What size ice packs does everyone use and where do you buy them? (Summer is just around the corner)

[PSUolive]

I figured since we are getting into spring and summer is coming fast this could be helpful to others as well as myself.

I searched and did not see any recent posts within the last few years dedicated to Ice packs and shipping corals.

I know many people make their own ice packs and others re-use the ones they have got from LFS or Live Aquaria but this thread is specifically for where people BUY their ice packs from and what size they choose to use for their boxes and why they chose those specific options.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I figured since we are getting into spring and summer is coming fast this could be helpful to others as well as myself.

I searched and did not see any recent posts within the last few years dedicated to Ice packs and shipping corals.

I know many people make their own ice packs and others re-use the ones they have got from LFS or Live Aquaria but this thread is specifically for where people BUY their ice packs from and what size they choose to use for their boxes and why they chose those specific options.

I used zip lock bags. You can buy a 30 pack for under $5. I placed them in the sump, so use a size that will fit fine and the idea is to rotate them. Place one frozen one in sump, allow to melt and lower temp. When it melts, pull a new frozen one from freezer and place melted one back in freezer
I currently use a chiller unit

 

[PSUolive]

I just started shipping corals this past January during the winter months and was successful in shipping to single digit and even negative temperature locations. But the time of year for heat packs is now gone and its almost time for ice packs.


I personally ship in 8x8x8 boxes or 10x10x10 and cut my own 1" insulation from the 8'X4ft sheets you get from Home Depot. I also only ship overnight only to minimize DOA's.

So I am probably going to go with Uline's Ice packs either 6oz or 8oz for those same size boxes mentioned above. I am curious what others who ship in hot weather use and why they use that size.

Link to the Uline Icepacks

Single Use Cold Packs, Single Use Ice Packs in Stock - ULINE

Uline stocks a wide selection of Single-Use Cold Packs. Order by 6 p.m. for same day shipping. Huge Catalog! Over 42,000 products in stock. 13 Locations across USA, Canada and Mexico for fast delivery of Single-Use Cold Packs.

www.uline.com

 

[exnisstech]

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[PSUolive]

48 6oz ice packs measuring 5 1/2 x 4 x 3/4" for $22 isn't bad. But Since I have never used them before to ship coral. I dont know if they are big enough to stay cold for 12-16 hours.

 

[Stephen Glover]

I freeze 2 liter soda bottles with water as a just in case the power goes out and I need to cool the tank down.

 

[PSUolive]

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yea I am not sure they just are listed as Non-Toxic and FDA compliant.

 

[exnisstech]

@PSUolive

Sorry I deleted my post after I figured out the you were talking about shipping not cooling tank

 

[PSUolive]

Part of me wants to use the re-useable ice packs in my shipments with the hopes that people will not just throw them away and that they will re-use them in some manor and help cut down on the trash and plastic we are putting into the ground and oceans.
But I guess not everyone thinks about re-useable items like that and I am sure most just get thrown away anyway.


I still may spend the little bit extra and add a note in each shipment to mention why I use re-useable ice packs with the hope that they will also re-use them any number of things. ( Lunch boxes, coolers, shipping their own coral or traveling with coolers in a car etc..)