What is the best way to ship aquatic plants? Many aquarium owners cannot easily answer this question. Some of our customers are sometimes surprised that the aquarium plants are sent without any water at all. Others wonder whether aquatic plants in the package could be damaged at low temperatures or what delivery time is easily tolerated… Many questions – we provide the answers!
Is it too cold for tropical aquatic plants to ship?
Concerned about your tropical aquarium plants about to be shipped to chilly Germany? We can put your mind at ease. The cool temperatures do not harm the plants – on the contrary: when it is cooler, the aquarium plants can even last longer in the transport box. The optimum temperature for keeping most aquarium plants is 24 to 27 degrees Celsius. However, the fact that the aquatic plant feels most comfortable at this temperature does not mean that it cannot withstand warmer or colder temperatures during transport: In wholesale, aquarium plants are sometimes stored in cold stores at 8-10°C for several days (up to a week). . This is not a problem at all for the plant as long as the thermometer does not drop into the minus range. Some subtropical species have even managed to survive the European winters outdoors in climatically favored areas.
Why are aquarium plants shipped without water?
Aquarium plants should always be shipped without water. Many of the plants that we keep in our aquarium are not cultivated under water (submersed) but above water (emersed). If you come from the nursery, you have not even been in contact with the water. Some species only develop their typical underwater form after they have been placed in the aquarium and get a different shape and coloration. But plants that have been grown under water can also easily withstand a well-packaged package. It is important that they do not dry out, which is why they should be packed in plastic bags. A closed plastic bag has a relative humidity of almost 100%. The plants are doing much better in their packaging because they can breathe air than if they were shipped in water, which will run out of oxygen after a few hours.
Up to how many degrees outside temperature can I send aquarium plants? Can I order aquarium plants in winter?
You can also send or order aquarium plants in winter: At temperatures down to minus five degrees, shipping in a package is possible. A heat pack is also included in the package, which slowly but steadily releases heat and keeps the plants warm enough for up to 72 hours, even if the package is stored longer in the mail. The heat packs consist of iron oxide powder with a catalyst that, through slow oxidation, is able to heat the pack by seven to eight degrees.
Heat packs — how does it work?
Heat packs are used when a constant amount of heat is required over a certain period of time (up to around 72 hours).
Components of the common Hetapacks:
Iron Powder: 40% — 60%
Activated carbon: 2% — 6%
Water: 20% — 30%
Salt: 1% — 3%.
How do these heat packs work?
The ingredients mentioned are sealed in powder form in an air-permeable bag. This sachet is in a tightly sealed plastic bag and is only activated immediately when it is packed. After opening the bag, the granules contained react with the oxygen penetrating through the membrane. This oxidation releases heat. With a continuous supply of oxygen, the reaction can last up to 72 hours, depending on the heat pack variant, and thus provides the heat required for the transport time. Sending aquarium plants in winter is therefore not a problem.
Can aquarium plants also be shipped in winter?
Can aquarium plants also be shipped in winter? During the cold season, we check the temperature forecasts daily and break them down by zip code. Since we have been able to rely very well on the information from the weather service so far, we also ship at night temperatures above -5°C. Today we will explain to you how we bring your plants safely to your home over hundreds of kilometers.
Tip: Pay attention to the cooler night-time temperatures and use them if you want to find out whether it is possible to ship aquatic plants in winter. If you’re ordering online, you can also help your retailer by letting them know the current temperatures in your area. We at the aquarium plant shop follow the map of the German Weather Service. If there is an unexpected drop in temperature and the plants are damaged, you will of course receive a replacement.
How do I pack the aquatic plants correctly for shipping?
Caution is advised when shipping plants in pots – this is where most mistakes are made. It is very important that the aquarium plants are packed in such a way that the stems sticking out of the pots cannot break off. It is by no means enough to simply put the potted plants in a bubble bag and post them. Unfortunately, even some professional traders do this. We advise that aquatic plants should only be sent as a package. You can see how we pack the plants so that they survive the journey undamaged in the video above.
Send aquatic plants: Here’s how
Here is an overview of the most important facts about shipping aquarium plants:
- Parcel shipping, no mailing bag
- Send plants wet (without water)
- Protective outer packaging against drying out and crushing/slipping in the package
- If necessary, heat pack for cool outside temperatures
Do you have any questions or comments on the subject of “shipping aquarium plants”? We welcome comments!
