Keeping anchovies alive, help!

[sealice]

I am new to this forum and was looking for some help. I am trying to transport and keep anchovies alive in a closed system. I have a 30 gallon tank with an aerator pump and pure oxygen. I have tried twice but not successful yet. I have a 2 hour drive. I can keep them alive for a few hours but then I lose them.

I think I tried to transport too many (approx. 60) for this setup and am going to try again next week but would really appreciate any advice.

thanks,
John

[Megatrev62]

Not sure really. Would they be going on pizzas at a later date?

[wrott]

you could try to mimic conditions w/ store. Temp (ice bag), circulation (big airstone w/ the O2 should suffice), concentration (fish/gallon).
Ask store for same water fish are in or match it, sg, pH, etc...
try multiple containers (large ice chests w/ clean plastic liner)
how soon do they start to die after loading into car?

[sealice]

Thanks for your reply. I am able to keep the temp at the same temp they were in using ice bags. I do have an aerator pump and pure oxygen with diffuser. They make the 2 hour drive but after about 4 to 5 hours of being in the tank they start to die off.

[o2manyfish]

Anchovies have to swim in a circle. In a square tank they will just run into the corners and when they bump their noses it causes them to crash.

They need lots of water flow and movement as well.

[rachenbrazil]

Fewer in transport vessel. As you cannot return faster, you should vive more room to fishes....

[sealice]

thanks, appreciate it