As mentioned before, don't ask the airline. Each agent has their own interpretation of what's allowed and what isn't. I work for the TSA at Logan and as long as what you're transporting is leak proof you should be o.k.. People bring, cats, dogs, and parrots as carryons. The one airline stipulation is, two carry on items only(very strictly enforced). This includes one carry on sized suitcase and one personal item such as hand bag, briefcase, laptop etc.. You can put your "collection" in a backpack or gym bag and that will count as one of your carryons. HTH
Ray