Transporting a bristlenose pleco: 36–40-minute trip

[onyzza]

I need to move my bristlenose pleco to a new tank, but it's a 36 to 40 minute drive. What's the best way to transport it without stressing it out? The current tank is 20 gallons, planted, with a sponge filter. The new tank is 30 gallons, cycled, same substrate and plants. I've got a 5 gallon bucket and a battery powered air pump.

[flavora]

You're gonna wanna keep it chill, no sudden moves. Use that bucket with some tank water, not fresh. Toss in the air pump, maybe wrap the bucket in a towel to keep temp stable. Bristlenose are tough, but they don't love changes. How big is the pleco? If it's over 3 inches, you might wanna skip feeding for a day before the move.

[onyxfin]

I transported mine last month. Used a cooler with a lid to block light. Drilled small holes for air. Worked fine. Water was 78 degrees, same as tank. No issues.

[onyzza]

You're gonna wanna keep it chill, no sudden moves. Use that bucket with some tank water, not fresh. Toss in the air pump, maybe wrap the bucket in a towel to keep temp stable. Bristlenose are tough, but they don't love changes. How big is the pleco? If it's over 3 inches, you might wanna skip feeding for a day before the move.

Thanks! It's about 4 inches. I'll skip feeding and use the towel trick. Should I add any stress coat?

[flavora]

Nah, skip the stress coat unless you've got a sketchy history with water params. Just match temp and pH as close as you can. If the new tank's cycled, it's gonna be smoother than you think. Bristlenose are hardy, just don't let the water slosh around too much. Bucket in the passenger seat, seatbelt it if you're extra paranoid.

[onyxfin]

Agree on no stress coat. Unnecessary chemicals. Cooler method better than bucket. Less sloshing.

[flavora]

Agree on no stress coat. Unnecessary chemicals. Cooler method better than bucket. Less sloshing.

Cooler's a solid idea if you've got one, but a bucket's fine if you're careful. Main thing is keeping the water stable. If you go bucket, maybe throw in a plant or two from the old tank to give it something familiar. Bristlenose like to hide in stuff.

[onyzza]

Got it. I'll use the bucket with some plants and the air pump. Thanks for the help, everyone. Gonna move it tomorrow morning when the traffic's light.