Buying/Transporting Fish - Aquarium Advice

09-15-2006, 08:47 AM

whenever I go to the lfs, specificaly to buy fish, i take a little 6-pack cooler. this has advantages over the bag method they use at the store and is much safer for the fish.

first i clean it well and add some of my tank water to the cooler, about a pint or so. then when i choose a fish, i have the lfs person add their own water to the cooler and then the fish. this starts the acclimation process at the store. then i close the lid and keep the fish in complete darkness which reduces it's stress. this is also a good time to buy a small plant or two and throw it in the cooler as well.

when i am done shopping, i check the fish before i go, and carry the cooler by the convenient handle with the fish in total darkness, taking care not to slosh it around. another advantage to this is if it is hot or cold out, the cooler maintains the temperature inside. also, if i buy a clown loach(known for the sharp barb), i dont have to worry about it puncturing the bag.

when i get home, i slowly add more tank water to the cooler to acclimate it more until it is ready to go into the tank. at this point it is easy to net out of the cooler.

hope this helps anyone considering going to their lfs and picking up some fish. others may have different methods, but i found this way to be efficient and safe, and much better than putting fish in a clear plastic bag.

Burks · 09-15-2006, 10:12 AM

I just bring one of those insulated lunch bags whenever I buy fish. If it's hot I'll include an ice pack to keep the fish cool (since my car doesn't have A/C). 20 minutes to a hour is about as far as I'll drive with fish in this method.

Interesting idea though. I may give it a try sometime.

sarah5775 · 09-15-2006, 10:50 AM

Aquarius, that is EXCELLENT advice. I'm going to take it. I am thinking about adding a few new tetras to my tank and I'm sure this will make them happier fish!

happygirl65 · 09-15-2006, 06:01 PM

Truly fantastic idea! I will have to try this. I think that will be much better on fish considering I have a 1.5 hr drive ahead of me when I leave the LFS.

Awesome idea!

RogerMcAllen · 09-15-2006, 11:24 PM

Great idea, perhaps adding a battery operated air pump would be a nice touch for long hauls like the 1.5 hr drive mentioned above.

09-16-2006, 09:49 AM

here is an example. you can see the stickers on top from the last 3 fish i bought from petsmart. the good thing about this is that you dont have to make any modifications or do anything special except clean it. this can also be used as a temporary holding device for an isolated fish, for various reasons you might have for removing a fish from your tank. with the lid, nothing can jump out and once again, stress is reduced.

when you get a fish in a tubular plastic bag from the store, if you dont have someone to hold it, it can be awkward trying to find a place to put it in your car, usualy by laying it sideways on the seat or trying to prop it up somehow. topsy turvey for the fish none the less.

09-15-2006, 08:47 AM	#1
Guest Posts: n/a	Buying/Transporting Fish whenever I go to the lfs, specificaly to buy fish, i take a little 6-pack cooler. this has advantages over the bag method they use at the store and is much safer for the fish. first i clean it well and add some of my tank water to the cooler, about a pint or so. then when i choose a fish, i have the lfs person add their own water to the cooler and then the fish. this starts the acclimation process at the store. then i close the lid and keep the fish in complete darkness which reduces it's stress. this is also a good time to buy a small plant or two and throw it in the cooler as well. when i am done shopping, i check the fish before i go, and carry the cooler by the convenient handle with the fish in total darkness, taking care not to slosh it around. another advantage to this is if it is hot or cold out, the cooler maintains the temperature inside. also, if i buy a clown loach(known for the sharp barb), i dont have to worry about it puncturing the bag. when i get home, i slowly add more tank water to the cooler to acclimate it more until it is ready to go into the tank. at this point it is easy to net out of the cooler. hope this helps anyone considering going to their lfs and picking up some fish. others may have different methods, but i found this way to be efficient and safe, and much better than putting fish in a clear plastic bag.

09-15-2006, 11:24 PM	#5
RogerMcAllen Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 2,360 Images: 16	Great idea, perhaps adding a battery operated air pump would be a nice touch for long hauls like the 1.5 hr drive mentioned above. __________________ Have your reviewed your aquarium products yet?

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09-15-2006, 10:12 AM	#2
Burks Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Toledo, OH Posts: 556	I just bring one of those insulated lunch bags whenever I buy fish. If it's hot I'll include an ice pack to keep the fish cool (since my car doesn't have A/C). 20 minutes to a hour is about as far as I'll drive with fish in this method. Interesting idea though. I may give it a try sometime.

09-15-2006, 10:50 AM	#3
sarah5775 Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: May 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 194	Aquarius, that is EXCELLENT advice. I'm going to take it. I am thinking about adding a few new tetras to my tank and I'm sure this will make them happier fish!

09-15-2006, 06:01 PM	#4
happygirl65 Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: DeBorgia, MT Posts: 836 Images: 7	Truly fantastic idea! I will have to try this. I think that will be much better on fish considering I have a 1.5 hr drive ahead of me when I leave the LFS. Awesome idea!

09-16-2006, 09:49 AM	#6
Guest Posts: n/a	here is an example. you can see the stickers on top from the last 3 fish i bought from petsmart. the good thing about this is that you dont have to make any modifications or do anything special except clean it. this can also be used as a temporary holding device for an isolated fish, for various reasons you might have for removing a fish from your tank. with the lid, nothing can jump out and once again, stress is reduced. when you get a fish in a tubular plastic bag from the store, if you dont have someone to hold it, it can be awkward trying to find a place to put it in your car, usualy by laying it sideways on the seat or trying to prop it up somehow. topsy turvey for the fish none the less.