Moving w/ fish

[JClem]

We're going to be moving the end of the month and I'll be taking some fish with me. I've got a couple 5 gallon buckets and plan to run an air stone off the outlet in the car. We may have a couple days of layover en route however and I wondered if they'd do ok in the buckets that long or not. The delay would mean we'd be staying with family for those couple days so I could potentially set up a single tank temporarily if need be. Just looking for advice/experience.

[Arturtle]

It all depends on how big the fish are relative to the buckets.  It would help a ton if you could bring along seeded sponge filters if you think they will be stuck in containers for a while.  I'm running one of these totes at about 2/3's full after a 29g fail and it holds form pretty decent. It is being a great temp tank for me

http://www.lowes.com/pd_44066-61896-44066_0__?productId=3551290

[JClem]

Thanks- i'll definitely add my sponge filters to the mix. Any idea on whether I can throw the gravel in a (different) bucket and reuse it without it getting funky? I have about 10-12 fish going with me, from 2-6 inches and I'm planning to split them between 2 or 3 buckets. I may check out that tub you suggested though.

[LanaK]

A few things I would worry about

1 - Moving can stress them out more, so I try and put less fish in a bucket than in a same sized tank.  If you have a 5 gallon bucket, you should really only have about 5 inches of fish in it.  Also given it is a much smaller space, they may beat on each other more than in your tanks.
2 - You will likely need to do partial water changes along the way, buckets tend to funk up faster than tanks in my experience, so bring your favorite water conditioning chemicals.
3 - Be wary of putting anything in the tubs that can squish them. I have lost some fish moving that way. Haul the rocks and such separately.

[cranialdisturbance]

Make sure the buckets don't get too hot.