Packing advice for shipping

[TClare]

I have someone interested in my baby Guianacaras, but in another city, I will have to send them by overnight bus. First I need to find out where I can get oxygen for the bags. I have some polystyrene boxes of various sizes, but wondering what size bags to use, how much water and how many fish in each bag? There are around 25-30. fish that very in size from 2-3 cm

 

[Fishfur]

I have someone interested in my baby Guianacaras, but in another city, I will have to send them by overnight bus. First I need to find out where I can get oxygen for the bags. I have some polystyrene boxes of various sizes, but wondering what size bags to use, how much water and how many fish in each bag? There are around 25-30. fish that very in size from 2-3 cm

They can get by without oxygen if you can’t get it and packing isn’t that difficult, but temperature management can be.

Get bags that are very sturdy - you do not want leaks, so at least 2 mils thick.

Many shippers I’ve received fish from run a band of tape across the bottom and partway up the sides of each bag to eliminate the sharp corner. A gusseted bag eliminates the sharp corners too but then fish occasionally get stuck under the folds that create the gusset so they really don’t solve the problem.

You tape them after they are filled and closed up.

Bags should contain 3/4 air to 1/4 water and with fish that size, a bag around 45cm long and 15cm wide could take half a dozen fish the size of yours.

It doesn’t matter whether bags lie flat or vertically but they need to be immobile inside the styrofoam box. Use anything handy you have to fill any voids so bags can’t move.

Enclose the styrofoam box in a cardboard one to protect it from bumps and so on - the styrofoam isn’t very strong.

If it’s very warm, you’ll need to use some cold packs so the fish don’t cook on their journey. Separate the bags from direct contact with the cold packs.

How long will they be on the bus?

 

[ProudPapa]

• The ratio I've seen most often, and used myself, is 1/3 water and 2/3 air. I do half tank water and half fresh water.
• Don't worry about buying oxygen. Just blow into the bag. When we exhale there is still quite a bit of oxygen available.
• You can tape the corners of the bag, as Fishfur mentioned, or do like I do. Secure the bag with a rubber band (with as much air in it as you can get), and then invert it in another bag and tie it closely. That way all the corners are rounded off, and you have insurance, so if one bag leaks hopefully the other one won't.

 

[Lucy]

Hi, EricV has a write up at the top of the forum.
While it addresses shipping fish via post, I'm sure you'll find some helpful info.

E

Thread 'How I Ship Live Fish'

Feb 16, 2017

As promised I've finally gotten the time to put together a step by step guide on how I pack fish and shrimp for shipping.

1. The box.

I use USPS priority mail for all of my standard orders.




2. Insulation.

I use 1/2" foam insulation board (available at most home improvement stores in 4'x8' sheets for approximately $10) cut to size for a box liner.





3. Heat

For cold weather shipments you'll need to use a heat pack.



4. Prepping the box.

Use the pieces of insulation to line the bottom and sides of the box...

• EricV
• Replies: 14
• Forum: Shipping Aquatics

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[TClare]

Thanks for the advice, this is very helpful, I have thought that oxygen isn't necessary, but the person who is buying them thinks it is, that is the trouble...

Secure the bag with a rubber band (with as much air in it as you can get), and then invert it in another bag and tie it closely.

I have received fish packed in this way and was think of doing that.

The bus journey is about 8-9 hours but taking into account delivery of the package etc. it will be closer to 12 hours before the fish are collected. No problem with overheating, as it gets quite cold at night, but probably not cold enough to need a heat pack, maybe about 9-10 degrees C....no fish I have received from there have come with a heat pack.

 

[Hellfishguy]

Fast the fish for 24 hours before bagging them up to lessen to amount of waste they’ll produce.

I always place a 1 inch square of an ammonia absorber, such as Polyfilter, in each bag.