Considering the weather when ordering fish

S

sillyputty

AC Members
Dec 10, 2004
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I live in the central plains. It can be pretty cold here but can range from high teens to low 40's on average this time of year. Should I not consider ordering fish mail order from either online or reputable dealer on Aquabid or should they be ok overnight with a heatpack. I am home all the time so there is no chance they would be left sitting on my doorstep.

Lynn
 
Generally online fish dealers like LiveAquaria.com pack the fish in such a way that the packaging can protect the fish in most kinds of weather. That's why shipping is thirty bucks per shipment. Although you might want to hold off if the temps are sub-zero, as even the best packaging might not handle that kind of cold.

Generally, they put handwarmer-style heat packs in there to generate heat in the insulated packaging. In the summer, they throw in cool packs. Reputable dealers also have a decent guarantee on the fish arriving alive. LiveAquaria.com has a 14-day guarantee for example.
 
Overnight with a heat pack and they should be fine--I've ordered plants in the middle of the February, when the high was below freezing, and never had any problems.
 
I'm in VA, so it doesn't get that cold here, but my rainbows come in from CA. They probably do a pit-stop in Chicago on the way here :)

Anyhow, the guy I buy from on AquaBid asks that the temperature of the bag water be taken as soon as you open the box, and that you email that to him along with the temperature outside. Smart man.

Last shipment I got in the temperature was 46* outside (hey, it's VA) and the temperature of the bag water was 75*.

Like I said, it's VA but who knows where the plane actually went in the last 24 hours?

IME when you get the fish, immediately open the box, take the temperature of the bag water and take out a sample of the water so you can check the ammonia level. Then IMMEDIATELY add a few drops of Prime or Amquel+ to detoxify the water. It will help the fish immensely and increase the success of acclaimation.

Make sure you write down the temps and ammonia readings. If there are any problems with the fish you then have data to back yourself up. You never know when you will need it.

Roan
 
good shippers know what to do and its fine. you should be more concerned with storms that will delay the package and keep the fish sitting somewhere.
 
Is it a good idea to order fish online and have them shipped to your door. This just doesn't sound like a good idea even though i kow it happes a lot.

What are some of your experiences in having fish shipped to your door?
 
emergent said:
Is it a good idea to order fish online and have them shipped to your door. This just doesn't sound like a good idea even though i kow it happes a lot.

What are some of your experiences in having fish shipped to your door?
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I do it all the time. No problems thus far. I did have UPS drive away once with a ball python he forgot to deliver with my other packages :rolleyes: Good thing I was waiting for it and chased his truck.

Roan
 
Move to florida! I can order all year long.

Todays high....76 degrees f :cool:
 
budrecki said:
Move to florida! I can order all year long.

Todays high....76 degrees f :cool:
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Heh. Hopefully the plane carrying your fish doesn't get hung up in Denver or O'Hare during a blizzard. :D
 
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