Oh it is so true...unless you've actually carefully packed and shipped fish successfully time after time you don't realize how much attention to details are paid and how much time goes into making sure that you're giving the critters the very best possible chance to make it alive and well. It does make a difference and folks DO appreciate it. You've got it down to a fine art and make it look easy.
Thank you so much for this. It's great to have an easy to follow reference for this. I ship live fish/shrimp pretty infrequently as a hobbyist, so I always need a refresher course.
You Rock! Quite possibly the easiest fish guru to watch on youtube. Straight to the point without the hyped-up presentation. YES!!!! I noticed you don't use Methylene Blue or pure oxygen. I need to send 120 guppies coast to coast as cheaply as possible - so small boxes, low weight- would you then recommend such measures or, is it your opinion they are never necessary/a helpful part of the equation?
I never use chemicals, and only use oxygen when things are especially hot outside or I amm shipping a species that truly require it (hillstreams for instance). I would recommend you find some breather bags, as you can use less water and they take up less space in the box.
I used to work for a African Frog breader/seller. My sole job was bagging the frogs for shipment using very similar plastic sleeves. Instead of tying the bag, I used a heat sealer. Memories.
I am vary happy to se this video from you for the simple fact it helps insure trust in your customers who may be weary about ordeing from an out of house company. I can say I will order from you with no reservations I just don't know when...
Ya Msjinkzd! You put together a great presentation. Keep it up! Pretty well organized pack and shipper too! Know how that goes... Something to consider if you want. Those poly-pads are oxidizers. As in, they are actually stressful and can cause pH crashes. Consider Zeolite as it's a reducer. If you want to check, you can do a pH tests on the pad. You'll see the pH drop. You can also use a ORP Redox meter to see. I have a video on this if you ever... Your awesome Rachel. Thanks for sharing!
+Devon Trigg It is a very low level oxidizer, and the tiny piece i use should not be detrimental especially when it is limited 15-30ish hours or less with my shipping methods. All the data I have found talk about long term use being detrimental, not as a short term solution- though I do caution to use a very small piece (even if using in a fish tank). pH dropping is also almost beneficial in shipping water, as it reduces the toxicity of ammonia (which is algorithmic) during shipping. Zeolite is an alternative, but not my preference based on my experiences thus far, though I will certainly give it another go.
Good points Rachel... I see what your thinking. One point I would make, which I don't think is being thought of, is when to use Oxidizers vs. Reducers. I would urge, that since shipping is a stressful time for the fish, why add another stressor? In times of stress, we want to boost immunity the best we can, which is why a reducer should be used. You are right about time... it's a a major factor, but already being under stress is another. The point about pH dropping being almost beneficial, I see what you mean. The Ammonia will be converted to Ammonium. What I would say, this is a double edge sword then, cause the fish will have to be reintroduced to a higher pH plus, there are other ways to reduce ammonia toxicity. Great conversation. Thanks for at least considering and thinking about it. Thanks Rachael and keep doing your thing...
Very well done. I was thinking about the storage bins in the backyard as well. I wasnt sure if clear or a color bin would work best? I think i would bury the container(s) partially or fully in the ground though in order to help with the fluctuating temperatures? It would all be powered by air tho if i can get away with that? I am excited to see your setup!!! ;)
+FishTankAddict I like black Rubbermaid stock tubs, more volume the better. Placement is integral for temp as well. Filters can be optional, I generally just use a circulating pump
Rachel, the polly filter you use is it cycled in any way? If not is is a special type to absorb ammonia? As far as I am aware un-cycled media would not provide any bio support to the fish you are shipping.
+Brad Clayton The polyfilter I am talking about is a chemical media sold in a pad, made by Poly-Bio-Marine. It is not a biological media, but it adsorbs and absorbs impurities.
How many guppie and small plattys can you put in a breather bag max normally? I don't know the size iam waiting on them my friend sending me some so i can send him some stuff for first time i get to keep the extra bags lol also do you doublr bag the breather bags ?
I usually ship overnight, guaranteed by next morning am and drop off in the evening. This way they avoid the heat. You can also have packages held, which makes them available earlier and keeps them from sitting on trucks. I don't find cold packs to be very effective after the first 12 ish hours unless it increases the package weight so dramatically it increases shipping costs.
Hello I have 6 grown common goldfishes they’re about 3-4 inches each and I wanted to know if you think it’s worth it shipping it out? Do you think they’ll make it? If I can ship it out how many goldfishes should I put in each bag?
Great vid! Thanks for the good content! I have been shipping Angelfish here in the US (around 10 shipments)and have had no complaints or reports of death during shipping. I have never used Oxygen but respect your opinion and wonder if you think that I have just gotten lucky or if pure oxygen for Angels is unnecessary. Thanks again!
Rachael I've been having the worst luck shipping lately which had brought me back to it video question where do u get the live fish stickers at please and the insulation at thanks much respect
+Greg Jones (Greg's Fishroom) I have only had issues with the bags I have gotten from him, mainly i think because they were the smallest size (he is the only one that generally offers those). I have moved up to a larger size and a different distributor and the problems stopped, but I am still super careful.
+Rachel O'leary From what he said it sounded like a quality control and change in leadership issue at the manufacturer, glad to hear the quality has improved
So, by clean shipping water you mean fresh, clean water you'd use to top of the aquarium or do water changes, correct? Lol, funny gars. Considering setting up my own Prehistoric tank as I'm super into the Reed Fish and am looking into a good fish (or few) to feed culls to
+Jacob “GreenGo” Green It really depends on which tank I am shipping from. Generally I do quite a few changes over the weekend and towards the end of the week. I often will catch the fish in a small amount of their tank water, then add unused water to the container. If the tank water is altered (ie way softer than my tap or way harder), I will use just tank water. I do multiple water changes on each tank each week, and don't feed before shipping so its generally pretty clean. In general, CLEAN water is what is important.
Great video,Now i'd like to order 237 corys and all individually packed please LOL. But I will be ordering very soon. Is there any time of year you don't ship. I know here it can get over 100 on some days. Thanks !
+Russell Beach I don't ship the week between Christmas and new years, and if the weather is horrendous (blizzards/extreme cold) or extreme heat. I offer to have packages held at local FedEx if day times are routinely high so they are not on a truck
+Leslie Smith those are geared more towareds hobbyists bagging for auctions. I would have to charge a bag fee per species to afford them. They look nice, but are about 40x the cost of what I pay now.
Alright, I can't keep guessing in silence any longer. Rachel, you have such a strong and honest way of expressing yourself. Are you an Aries or Scorpio? I'm guessing by your mannerisms and direct gaze/focus that you were born Aries.
+wyzemann Virgo :) I just have been public speaking/educating in some capacity or another since I was about 8 years old. The camera part of this was REALLY hard for me to get over. I still cannot do it if anyone is watching, but I can stand in front of 200 people and lecture, no problem.
+Rachel O'leary Well, it shows. I mean every single upload you get more and more interesting. You not only choose fascinating topics, but you educate, like a super intelligent professor...only you're NOT as boring.
FedEx no longer honors any type of insurance or guarantee as fish are on their prohibited list of items. They will ship but there is no guarantee. I am approved to ship via FedEx and I confirmed with the agent this is their policy. Items not accepted for Carriage The following items will not be accepted for carriage: 1. Items classified as hazardous material, dangerous goods, prohibited or restricted articles by IATA (International Air Transport Association), ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security) or other government or regulatory agencies; Items the carriage of which is prohibited by any law, statute or regulation; 2. Items the carriage of which is prohibited by any law, statute or regulation; 3. Items requiring FedEx India to obtain any special licence or permit for transportation; 4. Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind; 5. Any items as may from time to time be notified by FedEx to be restricted and/or banned and/or dangerous and/or prohibited for carriage from time to time (such items include but are not limited to radio-active, incendiary, corrosive or flammable substances, hazardous chemicals, explosives, firearms or parts thereof and ammunition, firecrackers, cyanides, precipitates, gold and silver ore, bullion, precious metals and stones, jewelry, semi-precious stones including commercial carbons or industrial diamonds, currency (paper or coin) of any nationality, securities (including stocks and bonds, share certificates and blank signed share transfer forms), coupons, stamps, negotiable instruments in bearer form, cashier's cheques, travellers’ cheques, money orders, passports, credit/debit/ATM cards, antiques, works of art, lottery tickets and gambling devices, livestock, fish, insects, animals, plants and plant material, human corpses, organs or body parts, blood, urine and other liquid diagnostic specimens, hazardous or bio-medical waste, wet ice, pornographic materials, contraband, narcotics and psychotropic substances, fragile glassware, crockery, bone china, shipments to post office box addresses, etc.).
No need to hand write “LIVE FISH” on you shipping boxes. You can purchase “LIVE FISH HANDLE WITH CARE” warning stickers on ebay. Here is a link, www.ebay.com/str/padsplus/Live-Fish/_i.html?_storecat=23686356017
That’s the most organized and caring fish shipping method I think I’ve seen, keep pimpin’!
Don't forget to stop by my business page on Facebook! I update it pretty frequently. facebook.com/msjinkzd/
Oh it is so true...unless you've actually carefully packed and shipped fish successfully time after time you don't realize how much attention to details are paid and how much time goes into making sure that you're giving the critters the very best possible chance to make it alive and well. It does make a difference and folks DO appreciate it. You've got it down to a fine art and make it look easy.
Thank you so much for this. It's great to have an easy to follow reference for this. I ship live fish/shrimp pretty infrequently as a hobbyist, so I always need a refresher course.
Going to place an order with you soon once my new 55 is cycled. Love your attention to detail
Rachel, this is an awesome video. You are a packing beast!!
Fantastic video! Definitely will be ordering from you in the next couple of weeks. Thanks so much for the attention to detail.
O wow msjinkzd your a master tile to boot!
Wow!!! You are amazing! What a fun, and I know crazy at times business! What a joy to do what you love!!!! Thanks for sharing....Peace.
You Rock! Quite possibly the easiest fish guru to watch on youtube. Straight to the point without the hyped-up presentation. YES!!!! I noticed you don't use Methylene Blue or pure oxygen. I need to send 120 guppies coast to coast as cheaply as possible - so small boxes, low weight- would you then recommend such measures or, is it your opinion they are never necessary/a helpful part of the equation?
I never use chemicals, and only use oxygen when things are especially hot outside or I amm shipping a species that truly require it (hillstreams for instance). I would recommend you find some breather bags, as you can use less water and they take up less space in the box.
Very nicely packed,
Thx!
I used to work for a African Frog breader/seller. My sole job was bagging the frogs for shipment using very similar plastic sleeves. Instead of tying the bag, I used a heat sealer. Memories.
I am vary happy to se this video from you for the simple fact it helps insure trust in your customers who may be weary about ordeing from an out of house company. I can say I will order from you with no reservations I just don't know when...
Nice video. Great packing job. Will definitely be ordering from you in the future after seeing this video. Impressive!
yes that's exactly what I was thinking
Great vid, didn't realise the amount of work involved!
very insightful and informative love your videos
Love the attention to detail!!! Rachel do you ship plants? And do you have any driftwood with plants already attached?
+Scott Mclaughlin I don't generally list plants, you local folks get perks ;) I do probably have some i could part with that are attached
Ya Msjinkzd! You put together a great presentation. Keep it up! Pretty well organized pack and shipper too! Know how that goes... Something to consider if you want. Those poly-pads are oxidizers. As in, they are actually stressful and can cause pH crashes. Consider Zeolite as it's a reducer. If you want to check, you can do a pH tests on the pad. You'll see the pH drop. You can also use a ORP Redox meter to see. I have a video on this if you ever... Your awesome Rachel. Thanks for sharing!
+Devon Trigg It is a very low level oxidizer, and the tiny piece i use should not be detrimental especially when it is limited 15-30ish hours or less with my shipping methods. All the data I have found talk about long term use being detrimental, not as a short term solution- though I do caution to use a very small piece (even if using in a fish tank). pH dropping is also almost beneficial in shipping water, as it reduces the toxicity of ammonia (which is algorithmic) during shipping. Zeolite is an alternative, but not my preference based on my experiences thus far, though I will certainly give it another go.
Good points Rachel... I see what your thinking. One point I would make, which I don't think is being thought of, is when to use Oxidizers vs. Reducers. I would urge, that since shipping is a stressful time for the fish, why add another stressor? In times of stress, we want to boost immunity the best we can, which is why a reducer should be used. You are right about time... it's a a major factor, but already being under stress is another. The point about pH dropping being almost beneficial, I see what you mean. The Ammonia will be converted to Ammonium. What I would say, this is a double edge sword then, cause the fish will have to be reintroduced to a higher pH plus, there are other ways to reduce ammonia toxicity. Great conversation. Thanks for at least considering and thinking about it. Thanks Rachael and keep doing your thing...
Nice job on the packaging .
Thanks for the tip. Very helpful!!! Subbed!!
Very well done. I was thinking about the storage bins in the backyard as well. I wasnt sure if clear or a color bin would work best? I think i would bury the container(s) partially or fully in the ground though in order to help with the fluctuating temperatures? It would all be powered by air tho if i can get away with that? I am excited to see your setup!!! ;)
+FishTankAddict I like black Rubbermaid stock tubs, more volume the better. Placement is integral for temp as well. Filters can be optional, I generally just use a circulating pump
Thanks for the response. Ok i will keep that in mind.
Rachel, the polly filter you use is it cycled in any way? If not is is a special type to absorb ammonia? As far as I am aware un-cycled media would not provide any bio support to the fish you are shipping.
+Brad Clayton The polyfilter I am talking about is a chemical media sold in a pad, made by Poly-Bio-Marine. It is not a biological media, but it adsorbs and absorbs impurities.
great video
Looking good today! :)
+Jason Mercer I don't know what happened to my hair hahahah
hahaha it was great :)
where do you get the boxes and live fish stickers? this was some great info! keep up the great work!
+Bryozoan Aquatics (ASAPpetinfo) my stickers I have made to be inique, though similar can be purchased on auction sites. The boxes I get from uline
How many guppie and small plattys can you put in a breather bag max normally? I don't know the size iam waiting on them my friend sending me some so i can send him some stuff for first time i get to keep the extra bags lol also do you doublr bag the breather bags ?
What was the little foam peace you use to absorb ammonia
Rachel, any tips on shipping crayfish during the summer time? What type of cold pack do you suggest if I'm looking to ship in the southern states?
I usually ship overnight, guaranteed by next morning am and drop off in the evening. This way they avoid the heat. You can also have packages held, which makes them available earlier and keeps them from sitting on trucks. I don't find cold packs to be very effective after the first 12 ish hours unless it increases the package weight so dramatically it increases shipping costs.
@@RachelOLeary ah that's brilliant, I'm going to try that. Thank you so much! ❤️
Hello I have 6 grown common goldfishes they’re about 3-4 inches each and I wanted to know if you think it’s worth it shipping it out? Do you think they’ll make it? If I can ship it out how many goldfishes should I put in each bag?
my dear, great video, you need to swing by soon. I'm going to cut your packing time down with AT LEAST 50%.
+Discus Hans Let me know when you have them in stock!
Great vid! Thanks for the good content! I have been shipping Angelfish here in the US (around 10 shipments)and have had no complaints or reports of death during shipping. I have never used Oxygen but respect your opinion and wonder if you think that I have just gotten lucky or if pure oxygen for Angels is unnecessary. Thanks again!
+Mike's Fish Room Its probably unecessary. I tend to use it with the high oxygen content fish (hillstream stuff).
Rachel do You ship even if temperature is below 40F? I use USPS priority but I always try to avoid shipping when temp is below 40
+K Ts yes, I do
Rachael I've been having the worst luck shipping lately which had brought me back to it video question where do u get the live fish stickers at please and the insulation at thanks
much respect
i get the foam at lowe's, its roofing insulation. I have my labels custom made.
where can I get these smaller shipping bags from??
Got my ember tetra and shrimp today. All alive and thriving in my 10g. I tried to take pictures, but they don't look so great.
The pictures that is, the fish look fantastic.
+Kevin Esko hurray! :)
I was talking to Ken and he mentioned how bad the breather bag quality had gotten, sad times, used to be good bags
+Greg Jones (Greg's Fishroom) I have only had issues with the bags I have gotten from him, mainly i think because they were the smallest size (he is the only one that generally offers those). I have moved up to a larger size and a different distributor and the problems stopped, but I am still super careful.
+Rachel O'leary From what he said it sounded like a quality control and change in leadership issue at the manufacturer, glad to hear the quality has improved
So, by clean shipping water you mean fresh, clean water you'd use to top of the aquarium or do water changes, correct? Lol, funny gars. Considering setting up my own Prehistoric tank as I'm super into the Reed Fish and am looking into a good fish (or few) to feed culls to
+Jacob “GreenGo” Green It really depends on which tank I am shipping from. Generally I do quite a few changes over the weekend and towards the end of the week. I often will catch the fish in a small amount of their tank water, then add unused water to the container. If the tank water is altered (ie way softer than my tap or way harder), I will use just tank water. I do multiple water changes on each tank each week, and don't feed before shipping so its generally pretty clean. In general, CLEAN water is what is important.
Hello Rachel great video on shipping i learned alot ;I have a question for you do you know anything about Montezuma swordtail fish ?
+Paul Shrieves I don't work with many livebearers. I know they are a super sexy fish, if that helps.
I refuse to believe that the fish pimp makes mistakes LOL
+Joseph Pinkston Ha! tell that to my friends/children/husband!
Great video,Now i'd like to order 237 corys and all individually packed please LOL. But I will be ordering very soon. Is there any time of year you don't ship. I know here it can get over 100 on some days. Thanks !
+Russell Beach I don't ship the week between Christmas and new years, and if the weather is horrendous (blizzards/extreme cold) or extreme heat. I offer to have packages held at local FedEx if day times are routinely high so they are not on a truck
cobalt aquatics has bags with rounded bottoms for sale, I wonder if you've tried them out?
+Leslie Smith those are geared more towareds hobbyists bagging for auctions. I would have to charge a bag fee per species to afford them. They look nice, but are about 40x the cost of what I pay now.
Did you ship to Denmark ? Btw great video! :D
Alright, I can't keep guessing in silence any longer. Rachel, you have such a strong and honest way of expressing yourself. Are you an Aries or Scorpio? I'm guessing by your mannerisms and direct gaze/focus that you were born Aries.
+wyzemann Virgo :) I just have been public speaking/educating in some capacity or another since I was about 8 years old. The camera part of this was REALLY hard for me to get over. I still cannot do it if anyone is watching, but I can stand in front of 200 people and lecture, no problem.
+Rachel O'leary Well, it shows. I mean every single upload you get more and more interesting. You not only choose fascinating topics, but you educate, like a super intelligent professor...only you're NOT as boring.
Thanks! I am trying! I am not very tech savvy, so its been a struggle but I really like sharing what I love to do!
What type of strofoam you use and where you buy it?
+Nikki G you can buy it at Lowe's. Its just sheet insulation for homes.
Super!
FedEx no longer honors any type of insurance or guarantee as fish are on their prohibited list of items. They will ship but there is no guarantee. I am approved to ship via FedEx and I confirmed with the agent this is their policy. Items not accepted for Carriage
The following items will not be accepted for carriage:
1. Items classified as hazardous material, dangerous goods, prohibited or restricted articles by IATA (International Air Transport Association), ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security) or other government or regulatory agencies; Items the carriage of which is prohibited by any law, statute or regulation;
2. Items the carriage of which is prohibited by any law, statute or regulation;
3. Items requiring FedEx India to obtain any special licence or permit for transportation;
4. Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
5. Any items as may from time to time be notified by FedEx to be restricted and/or banned and/or dangerous and/or prohibited for carriage from time to time (such items include but are not limited to radio-active, incendiary, corrosive or flammable substances, hazardous chemicals, explosives, firearms or parts thereof and ammunition, firecrackers, cyanides, precipitates, gold and silver ore, bullion, precious metals and stones, jewelry, semi-precious stones including commercial carbons or industrial diamonds, currency (paper or coin) of any nationality, securities (including stocks and bonds, share certificates and blank signed share transfer forms), coupons, stamps, negotiable instruments in bearer form, cashier's cheques, travellers’ cheques, money orders, passports, credit/debit/ATM cards, antiques, works of art, lottery tickets and gambling devices, livestock, fish, insects, animals, plants and plant material, human corpses, organs or body parts, blood, urine and other liquid diagnostic specimens, hazardous or bio-medical waste, wet ice, pornographic materials, contraband, narcotics and psychotropic substances, fragile glassware, crockery, bone china, shipments to post office box addresses, etc.).
I looked for you website and Facebook page and didn’t find it help🙂
Website is msjinkzd.com fb is invertebrates by msjinkzd. Both are linked in the pinned comment as well
We’re do u get ur bags
+Loozer Films jehmco
My Hair is MORE insane but I'm not brave enough to share it. Hey it's Sunday, who brushes their hair on a Sunday?! Lol 😂
No need to hand write “LIVE FISH” on you shipping boxes. You can purchase “LIVE FISH HANDLE WITH CARE” warning stickers on ebay. Here is a link, www.ebay.com/str/padsplus/Live-Fish/_i.html?_storecat=23686356017
Ha! I got like #420. ;D
ur right eye looks abit puffy & discolored underneath .
not trying to be mean in now way but are you goth
+Yam Gaming no. I am fish pimp