B.C. Harker

At the end of April I'm moving from Corpus Christi, TX to the Dallas, TX area. I have two bettas, three snails, and a blood parrot cichlid (in separate tanks, of course). I'm not worried about moving the bettas and snails because I have transported them successfully before. I am, however, a little unsure on how to move the cichlid. I've read online about styrofoam fish boxes, breathable bags, oxygen stones...pretty much everything I can find. I'm hoping someone can give me some advice on the best methods. Bags versus boxes? Should I put the bag in the box? Will I need to change the water mid trip? For a nine hour, one-day trip, how much water and air will the cichlid need (he's about four inches from end to end)? Any tips, tricks, and words of wisdom will be much appreciated.

Shaina

There are different ways of doing it, but I prefer fasting the fish 48hrs ahead of the trip, and transporting in a large bag (double-bagged is even better) that's 1/4 or so full of water, and placing said bag(s) in an appropriately sized cooler. Adding Prime to the clean tank water you use to fill the bag will help prevent ammonia poisoning.

If you do it in one day, I see no reason to need water changes or anything like that. I would keep a battery-powered air pump with line and stone on hand, though, in case something unexpected happened.

agabr123

i definitely agree, fasting for two days before is the way to go, that way there wont be as much waste and therefore less ammonia in the bag. definitely double bag your fish, and put enough water to where your fish can move around and turn around, but not too high as you want as much oxygen in there as possible.

another thing, your fish will definitely be less stressed if you wrap the bag in dark towels, and then put them in the cooler that shaina suggested.

when you bought your bettas did they come in cups like from wal mart or petsmart? some of mine did, and i've kept all of those cups that make it really easy to transport them in. there are small holes in the top so that there's enough oxygen as well.

B.C. Harker

Thank you so much to both the people who have responded! I'll definitely use your advice.

I have two of those tiny plastic betta tanks for moving the bettas. Pre-cichlid, I've gone out of town for weeks at a time and taken the bettas with me in those. The bettas have always done fine.

agabr123

sounds good, good luck!