Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Simple questions I couldn't find an answer for in the search function or a dedicated topic.

How much does moving fish affect their health? (stress, temperatures, etc.)

I.e.: Hypothetically, I have an outdoors system that can't go through our cold winter, and have an indoors setup up against a window. I would have to move the fish for about ten meters (30ft) not more.

Should this be avoided?
Any input is much appreciated.

I think done gently you shouldn't have a problem.

Get a bucket and a net. Some water from both systems in the bucket. Catch some fish. If you think they are getting stressed stop for a while.

If your bucket is full or some time has passed (ie you are worried that the oxygen is getting depleted) take them to the other tank and put them in.

Repeat.

Perfect, thank you arbe.

I could also do this slowly like say two or three at a time with a big bucket and then wait for some hours before moving some more...

I think it's the only way for me to keep the system going (the bacteria pop. alive)... we had -10 (-3 plus one of the strongest winds in the world make it feel like it's -10 C) this year for a few days and I seriously doubt bacteria could live trhough something like that.

Tojo

Salt your (destination) tank to 1ppt... this will help stimulate mucous slime coat production... and alleviate any that is lost due to the netting/handling...

If you have to physically handle the fish at any stage... make sure you do so with wet hands... to lessen any damage the fish slime coat or scales...

I think I would be doing it in one hit, not over successive days.

I have moved some of mine once that got into the sump. Found it easier after draining most of the water and using a wide net. With a full tank I was just chasing them around in circles.

Ditto... and don't feed for a day... or disturb them... just let them settle in...

Thanks everyone;
I am only doing this to let them have a better time inside, I wouldn't be doing this if it weren't for their own health/survival.

Recap:
- salt to 1 ppm the destination tank
- have wet hands
- move them all at the same time
- let them settle

I wish I didn't have to but if any of you have seen the news about the Eastern/central European cold of this winter would know why I'll be doing this