Portable Fish Tank - Marketability Question

[VTDrew]

Hey Guys,
 
So in previous posts you would read that I'm moving cross country and want to take several of my more beloved fish with me.  My transport ideas started at a bucket, moved to a styrofoam shipping box (for fish) and now....the portable aquarium.  I'm building two, and its coming along so well, I'm thinking of building and selling these, I'd love to hear if anyone would have interest, now, in the past or future to determine marketablity.
 
The tank features a 30 gallon insulated, impact resistant, double walled tank with wheels and a handle.
Integrated battery aeration effective for at least 8 hours (to be tested)
Integrated chemical heating, isolated from the tank water and effective for up to 12 hours (to be tested).  Environmentally friendly.
Integrated AC adjustable heating for switch over at hotels.
Integrated AC aeration for switch over at hotels.
Custom dividers are possible, I'm putting a 2way in for one of the tanks.
Drain for easy emptying and water changes.
Completely sealed system, no leaks!
 
I expect this to retail for $100-$125, perhaps $150 plus shipping.  Size could be changed, as would price.
 
Would this be a product that you would buy?  It would be awesome if this took off and thousands of fish would stand a better chance in shipping....not to mention, I would have a cool little hobby.  I can't find anything like this on the internet.
 
In the future, I could probably figure out how to add the more traditional heat and perhaps a real filtration system....but not yet, moving in two weeks and this is what I can do in the time allotted.  I'd also look into a locking lid....right now it's called duct tape.
 
Well, field test begins in two weeks!

 

[Sickbound]

It sounds like something I would really be interested in buying. 
The price isn't so bad, either.
Pictures?

 

[VTDrew]

Pictures when its done and my apartment isn't a disaster from moving.
 
I also don't want to start any real hype until my fish survive the 5-6 day journey.

 

[thefishnoob]

If this works you definitely need to get a patent or something if it has some really nice design features that are innovative. This sounds great!

 

[TwoTankAmin]

I do not get the point. Anything this idea can do can be done as well and has been for a long time by bagging fish and transporting them in styros using heat or cold packs as needed.
 
If one is hand carrying them they can be put into larger bags with more water since shipping isn't involved.
 
The one application that might make sense would be for the trans port of a large fish to and from the vet. But you might find this video re that interesting. I am sorry its in German as its shot there. But the gent is moving from his immense aquarium in his old house to his new 105,000 litre in his new home. The vid is of the move. The transport containers are in the van.
 
[media]http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6rUyDHWH2o[/media]
 
If curious, here is the vids of the new tank http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq_8tV3tbRk  and  http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohTJ-iWAAqI&list=PL0488D8D2A219E446

 

[VTDrew]

That van, or the service offered by that van are definately well out of my price range, what I assembled would actually fulfil a similar option.
 
This thing I'm doing is not much different then a play on the styro theory.  It's actually how I got the idea when staring at my styro's for hours and thinking how much of a PITA it will be to deal with them, however I wanted something better insulated and easier to move when going from truck to hotel.  Think of it as a more robust and safer styro that doesn't require bags.
 
Unfortunately, I don't believe I can patent this, but I will look into it.  Once I post pictures, most of you would say....no way, that's easy to do, and I will have no issues if people ripped it off.

 

[Gruntle]

Unfortunately from a marketing perspective you might not find much success. I can't imagine too many people would move fish often enough to buy one.
 
If you could somehow rent them, then you might be onto a winner.

 

[Lunar Jetman]

I don't see how a 30 gallon tank (with the water weighing over 100kgs) could be considered remotely portable. You're just adding some battery operated accessories to a normal tank.
 
If you think you see a gap in the market over there though, good luck.

 

[star4]

I think it is a brilliant idea. There are some shops now (one near me in the UK) that are taking to delivering fish themselves rather than using an overnight courier. Those that are against fish being transported by bags would appreciate such an idea for shipping long distance.

 

[VTDrew]

Lunar, great point.  While it does have wheels and a drag handle, I am concerned about the up to 240lbs it is going to weigh.

 

[Ch4rlie]

I do like novel ideas that may help the fishkeeping hobby.

A few questions, what is the big difference between your idea and styrofoam box and bagged fish which is a proved and tried method of transporting stocking?
Apart from a battery operated aeration unit and a sort of heat pack.

What would your 'tank' be made of acrylic or styrofoam type material?
A duct taped lid does not sound very viable either, a simple rubber seal and mechanical clip my do the trick (think of sealable jars with metal/plastic closing clasps)

I don't really get the part why you would take your stocking / tank into a hotel room?
If you're doing such a long trip then why not use a delivery / courier company to take direct from A to B?

Who would pay $100 to $150 for something they only ever use once or twice?
Are you aiming at perhap aquarium show fish keepers and fish breeders who are more likely to use something like this?

As Gruntle already mentioned, a rental / hire short term scheme might work out better perhaps.

Sorry if this sounds a little negative, just want to be sure you've thought of all angles before putting your money and resources into something like this which may be a very niche market.

I do like your being creative and coming up with innovative ideas and I wholly support creative people but only when they thought of most possible scenarios and who your target market is etc etc

If you could come up with a more descriptive image or even diagrams this may help in picturing what you mean exactly but of course you would run the risk of someone stealing your ideas!

Very best of luck

 

[l_l_l]

It's a good idea but at 20gallon, it would be so heavy it wouldn't be that portable anymore.
I'm sure you would have more success with a smaller sized aquarium in the vein of the ones you see at competitions. These people could also be some of your customers. 
Personally, I don't think I would be buying.

 

[VTDrew]

So I'll let the secret out.  The base part for this is a cooler.  I then built a chamber into the lid where you can put your hot or cold packs and it drops down into the water such that I hope the heat gets transferred throught the plastic. you got your battery powered air built right in.
 
I don't have much of a choice.  Regardless of using a delivery service, the fish will have to wait because the actual tanks are in the truck as well.
 
I do see a market for the show and trade industry, but using smaller "tanks."

 

[TwoTankAmin]

I go to fish events. They also have shows. I can tell you most folks use the traditional method for transporting the fish- bags, styro and when needed heat or cool packs.
 
The flaw in your plan is what happens when something goes wrong. One fish per bag and the fish dies you lose one fish. Two fish in a bag and one dies you likely lose 2 fish, etc.
 
Now lets say you have a few fish each worth $100 or more how would you want to transport them?

 

[VTDrew]

A fish dying in one of these would be no different then one dying in your tank.  Open the lid, net it out.  I personally thing this is far better than bags in styro, but we will find out next Monday.  It's not worth speculating when we have a real test on the horizon.  We can do a fun bet though.
 
Tank 1: Divided.  25% - Bushy Nose Pleco, 75% Venustus
Tank 2: 4 Fly River Rainbows & 1 Pictus Cas
(Many fish are missing off the list....the Venustus did not appreciate the temporary residents in her tank)
 
Who Will Survive....Who Will Die?
 
Update:  I have a 2500W UPS for my computer.  It will be supplying juice to the standard heaters until it dies.  I estimate it will get me to the rockies, after that, its all about the hand warmers.