3 Golden Rules for your Rocks to live by1. Keep rocks moist2. Keep rocks from cooking 3. Keep rocks from freezing How you do it is really up to you but here are some tips to guide you. Short Distances (< 12 hrs)
Rocks Only |
(?)Source: steelhealr, Nano-Reef.com |
The process is only slightly more complicated over longer distances but the golden rule still applies. Never let he rocks dry out. Also, unless the rocks are going to be under climate controlled conditions (ie: protecting them from the hot or cold) then you will want to house them in a Styrofoam cooler lined with a plastic bag. This will help to keep them moist and warm or cool depending on the climate they will experience in their travels. However, regardless of the cooler, leaving the cooler in the direct sun or on the tarmac in the arctic is a really bad idea. Inside the plastic bag, you will want to cover the rocks with damp towels or paper.
Rock with Corals
Here again you will want to transport the corals in water. If you are traveling a very long distance by car and spending
the night somewhere along the way, you will need some extra supplies. You will need to bring your corals and rocks inside wherever you are staying (except perhaps your tent...or if the weather is approximately 20 degrees celsius) so you can keep them warm (or cool). Regardless if you bring them in or not, you will want to change the water. When corals get stressed the exude slime that is full or toxins that can affect other corals and potentially even the bacteria in the rocks. You will want to change at least half of the water in each of the containers upon arrival. It is always best to mix the water before leaving your home to reduce the amount of stress due to changes in water chemistry along the way. Many corals are adapted to be out of the water for some time due to the natural fluctuations in water level cause by tides, so leaving corals out of the water but moist in a container is actually better than low tide on a reef in the baking sun! Despite this adaptation, be sure to check your corals after about 12 hours and re-wet the towel or paper with seawater if it is becoming dry. Remember, although we consider corals very fragile, they are actually quite robust to being out of the water and transportation. Use common sense, keep them moist and warm (or cool depending on your location) and they will survive.