I'm moving in a couple of months, how do I transport my aquarium without killing my fish?

Question

I certainly can't move the tank with all the water in it, and by filling the tank with 100% new water when I get to my new place, I run the risk of killing my fish! Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Here is a great article which you might find helpful about moving a fish tank: http://aquarium-answers.blogspot.com/

I've only ever moved my oscar, and we put him carefully in a suitable sized cooler filled with his tank water and just moved slowly. This was only across town though. We had a bubbler that we plugged into an outlet in the car (we bought an adapter) and kept that bubbling for him. I'm sorry I cannot help you more, but I hope you find the article helpful.



Best of luck to you!!! ;o)

Answer 2

Moving is stressful, not only just for the fish. What I would do would be to get a styrophome container, like what you use to hold cold items in (purchased at kmart,walmart,target) and double or even triple line it with clean, clear trash bags. Then, scoop some water from your tank's water surface into the bag, and the fish also. I would suggest putting a plant in the bag as well. Once the water, the fish, and the plant is in the bags, tighten them with a rubber band allowing extra air in the bag - like the people at the pet store. Several days before you pack them, do not feed them. It is important that the container is warm and dark, so insulation is key. The fish can usually survive the maximum 48 hours. Hopefully, it will not take you that long to move them from one place to another. Good luck.



This is a good website:



http://www.aquariumfish.net/information/moving_your_fish.htm#top2

Answer 3

You don't say how far the move is or mode of transport. A short move by car would not be a problem. Do you have live plants in the tank? They will provide oxygen for a short move. Either place the fish with the plants in a smaller container or remove a portion of the water.

Answer 4

I just moved my 20 gallon tank. I made up a fresh batch of water at my destination so it would be ready to go when I got there and drained most of the water from my tank. I left the fish and plants in the tank and just put it in the car. I set it up asap at my destination. You may not need a bubbler because the movement of the water keeps it oxygenated, its not stagnent. If you want a bubbler, they also sell battery powered ones at places like petco and persmart.

Answer 5

Hmm.. I moved as well 2 months ago and had some problems thinking about a way to save the water..but anyway, saving about 20% of the water's fine..you just have to put them in covered pails.. I did that to avoid the risk of uncycled water..My tank's a 55gal..and my fish just did fine..ask for a friend's help..and his pickup truck if possible...



anyway i hope this helps!

Answer 6

you could get some water containers for the water but it could get expensive as for the fish go to your local pet shop explain to them that your moving and they might let you have some of there bags to transport them in then when you get to your new house make sure setting up the tank is one of the first things you do

Answer 7

buy an ice chest and use it as a temporary moving tank, as well as the battery operated oxygen pump(most fish need oxygen/however clown knife doesn't). Then moved it. oh use the water from the fish tank.



but it really depends on how big your fish is..for small fish it's easy

Answer 8

transfer your fish in a smaller tank, or half filled your older tank with the same old water and make sure that you have a portable aerator .

Answer 9

hire a professional transport company like DHL? haha, well, that's quite hard you know...

Answer 10

well dont shake it a lot