How long can a fish in a bag last??

[my_fallen_angel]

I was wondering how long can a fish last in one of those bags you get them in when you buy a fish form the lfs??

Thanks

 

[Sorrell]

The shorter the better, it's obviously not ideal. Most stores can make adjustments to their bagging if you tell them you're going to be awhile. My lfs is two hours away and the fish always do fine for that. Also keep in mind that the fish are shipped to the store in bags and that's not a short trip.

 

[Doggfather]

if it's a long trip some lfs fill the bag with pure oxygen, just ask them

 

[Silly me]

My dad imported some discus and they lifed 8 days on the bags??

 

[LynX]

i asked at a store and they said they can last for up to 24 hours i dont kno wat they do with shipping, they proberly medicate the fish for shock and then put pure oxygen in the bags, thats wat my lfs does

 

[plecoperson]

I always advise customers at the lfs where I work not to keep them in the bag for more than half an hour is possible as it stresses the fish out.

 

[LynX]

errr but u cant just dump the fish in the tank, you gotta float the bag for awhile and slowly add water, all this could take an hour on its own unless u wanna risk shocking your fish, and sometimes it could take a half hour to get home if the fish shop is far away! no i say dont rush the fish into the tank but dont wait 3 hours to start introducing them to the tank, do that as soon as u get home

 

[Cheese Specialist]

errr but u cant just dump the fish in the tank, you gotta float the bag for awhile and slowly add water, all this could take an hour on its own unless u wanna risk shocking your fish, and sometimes it could take a half hour to get home if the fish shop is far away! no i say dont rush the fish into the tank but dont wait 3 hours to start introducing them to the tank, do that as soon as u get home

I'd never leave the fish floating in the tank for an hour. That will really stress them out, being able to see their new home but not get to it to hide for a while.

I usually spend about 20 minutes, with them floating (the bag opened, and rolled down) and adding water to the bag. I then leave the lights off until the next day.

I did that yesterday with my discus and although they are still sulking a bit they have come out and about.

As for how long a fish can survive, it depends on the way they are packed and the kind of fish. I think a reason the LFS say they can't be left long is because of tempature.

Mail order places and so on pack them in a way that ensurers their survival.

 

[LynX]

i usualy only do it for half an hour to but they dont get really stressed out, thats unless u go and buy like 10 fish all at once then they would cause of the crouding, if i bought like a really important fish like a betta i would take nearly an hour 20 mins floating, put a bit of water in wait another 20 mins put a bit more in and then when I think he/she seems relaxed enough and the water is the same temp i release him/her and they are alot less shocked cause of it

 

[SailfinGirl]

When I bought my fish, it takes 20 minutes to get them home, then I float them for 15 minutes, then let them go and they are always fine. I've never had a fish die from shock when released into my tank.

 

[Crookster]

Sorry but I disagree with you there cheese specialist.

Especially with Discus. My LFS advised me to float new discus for 20 mins, then add a little water to the bag and float for 20mins further, and repeat at least once. he said this helps them settle as they are pretty bad travelers and he know his stuff. I do the same with clown loaches aswell, but any other fish I just float for 20 mins.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

Sorry but I disagree with you there cheese specialist.

Especially with Discus. My LFS advised me to float new discus for 20 mins, then add a little water to the bag and float for 20mins further, and repeat at least once. he said this helps them settle as they are pretty bad travelers and he know his stuff. I do the same with clown loaches aswell, but any other fish I just float for 20 mins.

Well, it worked for me and it was what the breeder advised. I gave them more time than I would usually. I have even read that all you should do is temp match because the longer they are left in the bag, the more stressed out they'll be.

Just different ways of doing things I suppose.

 

[LynX]

Cheese Specialist:

I have even read that all you should do is temp match because the longer they are left in the bag, the more stressed out they'll be.

thats not advised though, especialy when u bring home a 40$ fish . atleast put a bit of water in then let them get use to it for 10 mins

 

[Cheese Specialist]

Cheese Specialist:

I have even read that all you should do is temp match because the longer they are left in the bag, the more stressed out they'll be.

thats not advised though, especialy when u bring home a 40$ fish . atleast put a bit of water in then let them get use to it for 10 mins

LOL

I know! I was just stating that there is worse than what I did. I would never do that!

Incidently, my fish wasn't that expensive. I reckon I got a very good deal!

 

[Ben]

the guy at my lfs pulls down this thing and presses a button and the bag just fills up with air so he doesnt have to tie it the way u normaly have to to trap air inside.

wen i take my fish home i leave em in their bags for 10-15mins then let water in and after about 10 for mins i let them out.......works evrytime.