Transporting your aquatic species to the clinic

Fish & Aquatic species

Transportation of aquatic species can be challenging and stressful for all involved.

When fish or other aquatic animals are unwell, the stress associated with transportation may worsen the clinical symptoms of the patient. By following some of our top tips listed below, we can aid in ensuring that your trip to the clinic is as safe and efficient as possible.

How should I transport my fish?

For smaller fish we advise that you invest in some clear aquatic bags, many aquatic pet shops will sell these at a reasonable price – we suggest bringing spares in case of any accidental damage to the bag occurs in transit. The clear bag can be placed into a brown paper bag to provide darkness to keep the fish calm.

For larger fish , eg Koi Carp, we recommend large dark buckets/solid crates to prevents escapes.

Please  also bring an additional bucket of tank water to place your fish into for the journey home (this will keep the water as clean as possible for the journey back too.

What type of water?

It is a good idea to transport your pet in some of its own tank water. By using the tank water that the pet is used to, we should reduce the stress associated with sudden changes in pH/hardness/temperature.

We will often ask you to bring an extra bag of tank water with you for testing at the clinic (a minimum of 20 ml is required).

I have a tropical species, how should I transport these?

We advise the use of a Styrofoam/polystyrene box (padded in the bottom) to hold the water filled plastic bag.

The use of aquarium thermometers, inside the plastic bag will enable you to ensure that your pet is within its preferred optimum temperature zone (POTZ), be sure to check this regularly as big fluctuation in temperatures can cause stress and be quite detrimental to your pet.

To maintain a warmer temperature the use of a hot water bottle (filled with warm water) can be utilised within the transport container – although care should be taken to not overheat the water inside.

Medical self-heating patches (non-medicated types which you stick to your clothes when you have an injury) can be used to produce short term heat sources too.

Ambient air temperatures can help slow down the speed at which your bag of water cools too, switching on car radiators in the footwell can work well.

Be sure to check the water temperature regularly throughout your journey.

Will my pet suffocate in a plastic bag?

Aquatic species have a specialised respiratory system which enables them to extract the dissolved oxygen out of the water that they live in. Animals with damaged gills may struggle with oxygen transfer so we recommend using an USB powdered airstone as these can be connected to your car USB charger. When you arrive in the clinic, please make us aware you are using airstones/heat and we will be able to continue this whilst you wait for your appointment .

Should I bring all of the pets in the same tank with me?

No, Only bring the pet which you are concerned about.

Do I need to bring anything else to my appointment?

We will often ask relevant questions about your tank set up, it can be useful for you to take photos of your tank to show one of the team, it is also incredibly useful to know the following:

·        Tank size

·        Filter type/size/medium used

·        Type of food you give and how often

·        What you use as a substrate (on the bottom of the tank)

·        What temperatures your tank usually cycles at

·        Any additives you use (e.g. dechlorinators)

Anaesthesia

If anaesthesia is required for your pet, we ask you to bring as much tank water as possible with you. We occasionally use anaesthetic agents which dissolve in water, so we will need a fresh batch of tank water to recover them in after their procedure is finished.

If you have any questions or concerns about transporting your reptile, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the team at Origin Vets Clinic.