Plastic bag thickness?

Kbra · Apr 25, 2011

I'm considering using plastic bags to ship corals vs the pee cups I already use. Especially for larger orders. I'm curious though what mil you guys use or anyone the works at the lfs. Obviously you want a semi thick bag for srength but I think too thick and it a have a hard time making a good seal.

Breakin Newz · Apr 25, 2011

I use nothing below 3mil...

xmetalfan99 · Apr 25, 2011

Kbra said:
I'm considering using plastic bags to ship corals vs the pee cups I already use. Especially for larger orders. I'm curious though what mil you guys use or anyone the works at the lfs. Obviously you want a semi thick bag for srength but I think too thick and it a have a hard time making a good seal.

We use 2mm bags, but we don't ship so we don't need anything thick. When I ship corals, I actually use glad bags since they seem sturdier.

Edited post. made a mistake on bag mm. Just looked at the box.

Kbra · Apr 25, 2011

Breakin Newz said:
I use nothing below 3mil...

I found this site for some. Seemed pretty reasonable in price for 4 mil.
http://www.uline.com/BL_109/4-Mil-Industrial-Poly-Bags

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

Akwarius · Apr 25, 2011

Definitely 3mm or thicker. Also consider getting an impulse heat sealer. By far more reliable than zip bags or even tied ones.

Kbra · Apr 25, 2011

Akwarius said:
Definitely 3mm or thicker. Also consider getting an impulse heat sealer. By far more reliable than zip bags or even tied ones.

I was thinking maybe the metal crimps like the wholesalers use.

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

Akwarius · Apr 25, 2011

Kbra said:
I was thinking maybe the metal crimps like the wholesalers use.

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

You have to double or triple bag with those. For larger bags it makes sense, but for smaller bags a heat sealer is a little slice of magic. I've shipped to over a hundred people this way and have only had maybe one or two leaks.

xmetalfan99 · Apr 25, 2011

Akwarius said:
You have to double or triple bag with those. For larger bags it makes sense, but for smaller bags a heat sealer is a little slice of magic. I've shipped to over a hundred people this way and have only had maybe one or two leaks.

+1

The heat sealers are great gizmos when it comes to shipping corals. I know Gary ships this way as well and after about 45 different corals I have yet to have a bag leak.

Akwarius · Apr 25, 2011

The heat sealer option will cost you a little bit up front, but its worth it for the piece of mind.

Kbra · Apr 25, 2011

Like so?

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

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

Akwarius · Apr 25, 2011

Kbra said:
Like so?

Impulse Sealer in Stock - ULINE

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

Bingo, but honestly you can get them cheaper on ebay. Just make sure to buy a replacement teflon strip and extra heat elements. The salt water will eventually wear them down.

xmetalfan99 · Apr 25, 2011

Kbra said:
Like so?

Impulse Sealer in Stock - ULINE

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

Yes, that is what we are talking about. Definately worth the investment if you ship a lot of corals. They make life easier and they can't somehow be undone.

Troylee · Apr 25, 2011

Actually I'm not and you guys really need to chill!!!!!

Sixlinelace · Apr 25, 2011

Can we all just stop fighting. I hate it when you guys fight.

Troylee · Apr 25, 2011

Agreed sixline it's getting kind of childish me and the other team members have had nothing but complaints and spending the day cleaning up threads from a few members and reported posts.... Enough is enough you guys have 26 min left let's see if we can go that long with out another reported post.....:sad:

Akwarius · Apr 25, 2011

Sixlinelace said:
Can we all just stop fighting. I hate it when you guys fight.

Thanks for the concern, but who are you? fsu1dolfan in disguise? LOL

jledon4 · Apr 25, 2011

Troylee · Apr 25, 2011

Akwarius said:
Thanks for the concern, but who are you? fsu1dolfan in disguise? LOL

This is your last warning!!!!!

Akwarius · Apr 25, 2011

jledon4 said:
people sometimes have the same opinions over things! also people don't want a single response over a question! if there are multiple equal answers, this helps the OP find a good answer. what are you asking the mods to do here?? xmetal was doing the same thing as you were, answering a question. if the OP needed only your response, maybe he would have sent you a PM.

You're absolutely right.

creative · Jul 12, 2012

Bag Thickness for shipping coral

Hey guys. I have only recently gotten involved in the wonderful world of aquariums - love it! Anyway, I own a packaging company and one of the main things we sell is poly bags (not regularly to the aquarium community but I thought I might be able to give my 2 cents with some level of intelligence). Poly bag thicknesses as well as proper bag sizing will be equally important if you are trying to ship coral. Because of the potential for tearing the bag with certain types of coral I would suggest at least a 3 mil bag (1.5 mil to 3 mil may work). The 3 mil bag gives you that little extra sturdiness and puncture resistance that will not be nearly as prevalent when you are getting down closer to the 1.0 mil thickness. For the quantity of bags you get in a case - if you are serious about it - you should definitely try to "lean" toward a little thicker bag. creativepackagingandsupply.com is our website we have warehousing set up for poly bags in 6 different warehouse strategically located throughout the US and our pricing/quality is excellent.