Shipping fish by mail

Adapted from an article by Bill (PegasusNZ)

The shipping box

You would need a suitable styrene box.. plus a heat pack if the trip is a long one.  Some of these 'heat packs' generate heat when rubbed vigorously.. so avoid doing this until the very last moment before you finally seal the box.  Others need a continuous supply of air so after the box is sealed it is important to make a small hole in the lid of the box.

Very Important

Do not feed fish 24 hours prior to sending.

Fill the bag with approximately one third water.. then insert an airline from your air pump into the neck of the bag and twist to create a seal.  Allow the bag to inflate...then twist the neck of the bag some more and pull out the airline while keeping the bag fully inflated.                            Fold the neck of the bag over firmly and hold in position with two good strong rubber bands... MINIMUM 100mm (4") allowance for twisting and folding over.  There should be no air leaks.

Crumple up some newspaper and place in the styrene box, then add the bag or bags, packing each so they can't roll around.  Add the heat pad if needed, but don't lay it directly on the pastic bags, just pack it so the heat can circulate.

Coldwater Goldfish etc: 
As above, but ommit the heat pack.. plus one or two fish per bag only... depending on size. 

Plecos... Spiney Catfish etc: 
Use Tupperware containers.. one third water.. two thirds air.. plus heat pack in most cases. 

Adult Swords.. Cichlids etc: 
One or two per bag.. as above.. depending on size. 

Adult Angels: 
ONE per bag always... plus heat pack. 

Plants Only: 
Just pack loosly in wet newspaper and place flat in a poly bag. 
Seal to avoid leakage. Post in a bubble pack type envelope. 
Another method when packing some of the more fragile type plants... (thanks Cyberfin).. is to place them in a partially inflated plastic bag. 
The air will cushion them from being crushed. No water except what is on the plant when removed from tank, as sloshing water can damage. If the bag is sealed properly it will remain relatively humid within. 

Mark the box CLEARLY with the name and address plus postcode
... plus 
LIVE FISH... PLEASE CONTACT ON ARRIVAL.. 
and phone number if they are being sent to a collection point... like a service station or somewhere. 

Contact The Person: 
Contact the person as soon as you send the goods. 
Inform them which service you have used, the Track and Trace number, and when to expect deliverery.. AND WHERE.. in some cases courier services will not deliver to home addresses.. but will drop parcels at a selected pick up point. 

If in doubt... DOUBLE BAG ALWAYS 
Some add a couple of drops of "Stess Coat" for the trip. 
Some also recommend "Amolock", as it locks up any ammonina into a non toxic form. 
Take care here and follow the instructions if you use these products. 

Snails and such can be packed in a simple small strong cardboad box with bit of wet plant.. but they won't need a lot of water.. just a cupful perhaps, and the bag can be much smaller... plus the heat pack will not be needed. 

Shop Around: 
Not a lot of carriers will transport fish these days.. and the cost can vary tremendously. 
Look at paying around $18:00 for a local overnight trip.. and triple that for some areas... but this depends on the carrier. 
Try Post Haste Couriers... they are pretty good.. but not ALL branches of any courier will handle live stock. 

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