socalkillie.club

Author: kenmurch@gmail.com

  • Efficient Fish Shipping: Tips and Tricks for Using ShipStation and Pirate Ship

    One of the most frustrating aspects of buying and selling aquatic items online is the shipping cost. Services like ShipStation, Pirate Ship, and Shippo provide a valuable shipping tool that allows anyone to purchase deeply discounted USPS and UPS labels online. There’s no need to subscribe to any service; the only cost to you is the shipping label, which is typically about half the regular price!

    Pirate Ship shows the options to ship a 14 x 14 x 16 box from Chino Hills, CA to Houston, TX.

    I have been using Pirate Ship for over a year and have been very happy with how cheap and easy it is to compare shipping options and ship my fish for the right balance of price and delivery speed. I recently discovered my PayPal integrates with another shipping tool, ShipStation, which I think is less user-friendly than Pirate Ship, but often has lower rates for UPS.

    Besides using platforms such as ShipStation and Pirate Ship to buy discounted labels, a few tricks when shipping fish that worth mentioning are:

    • If you’re sending a package within a few hours driving distance, UPS Ground delivers next day
    • When sending fish to places with extremely hot or cold weather, don’t leave the box outside exposed to the elements. You can have UPS deliver to one of their hubs, or USPS to hold it at a Post Office with their “General Delivery” service.
    • Insulate the box to avoid temperature swings. Putting bags of fish inside bubble mailer envelopes, then putting the envelopes inside a box makes doubles as quick insulation and as waterproofing in case of a leak.
    • Catch your fish for the day before bagging them and don’t feed them. Fish can live without food for many days, but will die quickly if the water fouls from their waste products.

    How to use PayPal’s integration to ShipStation

    1. Log onto PayPal and click on shipping from the Home Page

    2. Create a new label

    3. Enter the address you’re shipping to, the dimensions and weight of the package, then click on “Calculate Rates”.  You’ll see shipping options by USPS and UPS.  Select an option and purchase your label, which can be printed and attached to your package.

    Compared to buying directly from USPS, using ShipStation is $20 cheaper

    How to use Pirate Ship

    Go to https://www.pirateship.com/ and create a free account or sign in. Once you create a free account, create a shipping label

    Enter address + weights and dimensions, then scroll down and click on “Get Rates”

    Choose the shipping option that has the best balance of delivery time and price

    Select your shipping option and buy the label.  You can print it from your computer and drop off your package!

    Recent Examples of items I shipped with Pirate Ship

    Package Type: USPS Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box
    $19.51 Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box • Zone 5
    Estimated Delivery 05/31/2024 if shipped on 05/28/2024
    $15.19 Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box • Zone 7
    Estimated Delivery 07/18/2024 by 6:00 PM if shipped on 07/16/2024
    Package Type: Box or Rigid Packaging
    Dimensions: 8x8x7 Weight: 3 lbs
    $9.57 UPS® Ground
    Estimated Delivery 06/27/2024 if shipped on 06/25/2024
    Dimensions: 15x10x10,  Weight: 7 lbs
    $7.93 UPS® Ground
    Estimated Delivery 05/23/2024 if shipped on 05/22/2024

  • 2024 SCKC Annual Barbecue

    Thank you for everyone who attended the June BBQ. Ray was a spectacular host and we were fortunate to be so near the coast on a hot day. In addition to our regular members, we had guests from out of town, as well as several mail-in boxes of fish.

  • 2024 SCKC Annual Barbecue

    Thank you for everyone who attended the June BBQ. Ray was a spectacular host and we were fortunate to be so near the coast on a hot day. In addition to our regular members, we had guests from out of town, as well as several mail-in boxes of fish.

  • SCKC Annual June BBQ / Fish Fry

    SCKC’s Annual BBQ / Fish fry in Chino Hills was a successful gathering of aquarists who keep killifish and wild-type fish. The weather was perfect and the venue allowed plenty of space for all the members and fish present. We had a excellent turnout of both local members and guests from Arizona and Northern California.

    The club was fortunate to exchange many fish we don’t normally encounter thanks to the generosity and support of aquarists both local and far from SCKC’s usual geography. While killifish were central to the event, other fish also made a strong showing. We enjoyed wild bettas from Blackwater Aquatics, wild-caught fish from Peru by Casey Schafer, some rainbowfish extremely rare in the hobby, and North-American native fish collected by Ken Normandin.

    While the event was largely successful, we recognized areas for improvement in order to make future events even better. SCKC is determined to strengthen its focus on killifish and wild-type fish, simplify the auction process, and explore strategies to handle the club’s growth as it expands into a larger community.

  • Flying With Fish in Carry-on Luggage

    Hello SCKC,

    Did you know you can fly US domestic flights with bags of live fish?

    Our club president, Ron Harlan, contacted TSA about their current rules about flying domestically with aquatic life. I pasted TSA’s response (dated 5/21/2021) below for the benefit of the club and the general public.

    When you go through security at the airport, tell the TSA agent you have live fish and you that you need a “hand check”. If the agent might already be familiar with the policy if you’re flying from an event where many people are bringing home fish. If the agent is not familiar with the policy, it’s likely you’ll need to request a supervisor to help. It’s a very good idea to have a printed copy of TSA’s regulations on live fish https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/live-fish

    Policy and Procedures

    TSOs Have Discretion

    TSA Officers have the discretion to prohibit any item through the screening checkpoint or onboard an aircraft if they believe it poses a security threat. This discretion applies even if the item is not on the prohibited items list. The permitted and prohibited items lists are not intended to be all-inclusive. You may ask to speak to a supervisor at any time.

    For travel tips and information about our screening procedures and what you can bring, please visit www.tsa.gov/travel.

    Plants and Animals

    Pet Fish

    You may travel with live fish in your carry-on bag. The fish must be swimming in water that is contained in a clear, spill-proof glass or plastic container. The container may be larger than 3.4 ounces. TSA Officers will visually inspect the fish at the screening checkpoint. If the fish is observed as alive and swimming, it will be permitted through the checkpoint. We recommend contacting your airline to inquire about any additional guidelines they may have for traveling with live fish.  

    For travel tips and information about our screening procedures and what you can bring, please visit www.tsa.gov/travel.

    Miscellaneous

    What Can I Bring

    We have developed a tool to assist you in determining if an item may be taken onboard an aircraft. The What Can I Bring? tool will tell you if the item can be taken in checked or carry-on baggage or if there are special instructions. Please visit www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring.

  • Flying With Fish in Carry-on Luggage

    Hello SCKC,

    Did you know you can fly US domestic flights with bags of live fish?

    Our club president, Ron Harlan, contacted TSA about their current rules about flying domestically with aquatic life. I pasted TSA’s response (dated 5/21/2021) below for the benefit of the club and the general public.

    When you go through security at the airport, tell the TSA agent you have live fish and you that you need a “hand check”. If the agent might already be familiar with the policy if you’re flying from an event where many people are bringing home fish. If the agent is not familiar with the policy, it’s likely you’ll need to request a supervisor to help. It’s a very good idea to have a printed copy of TSA’s regulations on live fish https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/live-fish

    Policy and Procedures

    TSOs Have Discretion

    TSA Officers have the discretion to prohibit any item through the screening checkpoint or onboard an aircraft if they believe it poses a security threat. This discretion applies even if the item is not on the prohibited items list. The permitted and prohibited items lists are not intended to be all-inclusive. You may ask to speak to a supervisor at any time.

    For travel tips and information about our screening procedures and what you can bring, please visit www.tsa.gov/travel.

    Plants and Animals

    Pet Fish

    You may travel with live fish in your carry-on bag. The fish must be swimming in water that is contained in a clear, spill-proof glass or plastic container. The container may be larger than 3.4 ounces. TSA Officers will visually inspect the fish at the screening checkpoint. If the fish is observed as alive and swimming, it will be permitted through the checkpoint. We recommend contacting your airline to inquire about any additional guidelines they may have for traveling with live fish.  

    For travel tips and information about our screening procedures and what you can bring, please visit www.tsa.gov/travel.

    Miscellaneous

    What Can I Bring

    We have developed a tool to assist you in determining if an item may be taken onboard an aircraft. The What Can I Bring? tool will tell you if the item can be taken in checked or carry-on baggage or if there are special instructions. Please visit www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring.

  • Flying With Fish in Carry-on Luggage

    Hello SCKC,

    Did you know you can fly US domestic flights with bags of live fish?

    Our club president, Ron Harlan, contacted TSA about their current rules about flying domestically with aquatic life. I pasted TSA’s response (dated 5/21/2021) below for the benefit of the club and the general public.

    When you go through security at the airport, tell the TSA agent you have live fish and you that you need a “hand check”. If the agent might already be familiar with the policy if you’re flying from an event where many people are bringing home fish. If the agent is not familiar with the policy, it’s likely you’ll need to request a supervisor to help. It’s a very good idea to have a printed copy of TSA’s regulations on live fish https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/live-fish

    Policy and Procedures

    TSOs Have Discretion

    TSA Officers have the discretion to prohibit any item through the screening checkpoint or onboard an aircraft if they believe it poses a security threat. This discretion applies even if the item is not on the prohibited items list. The permitted and prohibited items lists are not intended to be all-inclusive. You may ask to speak to a supervisor at any time.

    For travel tips and information about our screening procedures and what you can bring, please visit www.tsa.gov/travel.

    Plants and Animals

    Pet Fish

    You may travel with live fish in your carry-on bag. The fish must be swimming in water that is contained in a clear, spill-proof glass or plastic container. The container may be larger than 3.4 ounces. TSA Officers will visually inspect the fish at the screening checkpoint. If the fish is observed as alive and swimming, it will be permitted through the checkpoint. We recommend contacting your airline to inquire about any additional guidelines they may have for traveling with live fish.  

    For travel tips and information about our screening procedures and what you can bring, please visit www.tsa.gov/travel.

    Miscellaneous

    What Can I Bring

    We have developed a tool to assist you in determining if an item may be taken onboard an aircraft. The What Can I Bring? tool will tell you if the item can be taken in checked or carry-on baggage or if there are special instructions. Please visit www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring.

  • Southern California Killifish Club March 2023 Meeting Summary

    The March meeting at Ray Van Veen’s home was another successful meeting for membership growth. We welcomed several new people, including those with planted tank backgrounds. The plants sold well at the auction, providing inspiration for those of us with bare-bottomed tanks.

    In line with SCKC+ and the club’s expansion beyond killifish, the auction featured several species of wild-type livebearers, rainbowfish, and even dwarf crawfish. The club also discussed local areas where daphnia and moina could be found during the rainy season.

    Please note that SCKC will not be meeting in April due to the 2023 Southwest Aquarium Keepers Event (SAKE) on April 22, 2023, in Phoenix. If you are able to attend, it is well worth the drive, as you will see fish that are not commonly seen in Southern CA clubs. Additionally, “regular” fish tend to sell for higher prices in Arizona. Our club president, Ron Harlan, who gave a great talk at last year’s SAKE will be speaking again this year. If you plan to attend, register below.

    2023 Southwest Aquarium Keepers Event (SAKE) – April 22, 2023.  SAKE is a free all-day freshwater fishkeeping convention near Phoenix, AZ.  Email azkillie@yahoo.com with the information below to register for SAKE

    1. Your name
    2. Any current aquarium club affiliation(s)
    3. Current hometown (and state)

    The AKA/ALA convention is scheduled for May 19-21 in Kalamazoo, MI, and there was an open question about whether SCKC would meet that month. The club will likely meet on May 28, but the venue is still to be determined. If the meeting happens, expect to see some new fish from the AKA convention. As soon as the details for the meeting are finalized, SCKC membership will be notified.

    SCKC’s annual Fish Fry/BBQ will be held at Ray Van Veen’s home on Saturday, June 24th, at 1:00 PM. If you are new to the club and are interested in attending, please contact the club to introduce yourself. Last year, we had 40-50 attendees, including guests from Arizona and Northern California. The June meeting will be an excellent opportunity to meet new fishkeepers and reconnect with people who are do not attend our regular meetings.

    Bonus content!

    George (Kevork) went to his first SCKC meeting last month.  Some of the members toured his fishroom after the meeting and everyone who visited came away impressed.  Shortly after the meeting he posted a video tour of his fishroom on YouTube.  It’s a great watch, especially if you find breeding fish and densely planted tanks interesting.

    George’s fishroom tour

  • Southern California Killifish Club March 2023 Meeting Summary

    The March meeting at Ray Van Veen’s home was another successful meeting for membership growth. We welcomed several new people, including those with planted tank backgrounds. The plants sold well at the auction, providing inspiration for those of us with bare-bottomed tanks.

    In line with SCKC+ and the club’s expansion beyond killifish, the auction featured several species of wild-type livebearers, rainbowfish, and even dwarf crawfish. The club also discussed local areas where daphnia and moina could be found during the rainy season.

    Please note that SCKC will not be meeting in April due to the 2023 Southwest Aquarium Keepers Event (SAKE) on April 22, 2023, in Phoenix. If you are able to attend, it is well worth the drive, as you will see fish that are not commonly seen in Southern CA clubs. Additionally, “regular” fish tend to sell for higher prices in Arizona. Our club president, Ron Harlan, who gave a great talk at last year’s SAKE will be speaking again this year. If you plan to attend, register below.

    2023 Southwest Aquarium Keepers Event (SAKE) – April 22, 2023.  SAKE is a free all-day freshwater fishkeeping convention near Phoenix, AZ.  Email azkillie@yahoo.com with the information below to register for SAKE

    1. Your name
    2. Any current aquarium club affiliation(s)
    3. Current hometown (and state)

    The AKA/ALA convention is scheduled for May 19-21 in Kalamazoo, MI, and there was an open question about whether SCKC would meet that month. The club will likely meet on May 28, but the venue is still to be determined. If the meeting happens, expect to see some new fish from the AKA convention. As soon as the details for the meeting are finalized, SCKC membership will be notified.

    SCKC’s annual Fish Fry/BBQ will be held at Ray Van Veen’s home on Saturday, June 24th, at 1:00 PM. If you are new to the club and are interested in attending, please contact the club to introduce yourself. Last year, we had 40-50 attendees, including guests from Arizona and Northern California. The June meeting will be an excellent opportunity to meet new fishkeepers and reconnect with people who are do not attend our regular meetings.

    Bonus content!

    George (Kevork) went to his first SCKC meeting last month.  Some of the members toured his fishroom after the meeting and everyone who visited came away impressed.  Shortly after the meeting he posted a video tour of his fishroom on YouTube.  It’s a great watch, especially if you find breeding fish and densely planted tanks interesting.

    George’s fishroom tour

  • Southern California Killifish Club March 2023 Meeting Summary

    The March meeting at Ray Van Veen’s home was another successful meeting for membership growth. We welcomed several new people, including those with planted tank backgrounds. The plants sold well at the auction, providing inspiration for those of us with bare-bottomed tanks.

    In line with SCKC+ and the club’s expansion beyond killifish, the auction featured several species of wild-type livebearers, rainbowfish, and even dwarf crawfish. The club also discussed local areas where daphnia and moina could be found during the rainy season.

    Please note that SCKC will not be meeting in April due to the 2023 Southwest Aquarium Keepers Event (SAKE) on April 22, 2023, in Phoenix. If you are able to attend, it is well worth the drive, as you will see fish that are not commonly seen in Southern CA clubs. Additionally, “regular” fish tend to sell for higher prices in Arizona. Our club president, Ron Harlan, who gave a great talk at last year’s SAKE will be speaking again this year. If you plan to attend, register below.

    2023 Southwest Aquarium Keepers Event (SAKE) – April 22, 2023.  SAKE is a free all-day freshwater fishkeeping convention near Phoenix, AZ.  Email azkillie@yahoo.com with the information below to register for SAKE

    1. Your name
    2. Any current aquarium club affiliation(s)
    3. Current hometown (and state)

    The AKA/ALA convention is scheduled for May 19-21 in Kalamazoo, MI, and there was an open question about whether SCKC would meet that month. The club will likely meet on May 28, but the venue is still to be determined. If the meeting happens, expect to see some new fish from the AKA convention. As soon as the details for the meeting are finalized, SCKC membership will be notified.

    SCKC’s annual Fish Fry/BBQ will be held at Ray Van Veen’s home on Saturday, June 24th, at 1:00 PM. If you are new to the club and are interested in attending, please contact the club to introduce yourself. Last year, we had 40-50 attendees, including guests from Arizona and Northern California. The June meeting will be an excellent opportunity to meet new fishkeepers and reconnect with people who are do not attend our regular meetings.

    Bonus content!

    George (Kevork) went to his first SCKC meeting last month.  Some of the members toured his fishroom after the meeting and everyone who visited came away impressed.  Shortly after the meeting he posted a video tour of his fishroom on YouTube.  It’s a great watch, especially if you find breeding fish and densely planted tanks interesting.

    George’s fishroom tour