Post by Rhyn on Nov 18, 2003 13:48:41 GMT -5
I figured with the break coming up and all the people who're at college and might be trying to figure out what to do with their tanks, I'd share what I've been doing with mine. Mostly a trial & error process, I've finally figured out a pretty good way to get them to travel just fine in any weather. My drive home is 2.5 hours, 123 miles, and I usually drive alone, so there's no one to check on them during the drive.
(There's a simplified version with numbered steps at the bottom for those who don't want to read all this.)
Anyone with comments/questions/advice on things that would make it even easier would be apprciated. I add something to make it easier each time and so far, I think I get better at it each time. But advice is always welcome.
For those debating whether to bring fish home over the Thanksgiving break, one thing to consider: I know my school shuts off the heating when they make us leave. That's why my babies are all coming with me.
I have small kritter keepers that I refer to as travel tanks. I have two 3/4 gal tanks and have just recently purchased 4 smaller ones (as of yet untested, but I'm confident my usual method will be just fine). When travel time comes around, the VERY last thing I do is pack the fish. Everything else gets loaded into the car, then I come back and get the fish ready.
Make sure there's no decorations in it. I know it sounds dumb, but I used to keep my fish in the 3/4 gal tanks and sometimes I wouldn't remove all the decor. Do it. Trust me.
I put about an inch to an inch and a half of water in the bottom of the tank. Usually, I take it from my water jug because it's perfectly clean water, unlike the tank water that's not at its perfect best. I make sure the water's the same temp as the tank water and then put the fish in. Then, I take a plastic ziploc baggie - make sure it's a brand you trust or you treat the water - and I put hot hot hot from the tap water. Basically, as hot as I think the bag can handle without melting and/or as hot as the tap will go. Around here, the two are the same. If your tap doesn't get too hot, you might consider microwaving water or even over a stove if you've got access.
The water baggie holds two purposes: the weight of it keeps the tank from sloshing too much, and the heat of it keeps the tank warm. I discovered that the temp is key - when I got home before using the baggie, the poor fish were cold and transparent. After the baggie, neither would be striped nor transparent.
Oh yeah. And if the bag seems hot enough to burn you (ie TOO hot), use a second bag to double-bag it. That kind of heat is good 'cause it'll keep them warm longer, but you don't want scorched fishies either.
Oh, yes. One other lesson: older cats are more inclined to leave the tanks alone. Younger ones are not. Judge the aggressiveness of any cats in the household you're going to and plan accordingly. A nightlight in a bathroom with the door closed can make a safe place for them to be, but more permanent lodging is recommended.
Basic, no frills version for those who don't want to read all that:
Things you need:
treated clean water
travel tank (kritter keeper or something clear, secure, and transportable NO DECORATIONS)
plastic baggie with zipper seal (brand you TRUST or use treated water)
hot hot hot water
1. Put an inch of treated water in travel tank. Same temp as regular tank
2. Put fish in tank.
3. Put hot hot hot water in ziploc baggie.
4. Put baggie in tank to act as baffle & heat pack. Double-bag if seems *too* hot.
(There's a simplified version with numbered steps at the bottom for those who don't want to read all this.)
Anyone with comments/questions/advice on things that would make it even easier would be apprciated. I add something to make it easier each time and so far, I think I get better at it each time. But advice is always welcome.
For those debating whether to bring fish home over the Thanksgiving break, one thing to consider: I know my school shuts off the heating when they make us leave. That's why my babies are all coming with me.
I have small kritter keepers that I refer to as travel tanks. I have two 3/4 gal tanks and have just recently purchased 4 smaller ones (as of yet untested, but I'm confident my usual method will be just fine). When travel time comes around, the VERY last thing I do is pack the fish. Everything else gets loaded into the car, then I come back and get the fish ready.
Make sure there's no decorations in it. I know it sounds dumb, but I used to keep my fish in the 3/4 gal tanks and sometimes I wouldn't remove all the decor. Do it. Trust me.
I put about an inch to an inch and a half of water in the bottom of the tank. Usually, I take it from my water jug because it's perfectly clean water, unlike the tank water that's not at its perfect best. I make sure the water's the same temp as the tank water and then put the fish in. Then, I take a plastic ziploc baggie - make sure it's a brand you trust or you treat the water - and I put hot hot hot from the tap water. Basically, as hot as I think the bag can handle without melting and/or as hot as the tap will go. Around here, the two are the same.
If your tap doesn't get too hot, you might consider microwaving water or even over a stove if you've got access.The water baggie holds two purposes: the weight of it keeps the tank from sloshing too much, and the heat of it keeps the tank warm. I discovered that the temp is key - when I got home before using the baggie, the poor fish were cold and transparent. After the baggie, neither would be striped nor transparent.
Oh yeah. And if the bag seems hot enough to burn you (ie TOO hot), use a second bag to double-bag it. That kind of heat is good 'cause it'll keep them warm longer, but you don't want scorched fishies either.
Oh, yes. One other lesson: older cats are more inclined to leave the tanks alone. Younger ones are not. Judge the aggressiveness of any cats in the household you're going to and plan accordingly. A nightlight in a bathroom with the door closed can make a safe place for them to be, but more permanent lodging is recommended.
Basic, no frills version for those who don't want to read all that:
Things you need:
treated clean water
travel tank (kritter keeper or something clear, secure, and transportable NO DECORATIONS)
plastic baggie with zipper seal (brand you TRUST or use treated water)
hot hot hot water
1. Put an inch of treated water in travel tank. Same temp as regular tank
2. Put fish in tank.
3. Put hot hot hot water in ziploc baggie.
4. Put baggie in tank to act as baffle & heat pack. Double-bag if seems *too* hot.
