When moving, transporting a fish tank of any size takes advance planning so that the equipment isn’t damaged and the fish stay healthy and safe. During a move to a new home, you want to ensure that you take the necessary precautions. Follow the tips below to make transporting a fish tank easier.

4 Tips for Moving a Fish Tank

1. Organize Beforehand

Gather necessary supplies for dealing with both the tank and the fish before the actual move. These may include items such as a fishnet, clean 5-gallon buckets with lids, plastic bags, a siphoning hose, and supplies like bubble wrap, paper, boxes, and duct tape.

2. Prepare the Fish

Don’t feed the fish for a day or two before the day of the move. This ensures that waste has passed through their systems. Do not worry about them getting hungry, as fish will not starve in this amount of time. For a short move and for small fish, place the fish in the plastic bags with some tank water. Using the water from their previous tank will lessen the shock to their system. Put them inside a sealed and hard cooler or another safe container. Large fish or long-distance moves require transport in buckets. The buckets must be sterilized and have no chemical or food residue. Add water from the tank and three to four fish in each container and fasten on the lid. Make sure to duct tape the lids in place for extra security. 

3. Clean the Tank

Clean the tank, unplug electrical components, and remove plants and accessories. Plants can be placed in tank water within another bucket. Wash and dry the accessories and pack in a box for moving. Keep the filter damp and packed in a separate plastic container. Next, drain the tank with the siphon hose into additional buckets. The existing tank water makes the transition for the fish easier and is better for their health. Next, seal and tape the buckets. Take the lid off and wrap it in bubble wrap. Place the clean, empty aquarium in a box if possible, or wrap it in the bubble wrap or moving blankets. Move the tank in your car if you can, or ensure that movers know that it is fragile if it is going into a truck. Keep the fish with you in your vehicle so you can properly monitor them. 

4. Reassemble After the Move

After moving in, reassemble the tank and equipment and add the old water back in with fresh water. Check the pH, chemical levels, and temperature of the water before adding the fish. Longer moves may require more time for the water to become hospitable. When ready, add the fish by scooping them out of the bucket with the net. If you transported the fish in bags, place the bags in the water to allow the fish to acclimate before opening the bag.

Do you have a fish tank or other heavy items to move? D & R Movers serve Cincinnati, OH, with professional moving for both short and long-distance moves. They offer packing services, same-day moves, and a free quote to help you plan expenses. Their staff has over 25 years of experience in the moving business. Call (513) 921-1968 for your quote or visit the website to view a full range of services.