How To Transport Aquarium Fish?

 

It is the moment when you realize the plan to have your own aquarium and fish, you are already in the store and are buying the future residents of this beautiful water tank and the first challenge appears - how to transport them safely home? You will also have to face a similar task for example during a possible move. Transporting fish is a very important issue, as a few mistakes can cause them health problems and even death.

 

Transporting fish in a plastic bag

Fish transported in a plastic bag is a scene you have probably seen in your life. However, don't be fooled by appearances! It can't be a classic plastic bag from a supermarket. Using such a soap for transporting living organisms could be tragic, as you have no guarantee of having a waterproof container. In addition, you are not sure what plastic the bag was produced from, so it is possible that, in contact with water, the plastic will start to release toxic substances and cause fish poisoning. That's why pet shops have special bags. They are made of safe materials and have rounded edges, which protects the fish from getting stuck in a sharp corner.

 

During transportation, fish need oxygen, so the bag should be filled with water to 1/3 of its height. Such a procedure will provide the residents of the bag with the necessary air. Remember that the bag containing the fish should be transported in a stable vertical position. It is best to put it in a box (darkness reduces stress on transported animals). The season in which you make the purchase is also important. In winter, it is necessary to deal with thermal insulation in the form of a polystyrene container. You can also use special thermal insulation boxes for food.

 

And then? Once you have arrived home, do not transfer the fish to the aquarium right away. The change in temperature and water environment can be a shock to them. Therefore, place the bag in the aquarium and wait for the water in it to match the temperature of the ambient water. Then it is necessary to pour some water from the aquarium into the bag and wait a quarter of an hour, and then repeat this procedure, and after another quarter of an hour move the fish to their home catching them with a net. Caution! Do not pour the water from the transport bag into the aquarium, as it is highly contaminated with metabolites of fish stressed during transport.