Full Version: The Official "How to Ship Coral" Thread
I agree totally!
QUOTE(Vertigo @ Jun 30 2007, 11:33 PM) 
I agree totally!
My point exactly.
true that
Thanks for the welcome everyone.
dshnarw - Usually we're using cold packs when the weather gets into the mid 80's somewhere along the route of the delivery, for fish and for corals. When to switch from heat to nothing to cool is always a tricky thing, because there are so many unknowns along the path of a package.
As for noticing more or less DOA's, we have customers call in letting us know what their water temperature is upon arrival from time to time. We did have one small order go out recently with no cold packs. The customer called the next day and was quite vocal about what he thought of our water temperature on his mushrooms being far too hot upon arrival and how murky the water was as a result. They were fine, and they acclimated fine last I heard, but that particular case is one that comes to mind recently.
Sometimes I wonder if it isn't almost as much for the psychological benefit of the purchaser as it is for the benefit of the animals. Even when temperatures are in the middle to lower 70's during shipping time it seems as if folks expect heat or cold packs to be in a package by default. Sometimes though, the heat/cold packs are definitely necessary or else the customer will end up with a bag of ice and a fish frozen in the middle. I guess it's all just a matter of what the end consumer is used to seeing with their packaging, and the level of experience of that particular customer.
John
dshnarw - Usually we're using cold packs when the weather gets into the mid 80's somewhere along the route of the delivery, for fish and for corals. When to switch from heat to nothing to cool is always a tricky thing, because there are so many unknowns along the path of a package.
As for noticing more or less DOA's, we have customers call in letting us know what their water temperature is upon arrival from time to time. We did have one small order go out recently with no cold packs. The customer called the next day and was quite vocal about what he thought of our water temperature on his mushrooms being far too hot upon arrival and how murky the water was as a result. They were fine, and they acclimated fine last I heard, but that particular case is one that comes to mind recently.
Sometimes I wonder if it isn't almost as much for the psychological benefit of the purchaser as it is for the benefit of the animals. Even when temperatures are in the middle to lower 70's during shipping time it seems as if folks expect heat or cold packs to be in a package by default. Sometimes though, the heat/cold packs are definitely necessary or else the customer will end up with a bag of ice and a fish frozen in the middle. I guess it's all just a matter of what the end consumer is used to seeing with their packaging, and the level of experience of that particular customer.
John
Well said 
Just a quick note with something that I learned recently.
BibleSue checked with a friend who works at the Post Office on what P.O. regulations are regarding the shipping of live corals. She was told that it was okay, as long as it's shipped with enough absorbent material in the box to absorb all of the water if it should leak.
On the last package that I shipped, I lined the box first with a double layer of plastic grocery bag, then put my insulating material inside that, then put the bags in with newspaper all around them (absorbent material!), then taped the plastic bags shut very thoroughly at the top to seal in any moisture that might leak, before taping the box shut.
On another note, I also agree with mvite about not using ice packs to avoid drastic temp shifts. If I ship Priority, I try to use extra insulating material and it seems to have worked fine so far.
BibleSue checked with a friend who works at the Post Office on what P.O. regulations are regarding the shipping of live corals. She was told that it was okay, as long as it's shipped with enough absorbent material in the box to absorb all of the water if it should leak.
On the last package that I shipped, I lined the box first with a double layer of plastic grocery bag, then put my insulating material inside that, then put the bags in with newspaper all around them (absorbent material!), then taped the plastic bags shut very thoroughly at the top to seal in any moisture that might leak, before taping the box shut.
On another note, I also agree with mvite about not using ice packs to avoid drastic temp shifts. If I ship Priority, I try to use extra insulating material and it seems to have worked fine so far.
QUOTE(MDeth @ Jul 2 2007, 03:03 PM)
Well said
x100!!
Really well said!
Have you guys tried the shipping sps in a wet towel method yet?
in a bag with a wet towl, no water in the bag....
jus' wonderin'
in a bag with a wet towl, no water in the bag....
jus' wonderin'
QUOTE(Maeda @ Jul 2 2007, 06:33 PM)
Have you guys tried the shipping sps in a wet towel method yet?
in a bag with a wet towl, no water in the bag....
jus' wonderin'
in a bag with a wet towl, no water in the bag....
jus' wonderin'
I used to wrap sps in a piece of paper towel in water---but I had a few DOA's with SPS specifically so I stopped. I was literally 2 pieces in the winter that died---but that was all I could figure. Propagator suggested that the heavy slime on SPS was suffocating the coral in the towel. I have since switched to cut up plastic and am happy with the results.
Are you talking "dry shipping" like with zoas?
I almost would be willing to give that a try---but I would hate to spend $21 on overnighting dead coral. I wish we could use Priority and a towel. Why can't we just start liking plastic coral? Shipping would be a lot less....
Well what some people either dont' know or fail to remember is that water temperatures over a VAST majority of shallow reef systems ( Even up to 35ft depths)
see spikes of 82-86 degree water on a regular basis.
There are corals that are exposed to 90 plus degree temps for 4-6 hours when the tide goes out as well in certain areas.
I personally think it is more for the benefit of the customer than it is for the coral. Now if it goes out uninsulated and sits in a hot tin truck all day yup. she's gonna croak because there wil be nothing there to help repel the heat.
Otherwise you shouldn't have a problem.
There ARE cases where you want to use a cold pack ofcourse but in my experience 85 degrees or under and your golden.
Here is a REALLY BIG thing that a lot of reefers still do that is responsible for a lot of deaths in newly acquired coral IMO.
DRIP ACCLIMATION.
Why in gods name would you want to subject a coral to that nasty toxic soup that its been sitting in for 24-36 hours any longer than you have to?
Toxins build up in the bag during shipping. The only reason wyh they don't die from those toxins during shipping is because the toxins use up the air in the bag during gas exchange. They level off and some what neutralize until the bag is opened and fresh air hits it.
Then those toxins "re-animate" so to speak and almost instantaneously become toxic again only this time X2!
When you leave your coral in that bag and slowly dump tank water in all your doing is slowly killing your new specimen via chemical stress.
Now there are certain animals that must be acclimated using the drip method but corals are not one of them.
Certain Shrimp, certain Snails, certain Star Fish, and certain Fish are.
see spikes of 82-86 degree water on a regular basis.
There are corals that are exposed to 90 plus degree temps for 4-6 hours when the tide goes out as well in certain areas.
I personally think it is more for the benefit of the customer than it is for the coral. Now if it goes out uninsulated and sits in a hot tin truck all day yup. she's gonna croak because there wil be nothing there to help repel the heat.
Otherwise you shouldn't have a problem.
There ARE cases where you want to use a cold pack ofcourse but in my experience 85 degrees or under and your golden.
Here is a REALLY BIG thing that a lot of reefers still do that is responsible for a lot of deaths in newly acquired coral IMO.
DRIP ACCLIMATION.
Why in gods name would you want to subject a coral to that nasty toxic soup that its been sitting in for 24-36 hours any longer than you have to?
Toxins build up in the bag during shipping. The only reason wyh they don't die from those toxins during shipping is because the toxins use up the air in the bag during gas exchange. They level off and some what neutralize until the bag is opened and fresh air hits it.
Then those toxins "re-animate" so to speak and almost instantaneously become toxic again only this time X2!
When you leave your coral in that bag and slowly dump tank water in all your doing is slowly killing your new specimen via chemical stress.
Now there are certain animals that must be acclimated using the drip method but corals are not one of them.
Certain Shrimp, certain Snails, certain Star Fish, and certain Fish are.
To follow up on Prop's acclimation comments---I haven't acclimated a shipped coral in 2 years!!
When I buy locally, I will drip acclimate. When someone ships to me--I just remove the coral from the bag and place it in my tank. This is purely based on my experiences---but I haven't lost one coral this way. (now I will probably kill a bunch cuz I jinxed myself!)
When I buy locally, I will drip acclimate. When someone ships to me--I just remove the coral from the bag and place it in my tank. This is purely based on my experiences---but I haven't lost one coral this way. (now I will probably kill a bunch cuz I jinxed myself!)
Why do you drip acclimate when it's a local purchase?
QUOTE(Mudfish @ Jul 3 2007, 08:50 AM)
Why do you drip acclimate when it's a local purchase?
I feel that's the only time that toxins haven't built up tremendously in the bags---and so I have time and a chance to let the local corals gradually adjust--to actually acclimate.
But now that I re-read---If not acclimating is working for shipped corals, why wouldn't it work for local as well? d'oh..... It's like a "superstition" of mine I guess.
Prop---I think we need to fire up your acclimation thread again!!!
Yeah, see - that's why I asked. Since youse guys had brought this stuff up, lo these many weeks ago, I've not drip-acclimated ANYTHING - not a crab, not a fishy, not a coral. And the corals, I'm not really acclimating anymore at all - just float and dunk, as Prop says.
I haven't lost anybody - I've got a new porcelain crab, a bunch of new frags, etc. Everybody's happy - smokin' and jokin'!
I haven't lost anybody - I've got a new porcelain crab, a bunch of new frags, etc. Everybody's happy - smokin' and jokin'!
QUOTE(mvite @ Jul 2 2007, 08:11 PM)
I used to wrap sps in a piece of paper towel in water---but I had a few DOA's with SPS specifically so I stopped. I was literally 2 pieces in the winter that died---but that was all I could figure. Propagator suggested that the heavy slime on SPS was suffocating the coral in the towel. I have since switched to cut up plastic and am happy with the results.
Are you talking "dry shipping" like with zoas?
I almost would be willing to give that a try---but I would hate to spend $21 on overnighting dead coral. I wish we could use Priority and a towel. Why can't we just start liking plastic coral? Shipping would be a lot less....
Are you talking "dry shipping" like with zoas?
I almost would be willing to give that a try---but I would hate to spend $21 on overnighting dead coral. I wish we could use Priority and a towel. Why can't we just start liking plastic coral? Shipping would be a lot less....
If I order some frags from you, i'll pick one to TRY the dry shipping method. It sounds like it would work in my mind.... but in practice is another story of course.
I forgot where I originally read about it.
I don't see why dry shipping wouldn't work on a number of corals - just look at everything that pops up on live rock shipped in damp newspaper.
In fact - I just got a few pounds of live rock that was covered in various corals. Wasn't watching when the guy bagged it, but he didn't even add the newspaper. All the corals - SPS, LPS and some softies were opened within an hour of me putting them in the tank (and thats with 5 hours of them sitting in the air first).
I also have to agree on the cold packs - it's just something to make the buyer happier. I haven't used them, shipping up to 90* weather with no problems. The only corals lost so far sat in the bag at the guys house for an extra couple of days before he decided to put them in the tank.
In fact - I just got a few pounds of live rock that was covered in various corals. Wasn't watching when the guy bagged it, but he didn't even add the newspaper. All the corals - SPS, LPS and some softies were opened within an hour of me putting them in the tank (and thats with 5 hours of them sitting in the air first).
I also have to agree on the cold packs - it's just something to make the buyer happier. I haven't used them, shipping up to 90* weather with no problems. The only corals lost so far sat in the bag at the guys house for an extra couple of days before he decided to put them in the tank.
The first place I remember reading about shipping corals long distances just wrapped up in wet paper towels or something similar was in one of the fish magazines a couple of years ago. Something in my head is telling me Eric Borneman had something to do with the article, but for the life of me I can't remember. I think I mentioned earlier that the only thing I remember for sure is that they were shipping from an area around Guam into the US. The only real reason I remembered it is because I lived on Guam for about 4 years, so it sort of stuck in my head.
Don't know if you answered this question, but what is the best time to ship priority packages within the same state. Am I o.k as long as I mail before the 5:00 deadline. Thanks in advance
QUOTE(petsolutions @ Jul 5 2007, 01:35 PM)
....Eric Borneman had something to do with the article....
That's who wrote what I read about it.
QUOTE(RoOk_Reef @ Jul 5 2007, 01:12 PM)
Don't know if you answered this question, but what is the best time to ship priority packages within the same state. Am I o.k as long as I mail before the 5:00 deadline. Thanks in advance
Right at the deadline is the best time in most cases because the coral will be in the shipping bag the least amount of time (assuming you box it up and go directly to the drop off locale).
If you're going in-state, you may want to look at UPS ground - it might be a couple dollars more than priority, but it'll be there the next day.
QUOTE(dshnarw @ Jul 5 2007, 01:24 PM)
Right at the deadline is the best time in most cases because the coral will be in the shipping bag the least amount of time (assuming you box it up and go directly to the drop off locale).
If you're going in-state, you may want to look at UPS ground - it might be a couple dollars more than priority, but it'll be there the next day.
If you're going in-state, you may want to look at UPS ground - it might be a couple dollars more than priority, but it'll be there the next day.
thanks alot!
My PO closes at 4:30PM EST. I can take anything I want there at 4pm and feel good knowing that it's going out that night.
I think it may vary by PO---it couldn't hurt to ask your PO workers.
I know that Express gets picked up like 3 different times every day at my PO---the last pick up is 5pm (but thet PO closed at 4:30 so I have to be there by then for the pick up.)
UPS Ground in state is fantastic----but------they can bump those Ground packages sometimes and it may take 2 days. I have had that happen once or twice through the years.
I think it may vary by PO---it couldn't hurt to ask your PO workers.
I know that Express gets picked up like 3 different times every day at my PO---the last pick up is 5pm (but thet PO closed at 4:30 so I have to be there by then for the pick up.)
UPS Ground in state is fantastic----but------they can bump those Ground packages sometimes and it may take 2 days. I have had that happen once or twice through the years.
Excellent information telling folks about the ground package bump.
It can happen and it does happen.
ALSO... DO NOT get comfortable with the idea that just because a person lives in the same state that USPS priority mail will get it there in one day.
9 out of 10 times it wont get it there in TWO days either.
( with my own experiences in using it for in state shipping that is)
For some reason they ALWAYS bump local stuff to the next truck that isn't going express. Some times 2-3 trucks in a row.
NEVER...EVER....NEVER EVER NEVER USE DHL.
Those bastages have drop kicked SEVERAL packages i have received using their services.
I mean that literally. I actually found a big azz foot print in the side of a box.
It can happen and it does happen.
ALSO... DO NOT get comfortable with the idea that just because a person lives in the same state that USPS priority mail will get it there in one day.
9 out of 10 times it wont get it there in TWO days either.
( with my own experiences in using it for in state shipping that is)
For some reason they ALWAYS bump local stuff to the next truck that isn't going express. Some times 2-3 trucks in a row.
NEVER...EVER....NEVER EVER NEVER USE DHL.
Those bastages have drop kicked SEVERAL packages i have received using their services.
I mean that literally. I actually found a big azz foot print in the side of a box.
oh just to say rook reef is a GREAT shipper..I suggest buying something from him if you haven't had
I've seen a "damaged" package from a shipper, and I'm not going to mention which one, (not live items thankfully)....with tire tracks on it 
. No joke.
For us, we use the strongest solid styro boxes we can with a tightly fit heavy cardboard box on the outside. Some wholesalers will ship fish in to us in solid styro and some will ship in what are called "trans ship" boxes, which are what the boxes are I've seen pictures of in this threat that are just styro panels fit inside the box to form the sides. You never know what will happen to a package during the course of shipping, so we pretty well always try to prepare for the worst case scenario just in case there is adverse weather during shipping or whatever. We currently are using empty air bags as a space filler if we have a gap in a box we're shipping, but we're investigating other space fillers.
What do you guys use to fill space in a box that is meant to ship 4 items when you only have 3? I'm curious to see what everyone has come up with.
John
. No joke.For us, we use the strongest solid styro boxes we can with a tightly fit heavy cardboard box on the outside. Some wholesalers will ship fish in to us in solid styro and some will ship in what are called "trans ship" boxes, which are what the boxes are I've seen pictures of in this threat that are just styro panels fit inside the box to form the sides. You never know what will happen to a package during the course of shipping, so we pretty well always try to prepare for the worst case scenario just in case there is adverse weather during shipping or whatever. We currently are using empty air bags as a space filler if we have a gap in a box we're shipping, but we're investigating other space fillers.
What do you guys use to fill space in a box that is meant to ship 4 items when you only have 3? I'm curious to see what everyone has come up with.
John
I had been recycling my left over styro scraps to peanuts via breaking them up by hand. WHAT A PITA !!!
So I have since been using anything from paper towels, newspaper to air bags.
Recently its mostly been air bags though.
That seems to fit and hold better. and its not such a PITA now that I have an impulse sealer. Life is good now with that little beauty !!
I don't know how I got by with out it ?
One thing that I think is worth mentioning is high altitude pressure drop.
WTF is that you ask? When you send a package airborne express mail it goes up into the stratosphere in a big azz cargo jet.
At 25,000 feet plus the barometric pressure drops severely.
This allows gases that have built up inside the bag to expand rapidly and with much more force. When the plane descends POP goes the bag if you don't leave enough slack
That does not a commonly occur but its not a rare either.
RIGHT DICKIE52
I sent him some rics once to his mountain home. The bag popped twice and we lost two shipments of ric's because I didn't leave enough expansion room in the bags.
HOT weather will do the same. so either use 3 mill or better bags and double bag or leave enough "loose bag" space. ( IE not tight as hell with air)
So I have since been using anything from paper towels, newspaper to air bags.
Recently its mostly been air bags though.
That seems to fit and hold better. and its not such a PITA now that I have an impulse sealer. Life is good now with that little beauty !!
I don't know how I got by with out it ?
One thing that I think is worth mentioning is high altitude pressure drop.
WTF is that you ask? When you send a package airborne express mail it goes up into the stratosphere in a big azz cargo jet.
At 25,000 feet plus the barometric pressure drops severely.
This allows gases that have built up inside the bag to expand rapidly and with much more force. When the plane descends POP goes the bag if you don't leave enough slack
That does not a commonly occur but its not a rare either.
RIGHT DICKIE52
I sent him some rics once to his mountain home. The bag popped twice and we lost two shipments of ric's because I didn't leave enough expansion room in the bags.
HOT weather will do the same. so either use 3 mill or better bags and double bag or leave enough "loose bag" space. ( IE not tight as hell with air)
Oh crap---more to think about!!!
I use the scraps of panels from lining the boxes. I have also recently started using styro peanuts that I got on ebay. The scraps always are better to use than toss.
I don't use the pro boxes--only cuz of the cost--it would be an additional $8-$15 per shipment---BUT--if I was shipping larger pieces I would invest in it for sure.
I get some peeps here who hate paying $25 for shipping--let alone another $10 for a box charge!! But it is the way to go fo sho! Adin sent me a pro box--and I just recycled it to a buyer today. I will sleep well knowing that the 30 pieces in that box are safe and sound. It was 1.5" solid styro!!! And it was FREE!!!
I use the scraps of panels from lining the boxes. I have also recently started using styro peanuts that I got on ebay. The scraps always are better to use than toss.
I don't use the pro boxes--only cuz of the cost--it would be an additional $8-$15 per shipment---BUT--if I was shipping larger pieces I would invest in it for sure.
I get some peeps here who hate paying $25 for shipping--let alone another $10 for a box charge!! But it is the way to go fo sho! Adin sent me a pro box--and I just recycled it to a buyer today. I will sleep well knowing that the 30 pieces in that box are safe and sound. It was 1.5" solid styro!!! And it was FREE!!!
I really hate that.
If you compare the price you and I as well as a few others charge for shipping it is almost ALWAYS half what most people charge.
Well I can chalk my 1st lost shipment up in a LOOOoooong large time.
I shipped an order off to bilgerat that went COMPLETELY haywire from start to finish.
I think USPS played kick ball with the package.
The damn thing was almost dry on the inside because all the water was on the out side when he got it soaking through.
Im'a ship one with just a little camera and a micro drive in it one of these days to see wtf goes on.
I swear to Christ on a cross though every time I ship a package of with fragile stickers it gets POWNED by USPS workers !!
I don't know why I thought this time would be any different.
This was the 1st time the poor guy ever ordered coral over the net too
I hate that.
If you compare the price you and I as well as a few others charge for shipping it is almost ALWAYS half what most people charge.
Well I can chalk my 1st lost shipment up in a LOOOoooong large time.
I shipped an order off to bilgerat that went COMPLETELY haywire from start to finish.
I think USPS played kick ball with the package.
The damn thing was almost dry on the inside because all the water was on the out side when he got it soaking through.
Im'a ship one with just a little camera and a micro drive in it one of these days to see wtf goes on.
I swear to Christ on a cross though every time I ship a package of with fragile stickers it gets POWNED by USPS workers !!
I don't know why I thought this time would be any different.
This was the 1st time the poor guy ever ordered coral over the net too
I hate that.
That does stink Prop!
Well, I have received corals from both of you ( Mvite and Prop) and the care and effort put into your packing is obvious. Very professional looking and secure. Unfortunately after that its all on the carrier
I'm sure I may lose a shipment somewhere along the line, but I will still buy stuff online.
Great thread guys, loaded with info. Keep it coming.
Keep the corals coming too!
Well, I have received corals from both of you ( Mvite and Prop) and the care and effort put into your packing is obvious. Very professional looking and secure. Unfortunately after that its all on the carrier
I'm sure I may lose a shipment somewhere along the line, but I will still buy stuff online.
Great thread guys, loaded with info. Keep it coming.
Keep the corals coming too!
How Well does frogspawn ship?
From my experience frogspawn usually ships pretty well, I'm not sure what kind of luck the other folks here have had with it.
I just shipped some hammer---and many other kinds of LPS. I don't see why frogspawn would be different.
I think the theme here has been---water--protect the bag and coral from sharp edges/punctures---insulate for temp stability---and VOI--FRIGGIN-LA.....You is shipping.
It's darn hot in PA right now---90 and humid--all of my OUTSIDE windows were totally dripping and covered with condensation this am. (My neighbors' too---not just the freaks with open topped oceans in their homes....)
I think the theme here has been---water--protect the bag and coral from sharp edges/punctures---insulate for temp stability---and VOI--FRIGGIN-LA.....You is shipping.
It's darn hot in PA right now---90 and humid--all of my OUTSIDE windows were totally dripping and covered with condensation this am. (My neighbors' too---not just the freaks with open topped oceans in their homes....)
Things have been shipping great---with a lot going out -- and a lot getting there just fine.
I just learned something that can save you a couple bucks on single coral shipments. Express Mail is $19.50 for packages weighing 8oz-1lb. I shipped a small piece yesterday and it was 12 oz---$19.50.
I guess that's not Earth shattering--but it's a couple bucks on light packages like a micro--or a couple zoa frags.
I just learned something that can save you a couple bucks on single coral shipments. Express Mail is $19.50 for packages weighing 8oz-1lb. I shipped a small piece yesterday and it was 12 oz---$19.50.
I guess that's not Earth shattering--but it's a couple bucks on light packages like a micro--or a couple zoa frags.
Great read about shipping.
well guys, i'm going to be shipping corals to Pusan Korea. (my birthplace)
shipping alone is going to be $250
this is the real test of my shipping abilities, i'll let you know how that goes!
shipping alone is going to be $250
this is the real test of my shipping abilities, i'll let you know how that goes!
Wow... 250 for shipping? So you spend 250 on shipping, is fragging free?
anybody here ever shipped fish express?
QUOTE(ezcompany @ Nov 2 2007, 05:47 PM)
well guys, i'm going to be shipping corals to Pusan Korea. (my birthplace)shipping alone is going to be $250 this is the real test of my shipping abilities, i'll let you know how that goes!
And the real test of your concealing abilities LOL!If you get caught you WILL be fined a minimum of $575.00 pe roffense and they will hit you with THREE mim.Gots to have a Cites permit and import export permits. TO have those you have to have a vendors license.Hope it goes well. this is the real test of my shipping abilities, i'll let you know how that goes!QUOTE(ReeFur @ Nov 24 2007, 08:00 PM)
anybody here ever shipped fish express?
Yes. how it is shipped totally depends on the type of fish though.
Thanks A billion Mvite, for your invaluable information on shipping. AL the information on how to ship properly with heat pack is in one spot.
Tank
Tank
Hey great! I am glad you were able to use it---ESPECIALLY cuz I always wanna buy the corals you are sellin!!
I just plopped one onto the Big Island yesterday---Honolulu, HI---perfect!
I shipped 3 SPS frags with heat---and they were fine.
My ramshackle boxes don't look the prettiest but they work. I never calculated how much each box costs me--but the styro ain't cheap.
I looked at buying a couple solid boxes at ULINE--but they are all like $7-$9 each--plus shipping and they are large to ship...$$$$$
I have stuff landing in Oregon today---I worry about every damn shipment!!!!
I just plopped one onto the Big Island yesterday---Honolulu, HI---perfect!
I shipped 3 SPS frags with heat---and they were fine.
My ramshackle boxes don't look the prettiest but they work. I never calculated how much each box costs me--but the styro ain't cheap.
I looked at buying a couple solid boxes at ULINE--but they are all like $7-$9 each--plus shipping and they are large to ship...$$$$$
I have stuff landing in Oregon today---I worry about every damn shipment!!!!
I have a package landing in NH today I packed that thing in a thermos inside a styro lined box!!!
Heat pack be damned I refuse to loose a second shipment
Heat pack be damned I refuse to loose a second shipment
I wish I could sell jelly beans or something that you didn't have to worry about like that!!
I forgot to mention that when I have been packing my shipments---I have been wrapping the heat pack in newspaper and then placing that newspaper heat packet directly on top of the bag full of coral frags. Then I backfill with insulation on top and around that---Then I put the lid on--and as Prop might say "VIOLA!"
I forgot to mention that when I have been packing my shipments---I have been wrapping the heat pack in newspaper and then placing that newspaper heat packet directly on top of the bag full of coral frags. Then I backfill with insulation on top and around that---Then I put the lid on--and as Prop might say "VIOLA!"
Lately, I have been placing a folded up paper towel or newspaper between the bags and the paper wrapped heat pack, just to ensure that the corals aren't cooked by too close proximity to the heat pack.
Don't know if I've posted this here before, but you are allowed to ship liquids through the Post Office as long as you include enough absorbent material in the package to soak up everything if there is a leak. I usually try to pack newspaper or paper towels around my bags.
Also, if you are unsure whether to use a heat pack, go to www.weather.com and look up the weather for the destination zip code. Try to also take into account the weather where you are at, and also along the basic route if you are shipping Priority.
Don't know if I've posted this here before, but you are allowed to ship liquids through the Post Office as long as you include enough absorbent material in the package to soak up everything if there is a leak. I usually try to pack newspaper or paper towels around my bags.
Also, if you are unsure whether to use a heat pack, go to www.weather.com and look up the weather for the destination zip code. Try to also take into account the weather where you are at, and also along the basic route if you are shipping Priority.
Yep. I started to ship out Nemastomas in styro lined boxes when cold got colder. Cost of Styro at Home Depot was nearly $6 for two 5'x24'x28'. I estilmate that I could only use it for six shipments barely.
QUOTE(Turbo5oh @ Feb 2 2007, 07:38 PM)
so the paper towel kind of helps with movement inside the bag? like if the box is dropped or something?
I used this method, one thing I did do was soak the towels in a quart of tank water for a few minutes, then rinse them in the tank, before using them, just to dilute any icky stuff
THE MOTHER LOAD !!!!
THE GOLDEN GOOSE !!!!
THE SAVIOR OF ALL OF OUR WALLETS !!
D I Y HEAT PACKS BABY !!!!
It took some digging but I finally found out the man ingredients.
( BY READING THE BOTTOM OF THE PACKAGE )
Now I am working on proportions.
Wouldn't it be AWSOME to avoid paying $1.20 plus tax and shipping for some thing that cost $0.10 to make? Wouldn't it be great to make 100 of them for 10 bucks versus $180 !
These things KILL me in the winter. The single most expensive crap I have to buy for shipping cause I need all sizes / hours.
Iron powder, water, Activated carbon, salt, vermiculite, and or saw dust
Those are the ingredients of just about every heat pack manufacturers product on the market used in the live animal shipping industry.
I will post more as I find it.
I plane on using felt pouches melted together on the ends with my impulse sealer as the container to hold the mixture.
THE GOLDEN GOOSE !!!!
THE SAVIOR OF ALL OF OUR WALLETS !!
D I Y HEAT PACKS BABY !!!!
It took some digging but I finally found out the man ingredients.
( BY READING THE BOTTOM OF THE PACKAGE
)Now I am working on proportions.
Wouldn't it be AWSOME to avoid paying $1.20 plus tax and shipping for some thing that cost $0.10 to make? Wouldn't it be great to make 100 of them for 10 bucks versus $180 !
These things KILL me in the winter. The single most expensive crap I have to buy for shipping cause I need all sizes / hours.
Iron powder, water, Activated carbon, salt, vermiculite, and or saw dust
Those are the ingredients of just about every heat pack manufacturers product on the market used in the live animal shipping industry.
QUOTE
14.1.12 Iron powder heat pack
1. Disposable heat packs are used for transporting small animals that need heat to survive the journey, e.g. sugar gliders. Open the outer wrapper and remove the inner pad. Shake the contents in open air and heat will begin to be generated in 4-5 minutes Place the heat source in shipping containers. After use, dispose of an outer wrapper and expired heat pack. The contents are high grade iron powder that undergoes rapid rusting with heat as a by-product, activated charcoal powder, cellulose, zeolite and water.
2. Instant hot packs: Remove inner pack Squeeze or shake several times. Allow a few minutes to warm up Keep covered in pocket, glove or clothing for maximum warmth. Caution: Store in cool dry place.
The hot pack has an outer plastic bag. The inside bag is made from cloth or a paper with many tiny holes and contains a mixture of iron powder, salt, charcoal and sawdust, all dampened with water. When the paper bag is removed from the plastic bag and shaken vigorously it gets hot Iron is reacting with oxygen gas in the air to make iron oxide or rust.
3. Rusting experiment: Label three test-tubes 1, 2 and 3. Roll up some iron wool, steel wool, to make three little balls that will fit inside the test-tubes. Put one ball in each test-tube. Leave test-tube 1 as a control. Add water to test-tube 2 until the ball is half covered. Shake the tube to wet all the steel wool. Add salt water to test-tube 3 until the steel wool is half covered. Shake the tube to wet all the steel wool 5 Put the three tubes where they won't be disturbed. Observe them after a week.
4. Observe the heat energy given off when iron rusts in a hand warmer. Put 25 g of iron powder or very fine iron filings and 1 g of sodium chloride in a small plastic bag. Shake the bag to mix. Add about a tablespoon of vermiculite or sawdust or sand to the bag and shake well. Add 5 mL of water and seal the bag without squashing out all the air. Shake the bag vigorously. A reaction should start after about a minute. Record what happens.
5. Put iron powder in a plastic bag, e.g. a "Ziploc" bag. Add sodium chloride and mix contents by shaking the closed bag. Add 1 tablespoon of small vermiculite pieces and mix again. Add 5 mL water to the bag and seal with a twist tie. Squeeze and shake the bag. After 2 minutes feel the bag and observe the heat produced. The iron powder and the oxygen in the bag react to form iron oxide. Salt speeds this reaction and is therefore a catalyst. The vermiculite insulation ensures that the heat stays in the bag. The iron oxide formed is a compound.
2Fe + 3O2 ---> Fe2O3 + heat
1. Disposable heat packs are used for transporting small animals that need heat to survive the journey, e.g. sugar gliders. Open the outer wrapper and remove the inner pad. Shake the contents in open air and heat will begin to be generated in 4-5 minutes Place the heat source in shipping containers. After use, dispose of an outer wrapper and expired heat pack. The contents are high grade iron powder that undergoes rapid rusting with heat as a by-product, activated charcoal powder, cellulose, zeolite and water.
2. Instant hot packs: Remove inner pack Squeeze or shake several times. Allow a few minutes to warm up Keep covered in pocket, glove or clothing for maximum warmth. Caution: Store in cool dry place.
The hot pack has an outer plastic bag. The inside bag is made from cloth or a paper with many tiny holes and contains a mixture of iron powder, salt, charcoal and sawdust, all dampened with water. When the paper bag is removed from the plastic bag and shaken vigorously it gets hot Iron is reacting with oxygen gas in the air to make iron oxide or rust.
3. Rusting experiment: Label three test-tubes 1, 2 and 3. Roll up some iron wool, steel wool, to make three little balls that will fit inside the test-tubes. Put one ball in each test-tube. Leave test-tube 1 as a control. Add water to test-tube 2 until the ball is half covered. Shake the tube to wet all the steel wool. Add salt water to test-tube 3 until the steel wool is half covered. Shake the tube to wet all the steel wool 5 Put the three tubes where they won't be disturbed. Observe them after a week.
4. Observe the heat energy given off when iron rusts in a hand warmer. Put 25 g of iron powder or very fine iron filings and 1 g of sodium chloride in a small plastic bag. Shake the bag to mix. Add about a tablespoon of vermiculite or sawdust or sand to the bag and shake well. Add 5 mL of water and seal the bag without squashing out all the air. Shake the bag vigorously. A reaction should start after about a minute. Record what happens.
5. Put iron powder in a plastic bag, e.g. a "Ziploc" bag. Add sodium chloride and mix contents by shaking the closed bag. Add 1 tablespoon of small vermiculite pieces and mix again. Add 5 mL water to the bag and seal with a twist tie. Squeeze and shake the bag. After 2 minutes feel the bag and observe the heat produced. The iron powder and the oxygen in the bag react to form iron oxide. Salt speeds this reaction and is therefore a catalyst. The vermiculite insulation ensures that the heat stays in the bag. The iron oxide formed is a compound.
2Fe + 3O2 ---> Fe2O3 + heat
I will post more as I find it.
I plane on using felt pouches melted together on the ends with my impulse sealer as the container to hold the mixture.
QUOTE(The Propagator @ Dec 16 2007, 04:10 AM)
I plane on using felt pouches melted together on the ends with my impulse sealer as the container to hold the mixture.
I see a new product offering in Props ebay line!
Yes--or some sort of chemical burns on his hands!!
If anyone can make their own---Prop can do it.
I'm sticking with the $1 each method!!
Prop--Does the impulse sealer seal if the bag is wet? I don't use any air in my bags and was wondering if I could still seal the bags with an impulse sealer.
If anyone can make their own---Prop can do it.
I'm sticking with the $1 each method!!
Prop--Does the impulse sealer seal if the bag is wet? I don't use any air in my bags and was wondering if I could still seal the bags with an impulse sealer.
Perhaps take a hint from the punks & some goths and start making the shipping boxes out of welded steel, then adorn it with tons of those 1" metal spikes they like to wear.
That will make them give a bit more thought into the "Handle with care" stamp.
That will make them give a bit more thought into the "Handle with care" stamp.
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