Originally Posted by ReefForBrains
http:///forum/post/2068893
How to ship coral 101:
I am no expert but when just shipping your basic Onesy or Twosy piece boxes heres a simple method.
Step 1.
Go get yourself some ridgid foam insulation from Lowes or Home depot. Its like 7 bucks for a 4x8 ft sheet. Just cut it into smaller more managable pieces and put it in your closet for future use
Materials list-
Razor knife
Box- whatever small box is available, and suits your needs.
Ridgid insulation- 4x8 sheets from Lowes or Depot are 7 bucks(enough for 20 boxes)
Pen
heat pack (seasonal option)
[hr]
Step 2-
Now either trace or measure the botom and top footprint of the box and then repeat with the sides and then front and back of the box.
[hr]
Step 3-
Cut out your pieces.
See where I have a portion that is "X"'d out, that is to compensate for the thickness of the top and bottom foam when you assemble your box. Remove the "X"'d out portions and discard. You may have to repeat this with the side panels to fit within the front and back panels.
The "X"'d out portions are made to size by using a double layer of scrap to represent the Top and Bottom/Front and Back displacing wall height inside the box.
[hr]
Step 4-
Insert the bottom into box first then side walls untill your box is like a small ice chest. Inside walls should leave enough room for top to fit inside box sealing everything
Note:If heatpack is needed....... slip the backwall out a smidge so you can fit a heatpack into the box without it being directly against the specimen. Wrap the heat pack with a paper towl or a few layers of Bathroom tissue to mute the heatpack. This will also make it last longer.
Heatpacks are available at Wal-Mart and most camping stores, they are just the small packet style hand warmers. Typically sold in twin packs and really only needed seasonally. If using the heatpacks make sure to put it BEHIND the separater wall so the pack doesnt cook the item. Rolling it in a paper towl or Bathroom tissue also slows the heat so they are not raging hot. Most importantly it can extend the lifespan on the 12 hour heat pack up to over two days!. Makes it no problem to send such items like Zoanthids and other softies priority instead of express. Saves a ton on shipping.
alt="" />
[hr]
Step 5-
When bagging your item, (this by the way is the rare Bosh Platnum-ipora) Try not bag with air in the bag. When in transit the package may be a various angles and this way it prevents any portion being left high and dry at any point.
Try to match the bag with the cavity of your box so theres no slosh. You dont need much water. around 1.5 cups should be fine for most small pieces. Try to stay under 2lbs for entire packing and box. This will save alot on shipping price.
Add your item and if needed slip the heat pack behind the divider
[hr]
Step 6-
Add the top and everything should be snug, no slosh or movement when the top is taped down. And then take to the post office or UPS.
the magic number for weight is 2 lbs. going an ounce over will kick the price up signifigantly. The US post Office will do overnight for aprox 18 if you stay under 2lbs from coast to coast. Cut off time is 1:30pm to be delivered next day. just FYI
Hope this helps. And comments always welcome.
Instead of insulation, can I use styrafome? Can I use an ice pack because the plcae where it is being shipped is hot. (80-90 degreese)