in a closed bag the ammonia builds up fast driving pH up, but the fish are using
oxygen putting out CO2 which dissolves in the water and that drives pH down so
ammonia is less toxic. open the bag and the CO2 is blown off, pH jumps fast and
ammonia is toxic.
not to mention, when Jo Ann opens up the bags she found very very early on that
putting tank water into the bag resulted in something very foul smelling coming out.
so it just isnt a good idea to open the bag before the fish is going to be moved out.
the pH difference is not what happens in the bag, but from where the fish came to and
where the fish is going to be.
after a trip of 12 hours, fish require a salt dip to replenish electrolytes.
INgrid

"RichToyBox" wrote:
All fish shipments should be made with oxygen over the water, but you can
get by with short 30 minute or so trips with air only. The respiration of
the fish generates CO2 and uses O2. With plenty of O2, the fish will not
suffocate, and some of the CO2 will be displaced to the O2 layer above. If
the CO2 builds up, the pH falls due to the production of carbonic acid.
Though the fish may survive the trip, the pH difference between the bag and
the pond will cause severe distress if the water is not gradually diluted
with pond water. Gradual dilution will raise the pH making the ammonia in
the bag very toxic. I prefer to transport fish with oxygen and Amquel or
another ammonia binder/neutralizer.



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