My water parameters.
Our water in Vancouver B.C. is quite soft. My discus are
kept in 6.8 ph. Our water hardness is below one for gh and kh.
Changing your fish to higher parameters is not a problem as
long as not too large of a jump at one time. Going up to 7.5 for instance is
not a problem.
When I get fish shipped in for resale they are held for two
weeks before resale. They need time to settle after their jet lag and get
eating well and put on some growth and weight. Fish that have been shipped have
been fasted for a few days to prevent ammonia in the bags . So they need some
time to fill out again .
Discus Shipping made easy.
Receiving your first shipment of fish is very exciting but
also a bit worrisome. I felt like a new mother and of course never slept the
whole night knowing they would be at the airport in the morning.
The shipper: He starts planning a few days ahead to
organize the shipping. He starts by making sure not to feed them a day or so
ahead, depending on how long of a trip. This makes sure there's little waste in
the bag and less ammonia. He arranges the shipping plans with the airline or
other service and finds the most direct route to your house.
The fish are usually double or triple bags depending on how
large they are. They get about 1/3 water and 2/3 oxygen. They are all put into
a styrofoam container with heat packs if needed depending on the time of year.
And then into a cardboard box. Usually the shipper will call or email you with
the tracking number and time of arrival.
What I've always done is I check with my end and make sure
the cargo hours correlate with the arrival time. Some airline cargo offices are
open all night whereas some close at 6:00pm.
Your end: You should have a clean cycled tank ready
to go . Your fish should always have their own tank and quarantine rules should
be followed. Most breeders specify at what parameters the fish were kept at and
also what they were fed. If not, it is suggested that you ask them. I would
also ask the breeder how he suggests acclimating the fish.
The method I have always used is to open the bag, catch the
fish in my hand and straight into the new water.
If your tank ph is close to the bag pH then introducing them
to their new home is easy. However normally during long transit, the pH can get
very low in the bag due to the fish waste and Co2 produced. So in most cases,
the pH in your tank will be higher. If it is a lot higher, then you will need
to gradually raise the pH in the bag.
Reason being, when the fish are in a low pH the ammonia in
the bag is non-toxic. But once oxygen is added by the action of opening the bag
or adding them into a higher pH environment, the ammonia can burn their gills
and fins. So I've found the best way is to place them directly into the tank.
But again, check with your breeder for his acclimation suggestions.
I usually add one tablespoon salt to each 10 gallons of
water to my tank before they arrive. And also keep the temperature at about 90
degrees for the first few days, then gradually lowering it.
It may take a day or so for your new fish to start eating.
On most shipping occasions, the fishes I received were swimming around and
waiting for their first meal once in the tank. This of course depends on what
size group you've received, stressed, etc... Normally, if you received a
smaller group, they could be shy for a few days. Its best if you can get at
least 6 of similar size together. 8 is even better as they don't feel so lost
in a big new tank. Rule of thumb is one discus per 10 gallons as adults.
Juveniles can be started in a smaller tank as long as you keep up on your water
changes and keep the water quality good.
Feed them small meals and be sure no extra food sits on the
bottom of the tank. Eventually as they become more relaxed you will find them
swimming higher up and then finally meeting you at the top waiting for their
meals. Watch your ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates at first as your filter could
be playing catch-up. Try to feed clean foods at first to make sure your filter
is keeping up with the new demands. Hikari bloodworms is a good first food next
morning to feed. Beefheart is messy and can tax your filter at first. If you do
feed these..try to feed in the morning when they are hungriest and then vacuum
the bottom and do your wc afterwards. Small pinches of flake food is also good.
I use only flake or discus new life spectrum in small amounts.
Out of all the fish I have ordered I have maybe lost one or
two fish. If one does arrive D.0.A. then you need to let the breeder know .
Usually the breeder will call or email to make sure all went
well. Or you can call or email the breeder and let him know that the fishes
arrived and are safely in your tank.
On the whole I feel its been a rewarding experience and feel
I have gotten some very nice fish which could not have been obtainable
otherwise locally . I recommend it if you have never received your fish via
shipping. Its quite easy and you will find yourself to be a proud new owner of
some great looking fishes.
For most major cities I can ship via Westjet or Coastal
Airlines. For island deliveries I'm open to meeting at the ferry.
Shipping made easy by April Ross |
