Ammonia can also increase in hauling situations and is not removed by agitation. Starving fish before transport, using clean water and lowering the water temperature all help reduce ammonia. Well-buffered water helps keep pH in balance. Temperature critical factor Temperature is very critical because it influences other water quality variables. Temper fish at least 20 minutes for each 10 degrees Fahrenheit difference in water temperature.
Some species are very sensitive to temperature shock, while others are quite hardy.
Smaller fish are more sensitive than larger ones. Rapid changes in pH, hardness, alkalinity, temperature and other variables may cause stress or even death. It is advisable to mix receiving water with hauling water before releasing fish into a pond. This tempering is recommended if the pH difference is 1 or more units or the temperature difference is more than 10 F. Fish loading guidelines Load fish carefully into transport units. Delicate fish should be given mild sedation while in the holding vat.