So I'm visiting family in Virginia Beach right now and came across an awesome pet store that has very affordable discus. I am considering buying three of them and attempting to take them on the road when we leave. Anyone have any suggestions on how to keep the stress down for the road trip. It will be about 12 hours total. What do you guys think?
Transporting Discus
- Thread starter FishDad
- Start date
You want to have them kept dark as well to minimize stress - either in the cooler, or in a paper bag, etc.
Also, when you get them home float the bags to match temp, but once you open them you will want to get them out of the bag(s) fairly quickly (30min or less). The ammonia in the bag doesn't cause problems when it is sealed. But once there is air exchange again, it will become a problem. You also want to be careful not to dump the nasty shipping water into your tank.
Either you can just transfer them directly to the tank once the temp is matched, or you can pour a little shipping water out, and add in some tank water a few times (or do a fast drip acclimation) if the other parameters are significantly different. I've heard experienced people who do it both ways with success - some people want to match everything as much as possible, others want to get the fish out and into clean, aerated water as quickly as possible.
Also, when you get them home float the bags to match temp, but once you open them you will want to get them out of the bag(s) fairly quickly (30min or less). The ammonia in the bag doesn't cause problems when it is sealed. But once there is air exchange again, it will become a problem. You also want to be careful not to dump the nasty shipping water into your tank.
Either you can just transfer them directly to the tank once the temp is matched, or you can pour a little shipping water out, and add in some tank water a few times (or do a fast drip acclimation) if the other parameters are significantly different. I've heard experienced people who do it both ways with success - some people want to match everything as much as possible, others want to get the fish out and into clean, aerated water as quickly as possible.
If a 'bag buddy' is used, the water is tinted and the fish remains in the dark, as far as the fish is concerned!
I moved from Iowa to Texas and had fish transported as I suggested above, and they were in the bags for 9 days. Other than two fish that were accidently bagged with a single cherry shrimp, all made it. (*side note, the shrimp was FAT upon release*
)
I moved from Iowa to Texas and had fish transported as I suggested above, and they were in the bags for 9 days. Other than two fish that were accidently bagged with a single cherry shrimp, all made it. (*side note, the shrimp was FAT upon release*
)
FD, I recall you planning on setting up a discus tank, do you have that 72gal ready to go? Bringing some home would be a no-brainer IMO, if you're all ready to go.
If I'm ever able to go on a vacation again.. I could easily see myself browsing out of town LFS now.
Is it possible to keep your 'Virginia Beach Discus' in a temporary location until your setup?
If I'm ever able to go on a vacation again.. I could easily see myself browsing out of town LFS now.
Is it possible to keep your 'Virginia Beach Discus' in a temporary location until your setup?
72 bow has been up and running for close to a year now. Interesting to note that the cleveland area has a much better african cichlid following that the virginia beach area. They have awesome fish stores but the cichlid selection leaves a lot to be desired. One of the lfs owners told me that there just isn't enough interest in them.
Well my wife made an executive decision to order discus online. The discus tank is actually her tank so, ok. However I came across a freshwater lion fish/toad fish! Very cool. The guy said he should be fine with larger cichlids. Transporting issues aside what do you guys think about the compatability?
I have done research on these guys and it seems there could be two complications. One would be the preying on smaller cichlids. Two would be the somewhat brackish water that they thrive in. My salt content is one tbs per 10g. I think he'll be ok, but would like to here feedback if anyone has any experience with them.
Do you know the species? Lots of different fish called 'freshwater lionfish' or 'toadfish.'
A friend of mine has three Batrachomoeus trispinosus in a 125gallon brackish tank with a large school of Mono sebae. Hers are very 'oscar-like' in personality; they recognize her and beg for food when she comes to the tank.
A friend of mine has three Batrachomoeus trispinosus in a 125gallon brackish tank with a large school of Mono sebae. Hers are very 'oscar-like' in personality; they recognize her and beg for food when she comes to the tank.
I don't know, I'm having trouble pinning it down. The lfs has no idea what the scientific name is. It seems the most common varieties referred to FW lionfish/toad fish are Allenbatrachus grunniens and Batrachomoeus trispinosus. Right now I am leaning toward the latter based on its color being greyish black than shades of brown. The face I believe is closer to Batrachomoeus trispinosus as well. OC depending on the specific species, what sort of variances can there be? That may help me pin down the species.
I only know of B. trispinosus. Hers all have blue eyes too, if that helps. Color of the fish is not much use, as they can change colors to 'blend in' with the rockwork. Hers are lighter during the day (when the light is on) and get darker as the tank lights go out and its just the room light to see them by. From a light tan to almost black!