Sometimes aquarium fish have to be transported: when buying at a pet store, when moving, when catching exotic fish in another country. In order for them to arrive safe and sound, it is necessary to create comfortable conditions for travel.
It is necessary
- - Container for transportation (package, bank, plastic box);
- - Oxygen canister (for the second and third points);
- - Battery operated compressor.
Instructions
Step 1
When transporting fish over short distances, you only need a suitable container. The pet store sells tight bags, special hermetically sealed cans and boxes of various sizes. The ratio of water and air in the tank can be from 1: 1 to 1: 3. Often in pet stores, oxygen can be added instead of air, but this is not important for transportation over short distances. The most important thing when transporting fish is not to expose them to temperature shock. A sharp temperature drop of 4 degrees in either direction can be fatal. Therefore, in winter, it is better to transport a container with fish in the bosom or in a heated vehicle, and in hot conditions, protect it from direct sunlight and use an air-conditioned vehicle.
Step 2
Long distance transportation is much more difficult. In this case, the lowest possible stocking density is needed, and the ratio of water to gas in the container should be at least 1: 2 and the air should be enriched with oxygen. Pure oxygen can be used for some fish species. Before a long trip, it is better not to feed them for a day, since a well-fed fish consumes more oxygen than a hungry one, and produces more water-poisoning waste products. Don't worry, a hunger strike for several days won't hurt them. In this case, as in any other, recommendations for observing the temperature regime are also relevant.
Step 3
Sometimes there are situations that fish need to be transported over long distances with a high stocking density. In this case, their life completely depends on you, since the supply of oxygen in the tank will run out in about 4-5 hours. After this period, you need to untie the bag / open the container, place the compressor spray there and turn it on. Make sure that the flow of air bubbles is not too strong, otherwise the fish may be frightened and even die from shock. With a long journey, you can take breaks in aeration for about 2 hours, or for 4-5 when pumping oxygen into the tank. This is very useful, since you cannot leave an open container with fish unattended in a moving vehicle.
