Moving house is a busy time that involves packing up all your possessions. If you have a fish tank, you’ll need to take extra care to ensure your pets and their home make it to the new destination in good shape. Below are some tips to help you transport your fish safely.

3 Tips for Moving a Fish Tank

1. Remove the Fish

To take all the fish out of the aquarium, you'll need a small fishnet and a place to store them during the move. If the trip will be only an hour or two, it's safe to keep them in zip locks—one fish per baggie. For larger fish or longer moves, place them in a five-gallon bucket with a sealed lid. These are available at any home improvement store. For best results, don't feed the fish for a day or two before the move to ensure they void all their waste before you make the switch. Place the fish bags in a cooler or sturdy box to keep them safe during the trip.

2. Empty the Tank

Unplug the filter and lights, disassemble all accessories, remove larger tank ornaments, and dump the water down the drain or into the toilet. Make sure you don't spill out any stones. Once the tank is mostly empty, remove the stones, rinse them, and lay them on a towel to dry. Scrub the tank with a gentle cleanser to remove any algae.

3. Wrap up the Tank

Wrap the lid and tank separately in bubble wrap or large, heavy blankets to protect the glass. It's safer to transport fragile items like a fish tank in your own car. Place it in the back seat and, if possible, wrap a seat belt around it. If it must travel in the moving truck, label it "fragile" and let your movers know what it is.

For help moving your fish and the rest of your household, contact M. Dyer & Sons, a team of experienced professional movers in Pearl City, HI. The locally owned company has served Oahu clients for more than 50 years. You can count on them whether you’re moving locally, between islands, or to the mainland. Visit their website or call (808) 456-4200 to request a free quote.