Hi,
can anyone give me some pointers on holding and travelling with fish - chiclids.
I'm thinking of going to Octoberfish show and auction in Kitchner. If I bought any next Sunday, I couldn't come back right away.
Could they be held in a bucket with just a heater and a hob filter for a few days??
Anything special I sdhould do??
air pump and air stone. Dechlorinator, cause you need to change the water daily for about 10-20% at the time. Set the heater ahead of time. If you have black 5gal bucket (Loblaws garden centre should have some leftover if you can ask) to reduce the stress.
I have done this many times. The fish should last in the bucket for at least 3-4 days if condition is right. Feed them very little flakes once a day. Good luck :)
A rock Or weighted plant in the bucket when they are not in motion (something to hide in) should help reduce a bit of stress, and keep them from slamming into the bucket sides.
-Bring Prime with you and change the water frequently.
-A Cycled HOB and air pumps wiht air stones can be used with an inverted in the car if needed for very long trips.
-For shorter trips I like to bag fish for transport using Bag Buddies and use coolers for transportation. (Got my Mpimbwe Frontosa from 5 hours away this way without issue)
-When fish are in buckets cover them to keep thinks dark and decrease stress. Keep buckets heated whenever possible
-If its only a couple days depending on the condition, I normally don't feed at all. Less food = less waste and in turn is easier for the fish. Think of it that most mouth broading cichlids go about a month without eating when holding fry. so a few days is no worry at all.
-For transportation in the car I like to use coolers, heat packs if necesary to keep the fish at the optimum temp.
-With africans agression can be an issue in buckets so be carefull and keep a watchfull eye and an extra bucket or two as you often get more fish then you plan to.
Comming back right away is the best for the fish.
Bruce
I drove for three day from Edmonton to Toronto with my koi in the back of my car. I used a large Rubbermaid bin with a couple of air holes drilled in the lid. I ran a battery operated pump for air, did not feed them, and did water changes each day (use Prime)...didn't loose one in the trip...mind you a week later the butt-head who was taking care of them while I came back to Ottawa managed to kill two of them >:(
You have to be careful on the starts and the stops as water is not very forgiving when in motion and you want a container with a tight fitting lid (I had mine taped on). I would also recommend bringing a smaller bucket, as a back-up, in case of emergency
For heat, most shippers use heat packs.
Good luck.
Thanks for the help, the air-stone worked well.... plugged into the car..