my tanks for a month right now but the sitter is doing a good job. I would like to take some fish or inverts home however is there any way this is possible or should I just forget it?

wphan · Jul 8, 2020

Yes, but I wouldn’t risk it specially since it’s summer.

Billldg · Jul 8, 2020

The amount of possible ammonia build up in 48 hours will likely kill anything. Is it possible, maybe, but if they survive it would be more out of luck than anything else. Sorry.

eatbreakfast · Jul 8, 2020

As long as the bag stays sealed ammonia isn't an issue.

Temp and oxygen are the biggest issues.

Depending on the species, they may be ok, or they may struggle.

The freshwater fish are more likely to handle it.

Clowning_Around72 · Jul 8, 2020

wphan said:
Yes, but I wouldn’t risk it specially since it’s summer.

I was thinking small fish in a big bag keep the car and hotel room air conditioned.

alton · Jul 8, 2020

Ice chest, battery air pump, seasoned foam filter, and digital thermometer

ross0201 · Jul 9, 2020

eatbreakfast said:
As long as the bag stays sealed ammonia isn't an issue.

Temp and oxygen are the biggest issues.

Depending on the species, they may be ok, or they may struggle.

The freshwater fish are more likely to handle it.

I'm just curious, why do freshwater fish handle it better? I've noticed the trend in shipping fish with freshwater is to send them Priority, never see that with saltwater.

eatbreakfast · Jul 9, 2020

ross0201 said:
I'm just curious, why do freshwater fish handle it better? I've noticed the trend in shipping fish with freshwater is to send them Priority, never see that with saltwater.

Freshwater holds more O2 than saltwater.

EMeyer · Jul 9, 2020

I've had fish survive 3 day shipments. Many international shipments of fish go 48 hours. You'll have some losses, but yes, in principle it is possible.

Acclimate carefully though, the water will turn toxic quickly upon opening.

Qasimja · Jul 9, 2020

last month i had a naso tang and chocolate tang get delayed by ups arrived a day later they sat in the box for close to 48 hours but were still alive i really believe they could have survived another day in that box they were not stressed at all

Bosreef · Jul 9, 2020

yeah I wouldn't so much do the bad method but since you be traveling with the fish why not set up a temp travel tank....

Battery operated air stone... some fresh saltwater for water changes when amonia builds....

Trying to figure out water to do.for water temp though.... anyone have an ideas?