what is the best way to transport 3000 goldfish from LA to Houston?

Goldfish are hearty in low oxygen water. Do you have a pond up and running in Houston? If not this is going to be trouble.

First you will need to have their housing up and running (cycled) prior to shipping your fish. Even newly cycled pond won't hold this many fish at one time.

You do have a number of options although none are very inexpensive.

You can check the papers for tankers for hire. (Try catfish and fish tank haulers) this is going to be your best bet. They can load the fish and send them on their way. SOmeone will have to be in Houston for the receiving. Get two drivers if you can so there is less time to travel.

Second, you can drive them yourself. Many large box UHauls will work, but now you need containers to house the fish until you get there. Rubbermaid containers 3/4 fill with your existing water will work, no bubblers needed since the motion of the water will create DO2.

If possiable, you can have them air shipped from LA into Houston by someone and simply pick up shippments at varied times at the airport or even send them next day UPS or FEDX to your door step. Sometimes going to the cargo terminal at the airport you can work out a special deal with the airlines, since luggage isn't the only items the aircraft carry. They also are the largest US Mail carriers. If they have room, they will ship. The temperatures in the cargo holds aren't a factor since they are goldfish.

Which ever way you decide, I would be sure to get stress tabs from your local fish store or on the net to help with their travel. These tabs work like a sedative for fish and keeps them from getting stressed out.

Good luck.

Well, for starters, don't move them one at a time.

I recommend not feeding them for a couple of days before. Let them get as much food out of their system, because they'll be stuck in a small container for some time.

Although it will be expensive, I'd ship them by air, preferably in several large bags filled with oxygen. Air shipment reduces the amount of time that they're swimming around in their own waste. After arriving, get them to a new tank as soon as possible.

3000 goldfish or a 3000 gallon tank? Either way, you are probably going to have to talk with an aquarium maintenance company and pay to have it moved.-

i would have a Professional ship them. or get cattle watering trough and put air bubblers in it oh forgot to ask why do you have so many goldfish? i Guesss is none of my Business

Perhaps speak to some wholesalers and ask them.