Laura Smith
Mushroom corals are ideal for beginner aquarists due to their hardy nature. However, their long tentacles make them aggressive towards other types of corals, so they require adequate space. Shipping mushroom corals can be tricky as they tend to detach their foot during transit. To prevent this, use a mushroom box to provide flow and allow the mushroom to move around and pick a spot to reattach. When shipping mushroom corals, it is important to ensure they are healthy and well-adjusted, packed carefully, and clearly labelled with instructions such as Fragile and This Side Up.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shipping container | Thick Styrofoam coolers, quality cardboard boxes |
| Temperature control | Heat packs, cool packs |
| Packaging | Bubble wrap, Styrofoam peanuts |
| Outer box labels | 'Fragile—Handle With Care', 'Live Fish—Protect from Heat and Cold', 'This Side Up' |
| Specimen packaging | Thick plastic bag, sometimes double, triple, or quadruple bagged |
| Water and oxygen | Sufficient amount provided for the trip |
| Movement restriction | Specimen bags have no room to move or shift during shipping |
| Shipping timeline | In-stock orders shipped within 4 business days of order date |
| Shipping notification | Email with UPS tracking number provided after order is shipped |
| Pre-shipping care | Livestock fully acclimated, healthy, and eating well before shipping |
| Shipping frequency | Maximum number of live order boxes shipped per day to ensure quality |
| Quality assurance | Only ship livestock that meets high-quality criteria |
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What You'll Learn
Shipping container: Styrofoam coolers, cardboard boxes, and thick plastic bags
When shipping mushroom coral, it is important to consider the size of the coral/frag. If you are shipping a small frag, you can use a small bag, triple-bagged and placed in a larger sealed bag. This larger bag can then be placed in a Styrofoam box, which sits inside a cardboard shipping box. The cardboard box should be slightly larger than the Styrofoam box to allow for packing material such as peanuts or newspaper to keep the frag stable and insulated.
When using cardboard boxes, it is recommended to use plain, large cardboard boxes with minimal ink to avoid any potential contamination from dyes or heavy metals. Brown corrugated cardboard is generally considered safe, as it is made of recycled materials and is usually not treated with chemicals. Cardboard boxes can be obtained for free from most shops, making them a cheap and accessible option.
If you are shipping in cold weather, you will need to include heat packs in your shipping container. Calculate the number of heat packs required based on the size of the box and the expected duration of the shipment. Remember that heat packs need oxygen to stay warm, so do not completely seal the container, and ensure there is adequate airflow.
For shipping live coral, it is important to use a box labelled as perishable and with "this side up" arrows. Communicate with the recipient to confirm the address, time, date, and carrier, and include their phone number on the package.
Additionally, consider using eco-friendly packaging options such as Mushroom® Packaging, which provides sustainable and compostable alternatives to traditional plastic foam. Their products are made from natural ingredients like hemp hurd and mycelium, offering similar insulative properties to foam coolers while being fully home compostable.
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Temperature control: Heat packs and cool packs
When shipping mushroom coral, temperature control is critical. To maintain the required temperature range during transit, you can utilise heat packs and cool packs. These are essential components of the shipping process, ensuring the coral's health and safety.
Heat packs are necessary to prevent the coral from getting too cold, which can be detrimental to its survival. They provide a sustained release of heat, ensuring that the coral remains within an acceptable temperature range. It is important to select heat packs that can maintain the appropriate temperature for the duration of the shipment.
On the other hand, cool packs are equally important to prevent the coral from overheating. They help regulate the temperature, ensuring that the coral does not get too warm during transport. Cool packs should be placed strategically to maintain a consistent temperature without causing rapid or extreme temperature fluctuations.
The number and placement of heat and cool packs depend on the external environment, shipment duration, and the coral's temperature sensitivity. It is recommended to use insulated packaging, such as Styrofoam coolers, to maintain temperature stability and minimise external temperature influences.
By utilising heat packs and cool packs effectively, you can ensure that the mushroom coral remains within a safe temperature range throughout its journey, increasing the likelihood of a healthy and successful shipment. Proper temperature control is a critical aspect of shipping live organisms, and these tools play a vital role in maintaining the coral's well-being.
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Protection: Bubble wrap and Styrofoam peanuts
When shipping mushroom coral, it is important to ensure that the package is secure and protected. One way to achieve this is by using bubble wrap and Styrofoam peanuts as cushioning materials. These materials provide a protective layer around the coral, helping to absorb any shocks or vibrations that may occur during transit.
To start, wrap the mushroom coral securely in bubble wrap. Make sure to wrap it tightly, with multiple layers of bubble wrap, to create a cushioned barrier. The bubbles should be intact and not popped, as this ensures maximum protection. Secure the bubble wrap with tape if needed, to prevent it from unwrapping.
Next, prepare a sturdy cardboard box that is slightly larger than the wrapped coral. Line the bottom and sides of the box with a layer of Styrofoam peanuts. These peanuts will help fill any empty spaces and provide additional cushioning. Place the wrapped coral inside the box, ensuring it is centred and not touching the sides of the box.
Fill the remaining spaces in the box with more Styrofoam peanuts. Add enough peanuts so that the box is tightly packed and the coral cannot shift or move around. The Styrofoam peanuts help to stabilise the coral and prevent damage from impact.
Finally, seal the box securely with strong packaging tape. Clearly label the package with "Fragile" and "Handle with Care" stickers or markings. This will indicate to handlers that the package requires special attention and careful handling.
By using bubble wrap and Styrofoam peanuts for protection, you can help ensure that your mushroom coral arrives safely and securely at its destination.
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Labelling: 'Fragile', 'Live Fish', and 'This Side Up'
When shipping mushroom coral, or any other live specimens, it is important to label the package correctly to ensure it is handled with care during transit. Here are some detailed instructions for labelling:
Fragile
Marking the package as "Fragile" is crucial as it indicates to handlers that the contents are delicate and require careful handling. This label alerts those handling the package that extra care should be taken to avoid damage to the contents.
Live Fish
The label "Live Fish" or "Live Animals" is essential to convey that the package contains living creatures that need to be kept alive and healthy during transport. This label serves as a warning to treat the package with urgency and priority, ensuring it is not exposed to extreme temperatures or rough handling that could harm the coral.
This Side Up
The "This Side Up" label is critical to ensure the package is handled and stored in the correct orientation. By marking this on the package, you are instructing handlers to keep the package upright and not to place other items on top of it. This is vital to maintain the stability and security of the contents, preventing damage or injury to the coral.
Additional Information
When shipping live specimens, it is standard practice to use thick Styrofoam coolers, quality cardboard boxes, heat packs, cool packs, bubble wrap, and Styrofoam peanuts for insulation and protection. Each specimen is typically placed in a thick plastic bag with enough water and oxygen, ensuring they remain stable during transport. It is also common to include care instructions in the box for the recipient, detailing how to acclimate the livestock to their new environment.
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Tracking: UPS tracking number
When shipping mushroom coral, it is important to consider the shipping carrier, packaging, and transit time to ensure the safe delivery of the live coral. While FedEx is commonly used for shipping live coral, UPS is also a reliable carrier option. Here are some detailed instructions for shipping mushroom coral with UPS tracking:
Packaging:
It is crucial to use proper packaging materials to protect the coral during transit. Here are the key steps:
- Use a small, insulated styrofoam shipping box that fits the size of the coral bags.
- Bag the coral properly with 3 to 4 layers to prevent leaks. Secure the bags with metal clasps, heat seals, or tight knots.
- Place the bagged coral in the box with ample packing material to prevent movement and cushion the contents.
- Include a heat or cold pack based on the temperature of the trip. Use newspaper to regulate the temperature around the heat pack.
- Seal the box securely with tape and ensure it is labelled with "Perishable" and "This side up" arrows.
Shipping Carrier:
UPS offers various shipping services that can be utilised for shipping mushroom coral:
- UPS Next Day Air: Recommended for summer months to avoid heat damage. Delivers by 7:30 pm or 9:00 pm, depending on the area.
- UPS Second Day Air: Suitable for colder months, providing a longer transit time of up to 48 hours.
- UPS 2nd Day: Delivers within 2 business days, including weekends.
Tracking:
UPS provides tracking numbers for shipments, allowing senders and recipients to monitor the package's journey. Here are some key points:
- UPS tracking numbers can be obtained from the sender or the UPS website, providing real-time updates on the package's location.
- Tracking is available for both domestic and international shipments, with specific tracking processes for each.
- In some cases, packages may appear "stuck" in transit hubs like Phoenix, especially during winter storms. These delays can last up to 7-10 days, affecting delivery times.
- UPS does not provide refrigeration for perishables, so plan shipments to avoid extended delays, especially in warm climates.
Delivery:
UPS has specific delivery procedures and considerations for perishable items:
- UPS does not deliver perishable items on Saturdays, Sundays, or Mondays, ensuring expedited delivery during the week.
- Signatures may be waived for delivery, but recipients should be present to immediately refrigerate the mushrooms upon arrival.
- Inspect the package for damage and document any issues while the UPS driver is still present.
- Communicate any delivery issues promptly to UPS and the sender to initiate claims or replacements.
By following these instructions and staying informed about the shipment's progress, you can effectively ship mushroom coral using UPS with reliable tracking and timely delivery.
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Frequently asked questions
Shipping mushroom coral can be done in a few simple steps. First, make sure you have a suitable box for shipping, such as a thick Styrofoam cooler or a quality cardboard box. Next, prepare the coral by placing it in a thick plastic bag with enough water and oxygen for the trip. Then, package the bagged coral securely with heat packs, cool packs, bubble wrap, and Styrofoam peanuts to ensure it does not shift during transit. Label the package clearly with "Fragile", "Handle With Care", "Live Fish", and "This Side Up". Finally, choose a specialised shipping company that can handle live shipments and provide a tracking number for your peace of mind.
It is essential to include more than enough water in the bag to ensure the coral has sufficient water for the duration of the trip. Double, triple, or even quadruple bagging can help ensure no leaks occur, keeping the coral well-hydrated.
To keep the mushroom coral safe, use ample packing materials such as bubble wrap and Styrofoam peanuts to prevent movement and shifting during transport. Additionally, clearly label the package with fragile handling instructions and temperature warnings to protect the coral from rough handling and extreme temperatures.
It is not uncommon for mushroom coral to detach its foot during shipping. To reattach it, you can use a Zen Reef mushroom box, which provides flow and allows the mushroom to pick its spot to reattach. Simply fill the box with live rock rubble, place the top on, and put it into your tank.
