Best Way To Move Fish... Clove Oil?

[B2k2]

Hi,

I have a 3 ft tank with Tanganikan Cichlids and I have to move them about 2 miles to my new house.

I really want to minimise stress as they are very settled and are almost at breading stage.

What would be the best way to move them?

Someone said drain the tank to 3 inches of water and just net them.

But i have been reading about the use of clove oil to sedate fish for transportation. Is this safe to do with small fish? I would like to try a low dose in the tank before netting but am unsure how much a low dose would be.

Any ideas?

 

[Truck]

dont use clove oil. put the fish in bags then bag them again and then store them in a polystyrene box with a heat pack (available from ebay) move your tank gte it setup and then acclimate fish as per usual

 

[Inchworm]

Hi B2k2

Don't put anything in the bag with the fish. Two miles isn't very far and will just take a few minutes to get them there. People use clove oil to kill their fish, so you know you would be taking a risk with it.

Since you are only going two miles away, your water should be the same pH, etc. from the tap. Test it and be sure. If your fish need it adjusted, make sure the water in the new tank matches that in the bag. Also, get them out of the bag as quickly as possible. The ammonia level will rise depending on the size of the fish and the amount of water they are in. Also, if they are bagged up long the oxygen will become depleted. Fish are shipped every day under these conditions and arrive OK, so it shouldn't be a problem for you.

I always suggest that people move their fish to their new homes a few days before the rest of the household goods are moved. That way they have your full attention and mishaps are less likely to occur. A short time in an unoccupied house will also be good for them because it will give them time to settle in without people making noise and moving around in front of them.