How To Ship Fish
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- čas přidán 26. 04. 2017
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Just now commenting 4yrs later, you are perhaps the best advocate for the tropical fish hobby I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching. Longtime subscriber here. Today’s date is July 1st 2021. Thank you sir🙂👍🏻
Damn, this video is 6 years old and I honestly don't think I've ever heard anyone else talk about the risk to other people's packages if fish are packed improperly, and it is a very good point that couriers could put a stop to it altogether if mishaps happened often enough. They also probably don't like doing it because they actually have to be careful with the package, no tossing it into the back of trucks or hurling them over fences, because even most electronics can survive rough handling but most animals can't. Very well put together video, I subscribed, and I definitely look forward to placing an order in the future when the weather is good for shipping to Canada. Oh and I know you've probably realized it by now but for anyone else wondering, those bags are called 4 mil meaning their thickness, it's not short for millilitre and they hold way more than 4 millilitres. It's similar to steel gauges, each mil is equal to 0.001 inches or 25.4 microns thick, my father worked in plastic all of my life so I had to say something after hearing you call them 4 millilitre bags for the 3rd+ time lol.
Right! I guess 4 milliliter bags would be a bit small :)
Thank you for sharing your methods. I'm just getting into selling my fish (started an Endler colony and the rest is history...!) and have been really intimidated by the prospect of shipping them. This has really cleared up a lot of my fears!
One tip i will give to a beginner short on cash is there's a consumer product called Boost Oxygen that you can buy in some stores - it comes in an aerosol can and it isnt that much in there so it's much more economical to get a proper O2 cylinder in the long run, but if you're just shipping one box of fish and don't have enough $$ to make the big investment it's worth it!!
Thanks for the O2 tip!
Thank you so much for doing this video.I am looking forward to starting this business next week
Thanks, Dan! What a great video.
Wow! That sealer gives so much utility and makes the bags come out looking professional. I need to get one. 😆
Really great, clear, explicit, organized video - thanks! I think you will (have already) help many people to ship fish safely, and love the responsibility to the hobby by shipping well discussion. Good job!
GREAT EXPLANATION VIDEO :)
THANK YOU VERY-MUCH FOR SHARING :)
THANK YOU FROM ISRAEL :)
amazing content, very informative!
Dan I would definitely feel comfortable ordering fish from you, well done!
Thanks for share your knowledge 😊
Great shipping method and thanks for going into such detail with your explanation.
Thanks Aqua! Glad you liked the vid.
Dan, I commented on your other video about fish shipping that your videos are the best I have ever seen. I was so nervous about doing it before I watched how you do it. I followed your instructions exactly, and I want to let you know that I shipped 23 rams to Wisconsin, Washington State, Oregon and Texas this week, and they all arrived in good condition in spite of a day delay and colder temperatures. Thanks so much for your videos! I am telling anyone who asks me about shipping to watch your videos.
Jones,
It is always gratifying when the videos do some actual good in the fishy world. I'm glad you are having success shipping fish. Congrats, and thanks so much for letting me know. Your comment made my day!
Best,
Dan
What a responsible hobbyist. Thank you.
So far, the method has worked well and kept fish safe and delivery drivers dry.
Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom! I'm having to rehome my betta I want to make sure her trip is as safe and comfortable as possible. So..I don't have an air hose or a heat sealer but hopefully I can find an alternative!
Great video, very informative. Them heat sealers are great might try to get one.
Thanks martins rifts Uk!
Very informative video. Thanks.
You got it, MrWaco. Thanks for stopping by!
Funny thing. Recently started selling snails on eBay and hope to start selling fish soon. Wanted to look into shipping fish. When I saw the channel name I recognized it from Aquarium Co-Op recommended fish suppliers! Thanks for the info on shipping as well!
very informative. great video
Hello Emanual,
Thanks for tuning in! I"m glad you found it informative.
Best,
Dan
Hey I just wanted to let you know. I shipped around 28 baby corydoras to a friend out of state. In the large box. the 12x12x6 or whatever. I styrolined it, got a LFS to bag em up with oxygen and made sure they were well sealed and stuff. Used a 72 hour heat pack. Shipped them out monday afternoon. Estimated Delivery was 3 days later for some reason. I thought dang that is coming down to the wire. They weren't even delivered the 3.5 days later. The day after they were scheduled they arrived on Friday afternoon. All the corydoras duplicareus were alive and well :) Followed your steps for using fresh water with alot of prime, styrolined box, paying the 4$ for the 72 hour heat pack. Amazed they made it. Just wanted to thank you for having this information available out there for people. Granted I don't think next time I will risk shipping that many in one box for flat rate but it is a viable option I think. Might need to invest in some Uline equipment if I really want to start breeding some stuff!
MiniMoose, Thanks for sharing this with me...it made my day!
During the holiday season, it may be worth shipping Express so they get there earlier even if they experience delays due to high volume of packages the post office deals with during the holidays.
Glad they made it!
Best,
Dan
Great video! Even if you are not shipping, it helps To have oxygen in the bag, especially if LFSs are rare in the area and people drive a long way to visit special stores. I know from experience. Waco, TX is where good LFSs are rare!
Thanks for stopping by, Pebz13. Glad you liked the vid!
Amen brother!
Still have my gobies I got from you forever ago :) they definitely come to you healthy. Never got a bad order from him yet
I'd like to start selling axolotls and your video has very helpful information, so thank you!
Your method is the best I have seen in CZcams. Can I do the same without the oxygen canister?
Great video! Love the kitty roaming in the background!
That's Tiger...I know the name is soooo original :)
A little late to comment, but I can't tell you how much the video helped me learn how to package fish. I usually use the same Uline bags, but I also like their insulated shipping kits. However, their kits are a little expensive.
TX, sorry I missed this comment earlier, but I'm happy I stumbled across it just now. So glad to hear the vid was helpful.
I applaud you for taking the time to make this video. Looking forward to ordering from you soon.
Hello Desmond,
Thanks for tuning in and I'm glad you liked the video!
Best,
Dan
Your videos are professional, I suspect this channel will grow quickly
Chris, Thanks for tunning in!
Hi Dan. I'm thinking that post-Covid, things might have changed in your shipping process, and perhaps even in the shipping carriers you use. If that's true, when you have a chance, maybe you can do an updated version of this video. Thanks for the videos, and for all you do.
You are awesome shipped fish the same way you did! No problem
Glad to hear it! I don't know if this method is going to work in every situation, but it tends to perform as advertised.
Dans Fish so far only had 2 doa out of 32 orders
I've just purchase one of those heat sealers Thanks Dan
How do you like it? I've had mine for years and it has never had a glitch.
Happy Thanksgiving, I think that I just watched The new gold standard in bagging fish. Came across this because I just purchased an EBJD from you. Any concerns I had about my purchase are gone 😂😂
Thanks, Dexter! This is the best way I have found to do it. Of course, there are occasional mishaps BUT, they are very infrequent if the fish are properly prepped.
You seem to have a very good idea what you're doing. I'm confident. When you send me the Ebjd I'll make sure to shout you out bud
Dan, I just bought a O2 tank, I like your setup could you tell me the type of regulator you have and the hose setup?
Thanks.
This is fullPRO, superb :)
But shouldn't you seal also upper corners?
Hi Dan. do you think an Eurosealer can make the seal just as well?
The box that your using does it qualify for just priority mail or also flat rate and priority express???
very nicely detailed video.1+ subscriber.
Hello Ujwal,
Thanks for the compliment and thanks for the sub!
Best,
Dan
With so much care taken to ship the fish I’m sure you take care of them in other ways as well. I’ll tell my girlfriend to find your store and start buying her stuff off of you.
Do you just use regular air compressor? To add air ?
Hi Dan,
I bought a small 20lb industrial oxygen tank with a oxygen regulator. I'm having problems with the hose I bought it fits the regulator fine but it doesn't fit the quick connect coupler for the air blow gun. I can't seem to find out which hose I need or where I went wrong. Could you share with me the regulator, hose and coupler/gun used for your setup? Many Thanks :D
Can breather bags be sealed with the heat sealer like the poly bags?
Do you know if I can use a Bernzomatic 1.4 oz Oxygen Cylinder 1 pc or the Boost Oxygen Natural 5 Liter Pure Oxygen Canister, Flavorless?
Hey Dan,
First, I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! Is there a way to sens you a couple questions when you have a second?
Hi. Are you interesting about ornamental fish?.
Wow you made a double bagged bag out of one bag.
I need that sealer.
Efficiency and frugality...it is a nice sealer for sure!
Hi dan I was wondering if you can help me out. In General when do you stop using a heat pad or start using a heat pad. I just started shipping fish but summer is just around the corner. I would really appreciate any advise
Howdy World Pets,
Good question! This is a bit tricky because there is no exact time or year when there is a clear-cut switch to shipping without heat packs. I have to take it on a case-by-case basis. I ship from a region that is fairly cold even now (we got lots of snow last week and will get more Friday), but many other areas are getting warm. I have to check the temps where the fish are bound and judge the risk of a heat pack by those temps. If I am shipping to a hot area, I use a smaller heat pack, and I sometimes open it the night before I ship so it burns off some of its heat. The idea being that the heat dissipates before the box gets to a hot area. If I am shipping to a cool area, then I use a bigger heat pack. It is really difficult shipping from a hot place to a cold one as there is no "delayed start" heat pack. Those situations are tricky.
Any way you do it, there is a bit of a gamble and there really is no hard-and-fast easy answer and any delay in shipping can mess things up. I would say that if temps are above 70 at your place and at the shipping destination, then it is okay to cut out the heat pack.
Best,
Dan
Hello Dan question for you. Can I come pick up my fish to cut down on shipping cost? I don't live far away from you. Also do you ever take I'm fish 🐟?
😊
Could I use FedEx?
How u set up your oxygen?
Where did you buy your air nozzle? Oil free?
Howdy Inventory King. Great to see you over here. I'm a fan of your vids.
I bought my air nozzle at Home Depot. They are in the welding supply section. You can also find them in car parts stores like Auto Zone. The formal descripton is "Pistol Grip Blow Gun." Here's a link to get you started: www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=pistol+grip+blow+gun
what is the size of box you use in this video ?would this size box good for 5 1" -1 1/2" corys or 5 1"-1 1/2" rainbows? do you know anyone that sells the foam inserts precut to fit this size box?
The box in the video is a small priority box 7"x7"x6" high. It would probably work for the groups of fish you described. I also use medium and large priority flat rate boxes...these can be upgraded to express if needed. I have always cut my own liners, but I know some folks who purchase liners here: www.aqpkg.com/ A google search will show you several other options as well. I've never used any of them, so I can't recommend any of them. I would be interested in your feedback if you order from them.
What if the fishes are already dead and placed on ice directly after they have been fished? Is the traditional procedure of shipping which is placing them on ice going to change? Do you have any recommendations to make on that? Thank you very much and I also found the video really interesting and informative!
I don't know anything about shipping food fish or other dead fish. I only ship live fish.
Do you need a heat pack when it is over 80 degrees outside? Getting ready to send my first fish out. Also, can I not use shredded paper I have been storing for 3 years for insulation? Thanks for your time.
Howdy buminbeer,
How exciting that you are sending fish out! Is this your first fish shipment? If so, I wish you all the luck!
If the average outside temperature is 80 degrees, you should be good to go if the location you are sending them to and the transit hubs they will stop at have similar temps. This time of year, it is probably more likely to overheat your box with a heat pack than to have the fish suffer from cold in most of the continental USA so, unless the nighttime temps get quite low where you are, it is probably best to pass on the heat pack. Also, the paper is just fine to use as packing material inside the box, but probably not for insulation. It will settle and shift during transit and its insulation value will be severely compromised. The only effective insulation I have found is a styrofoam box liner. I have seen folks ship with pink fiberglass insulation, and I have received fish successfully this way, but I would not recommend it as it will still shift during transit. In my experience, styro liners are the way to go.
Best,
Dan
Thanks, off to home depot tomorrow for Styrofoam, just it seems expensive compared to my cheap method :) I will trust you and yes, sending off 10 purple moscow guppy fry tomorrow, gulp..
buminbeer2 Glad you are taking the leap into shipping. There is a learning curve and it can be nerve-wracking, but, with so few brick and mortar stores around these days, it is sometimes the only way for folks to get the fish they want. My fingers are crossed for you. I would love to hear how it all turns out.
How did the shipping go?
Not sure yet, I shipped to California From Louisville on the 12th, they wanted it delayed(yesterday) and it simply says in transit. The scary part is I got two more orders that I will ship Saturday, since too late in the week I think for some parts. I will 100% save this and let you know, so scared I will have to eat cost. 100% was in the exact same way you packaged them, got the stryo from lowes and used a ton of shredded paper on top and bottom! I will respond as saving this post. My next two, thank God, only go two states over :)
I was thinking it would help to put the heat pack under the fish since heat rises, but that would be unsafe if the heat packs get as hot as you say.
Yes. It could be okay if there was a thick layer of packing paper or something between the heat pack on the bottom and the bags. It would definitely be more efficient that way. But, I'm always been afraid something would shift during shipping and the bag would get into direct contact with the heat pack. Then, the bag would overheat OR the plastic on the bag would cut of O2 to the heat pack, and the pack would go cold.
What does flat rate mean, how much is it to mail that box once it's done? Does it depend where it's being delivered?
Kellie, flat rate means there is a set price to mail the box, no matter where in the USA it is sent. For that small box in the vid, my current rate is $15.00.
Shouldn’t the other 2 corners be sealed ? If the box goes upside down , now your fish is in a regular bag with 2 corners . Nothing would probably happen but seems to me like a waste of time to do 2 instead of 4 .
Do you need a special label for fish?
Hello Alex,
Nothing fancy. As of now, I just write the fish's name on the bag in permanent marker if I am sending multiple species.
So you don't have to punch them to activate the chemical heat? I guess it's important that the bag they each come in isn't open.
I don't punch them, but sometimes I give them a light slap. That seems to get them activated.
Why don't you seal all 4 corners of the bag - in case at some point in shipment the box is upside down?
Mike,
Good question. It would be safer to do that. I think the main reason is that it is difficult to seal the corners once there is air in the bag and it is all puffed up like a bag of chips. But, yes, it would prevent problems with pinching if the box was turned over.
Dan...what size bags do you normally uae?
Howdy Wichita,
It totally depends on the size of the fish and the type of the fish I am sending. A lot of fish fit in a 4" x 12" bag, one fish per bag. Larger fish go into a 4" x 2" x 12" pleated bag...I also tend to send adult corys in these because they appreciate the flat bottom surface of these bags. I sometimes send small groups of tetras in bags like this as well. The largest bag I use is a 5" x 3" x 15 " pleated bag. I don't sell any fish that need a bag bigger than this. Also important...try to use bags which are 4 ml thick if you can. Pleated bags sometimes max out at the 2 ml or 3 ml thickness, but non-pleated bags should be 4 ml if possible.
After several requests, I'm going to be doing a video covering the bags I use, the sourcing of the bags, and the compressed air and heat seal hardware I use soon...probably next week.
Best,
Dan
P.S. Thanks again for the awesome killies you sent me!
How many times are you going to confuse ml and mm ? The bags in the video are 4mm not ml... mm is a thickness and ml is a volume. Those bags don't hold 4ml they would hold much more.
Can you please share videos on how to ship cold water fish like Trout?
Hello umesh, I'm sorry, but I don't have any experience shipping trout.
@@DansFish Thank you.
Do you know anyone who ship trout fingerlings?
I am sorry, I do not.
@@DansFish no problem. Thank you.
Hello what kind of fish do you sell? And how can i get the list
Hello Elvin,
Thanks for the query. I am currently in the middle of a huge remodel of my shop, but you should be able to buy from me at dansfish.com by around October or so.
Best,
Dan
how do I buy fish, discus actually... from you? I'm want 3 discus really bad but every where I look shipping is more or as much as the fish..
I don't actually have any fish at the moment because I had to tear everything down to build the new facility. I hope to be ready to start ordering fish for the room by the end of the week (fingers crossed). I don't know if I will do discus this time around. There are a lot of other species I want to try and the high discus temps keep me from trying them. We'll see...
very cool, I'll keep in touch!
Did you end up finding any discus?
Should we stamp "Live Fish" on the outside of the box?
We don't. We want the order to go through the system like everything else and not attract any special attention.
Can a person use there home meat sealer?
Hello Deborah,
I don't know...I've never used a meat sealer.
I need sealing machine information? pls :D
Here's a link to a vid where I go over my shipping supplies and sources, including the heat sealer info: czcams.com/video/jHEciMGRKo4/video.html
Are you shipping fish for Sri Lanka
I sometimes import fish from Sri Lanka, but I can't send fish to Sri Lanka
Do you have a site if you do .do you ship to Canada
Hello Omar,
My website is DansFish.com
Unfortunately, I don't ship to Canada.
Best,
Dan
That's okey do you know anybody that ships fish to Canada?name them if you can
I don't...wish I did!
_Playback speed 2x_
If only I could pack fish at 2x speed...
What's the size of the bags?
Jonathan, this vid goes over the supplies in detail (size, model #, etc.) as well as where to source supplies: czcams.com/video/jHEciMGRKo4/video.html
KITTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
why don't you use bags with already have a round bottom?
Good question, B K. I totally should if I can find them in the right size. Do you have a source?
I actually make these bags here in the EU. but shipping to the US is not really an option. I am just wondering cause I hardly see round bottom bags used in the US. Probably because the cost more :)
I've seen large wholesale bags with round bottoms, but never any smaller bags like I typically use. If I ever find any, I'd be willing to pay a bit more for them for sure!
@Dans Fish the smallest size I have is 140mm wide and 0,08mm material. But like I said shipping to us is probably much to expensive.
czcams.com/video/MOJ-2c4ii70/video.html
Dan, the bags that you are using are 4 "mil" bags. "Mil" refers to the thickness of the plastic. 1 mil equals one thousandth of an inch. The use of the term "milliliter" is incorrect in this case. Just an FYI. Great videos!
Just so you no declorinater takes oxygen out the water
Indeed it does. However, using pure O2 seems to make that a non-issue.
hello sir,can you sand to me baby EEL fish ?waiting for reply .
razu.jtcl@gmail.com
Razu, where are you located and what is the scientific name of the eel fish you are looking for?
my eyes are getting bad, I thought he said how to strip fish? I thought it was taking babies or eggs from mouthbrooders. ugggh
LOL. I stutter sometimes...for realz!