Picking up live rock

[wynagain]

Looking for an insight on what to expect when picking up some live rock at an airport in Eugene oregon for the first time. Anything to help me be more prepared would be appreciated. Its through delta cargo and I've never set foot in this airport. Should i plan on being there when the plane lands? How much is involved getting the paperwork straightened out and the boxes picked up. Should i bring an aerator along as i am 2 1/2 hrs away. So nervous about this ordeal.

 

[fishface NJ]

I would get to the airport before the arrival. It will give you time to find out where to go and relax. Can't help with the airport. No need for aerator. Your live rocks will be in shipping box(es). You'll transport them home in the closed box(es).

 

[danreef55]

I am not familiar with the Eugene airport particulars.
Here is the normal process:

• Track the cargo to assure it is on the flight
• Freight charges MUST be paid prior to pickup (if not ppd)
• Go to the cargo department
• Government issued ID

The freight should be available within an hour of arrival.
The rock will normally be in waxed cardboard boxes covered in damp paper towels or similar. There is no reason to rush but you should have a container of preheated saltwater prepared at home.
Exactly how to proceed and the time depends.
Is the tank cycled or will you be using the rock to cycle?

If your tank is uncycled then rinse with fresh salt water and get to aquascaping:)

If your tank is already cycled.....
Place the rock in the container with a robust powerhead. Leave it there without light for about a week and check for odor. If you smell die off let sit for another few days.
Rinse and inspect for unwanted hitch hikers.

Finally, ENJOY!

 

[Jamie814]

Looking for an insight on what to expect when picking up some live rock at an airport in Eugene oregon for the first time. Anything to help me be more prepared would be appreciated. Its through delta cargo and I've never set foot in this airport. Should i plan on being there when the plane lands? How much is involved getting the paperwork straightened out and the boxes picked up. Should i bring an aerator along as i am 2 1/2 hrs away. So nervous about this ordeal.

The shipper should provide the flight number as soon as it’s available. You can then track the flight in real time on sites like FlightAware to see its ETA.
Once it lands allow an additional 20 minutes to an hour for unloading and making it ready for pickup.

Search for the terminal’s Delta air cargo customer cargo pickup address and give them a call for their specific pickup instructions.

Don’t bring an air pump—it’s unnecessary and could actually be harmful, as increasing the oxygen content can raise the pH and make any ammonia present more toxic.

 

[Fish Fan]

I have no idea about the Oregon airport, but for me and I believe the majority of airports, the air cargo pickup area is not in the airport proper. You don't have to go to the main gates and deal with any of the security. For me, my air cargo pickup was a small building adjacent to the airport. Overall, it was a bit challenging to find the building, but once I did it was very easy from there. I just showed an ID for the package, and started to load the boxes in the car.

I hope your experience goes smoothly too!

 

[danreef55]

P.S. If you need more assistance dont hesitate to ask

 

[Freenow54]

How far are you from the Airport? I would consider totes full of Salt Water for the trip home to keep it alive

 

[Fish Fan]

Looking for an insight on what to expect when picking up some live rock at an airport in Eugene oregon for the first time. Anything to help me be more prepared would be appreciated. Its through delta cargo and I've never set foot in this airport. Should i plan on being there when the plane lands? How much is involved getting the paperwork straightened out and the boxes picked up. Should i bring an aerator along as i am 2 1/2 hrs away. So nervous about this ordeal.

Who did you order from? I used Tampa Bay Saltwater and everything comes packed in an insulated box submerged in water. You won't need bubbler, just take the package home and open it there. TBS has detailed instructions on how to unpack and acclimate everything. If you purchased from somewhere else, they will likely have their own instructions, which I think you should follow.

Here's a great post about what it's like ordering from TBS including the airport pickup and getting the boxes unpacked and in the aquarium:

The Tampa Bay Saltwater Experience

I've been a Tampa Bay Saltwater customer for more than a decade now and have started at least half a dozen saltwater reef aquariums using their rock, sand, and clean-up crew. TBS is an amazing asset and resource for hobbyists in the USA. In this article, I hope to offer some insight into their...

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