Livestock transport

[2manytoys]

I will be going on a nice road trip with my family from NYC to South Florida in August. I would really like to bring home some inverts or maybe a fish or two. My question is : How do I transport them back with us while ensuring their survival?
I thought about bringing a small tank with an airstone for when we stay overnight at a hotel on the way back, and keeping them in bags for the car trip. I will also have some extra seawater in a container for water changes as well.
What do you guys (and girls) think?
Oh yeah, they will be going into my 75gal bow front reef.

 

[btldreef]

That's a long ride. Transferring them in and out of bags might be a little stressful.
There's a couple options that you can look into if you are willing to keep them in a clean cooler the entire time:
battery operated air stones (usually sold for bait buckets)
power inverter to run an actual filter or electric air stone
I've even transported fish in a cooler with a skimmer running off a power inverter on long trips. The skimmer helps keep the water clean AND oxygenated.

 

[2manytoys]

I am willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure their survival during the trip. Its not illegal to take home a few fish and some inverts(crabs,shrimp) home from Florida is it?
What type of cooler do you recommend ? Styrofoam or plastic?

 

[gadamuzik tv]

Can u post some pics of any fish and inverts you get and wanted to get when u get back

 

[tangs rule]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2manytoys http:///forum/thread/386902/livestock-transport#post_3401113
I am willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure their survival during the trip. Its not illegal to take home a few fish and some inverts(crabs,shrimp) home from Florida is it?
What type of cooler do you recommend ? Styrofoam or plastic?
Never styrofoam - they can leak/leach water and saltwater is hard to get on most interstate highways.

 

[btldreef]

I have almost what I'd consider an industrial cooler. It came from a boat that I use for transporting livestock. I know it's never been cleaned with any harsh chemicals and keep temperatures fairly stable for me.
I'm unsure about the legality, definitely something you need to look up.

 

[1guydude]

Quote:
saltwater is hard to get on most interstate highways.
LAMO!!! so true!
Ya i dont think its very legal, but i wont tell...id buy a cooler or clean one out well with vinegar and water...rinse well too! I like the idea of the power inverter with a small skimmer inside the cooler.... if u do do it let us know how it goes.
That is indeed a long trip....
u can use a cooler just like one you would put food in...

 

[mproctor4]

We have done it lots of times with just a normal, plastic cooler and a cheapo battery operated pump from Walmart. Don't be ridiculous and overstock the cooler and bring some water with you to do a water change part way home. We carry an extra 5 gallon bucket with a lid and/or milk jugs full of fresh saltwater. We usually drive straight thru because we don't want to overstress the fish/livestock but have stopped overnight before also. We did loose some livestock when we stopped and very rarely do when we drive straight thru. We always have a large cont. of fresh sw made up ready for us when we get home so we can do a partial water change in the cooler immediately if need be. Haven't looked for critters in Florida in a very long time but it is legal in most states. If I remember correctly you can not take live rock. You may need a license or permit and you certainly will want to check the state laws, there may be some protected areas in the keys.

 

[2manytoys]

Thanks for the replies. Every little bit of info helps. We are actually going to Marco Island. Ive never been that far south before so I dont know what to expect to find. Im hoping to bring home some red and blue leg hermits to help battle my algae problem, but a few fish would be nice too.
I already have a battery operated air pump, a cooler and a clean 5 gallon jug for extra seawater.

 

[mproctor4]

It will be interesting to see what you find there. We expect pictures! We are heading to the beach in a week. Not planning on bring alot home as our tanks are pretty full. I would like a few hermits, occassionally find some feather dusters, small conch, and hoping to find some nice macro algea. We have a beautiful piece of red macro algea we found last year almost dried out. It is really taking off in the tank. I figured if our tanks are full....we will find lots of stuff. seems to work that way. It is more difficult to find things in Aug., it is too hot and things move out into deeper water, at least where we go. Hope you have a great trip and let us know what you find. Don't forget your net