How to hold over fish for travel??

[bamboofish]

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??

[Toss]

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

[Tsukiyomi-sakura]

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.

[bitterman]

-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

[bergenm]

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.

[bamboofish]

Thanks for the help, the air-stone worked well.... plugged into the car..