If you are currently not keeping fish, you may want to store your aquarium in a safe place—such as a storage unit. The careful disassembly of your tank will ensure that it remains in top condition for when you need it again. The following tips offer advice for packing it up in a way that won't invite mold growth, corrosion, or cracks.

How to Prepare Your Aquarium for a Storage Unit

1. Clean the Filter

After unplugging the filter and removing it from the aquarium, use equal parts distilled water and vinegar to clean it. A filter cleaning brush is ideal for scrubbing away algae and other debris. Allow the entire device to completely air dry before putting it in a cardboard box surrounded by packing material. Including a desiccant packet will absorb any residual moisture. 

2. Remove Lamp & Bulbs

The aquarium’s bulbs should also be removed, dried with a soft cloth, and wrapped in protective packing paper or bubble wrap. Unplug and remove the lamp. Use distilled water, vinegar, and a clean cloth to remove residue and other debris. After at least an hour of drying time, wrap the lamp in packing paper and place it in its original box or a similarly-sized one. 

3. Disinfect the Aquarium

Pour one bottle of vinegar into the aquarium as you fill it with tap or distilled water. Let the mixture sit for approximately one hour. Then, empty the aquarium of all but two cups, which you can use to scrub down the container’s interior and exterior with a clean cloth. Give the entire aquarium a thorough rinse and let it air dry. 

Place it in a large enough box to accommodate the container’s weight. For additional support, line the box with sturdy, crumpled packing paper on the bottom and the aquarium’s sides. Seal with packing tape. 

By following a few proactive steps, your fish aquarium will be ready for safe storage. U-Do Mini Storage in Chugiak, AK, offers more than 180 units in a range of sizes with convenient short- and long-term leases. You can count on around-the-clock protection of your personal property thanks to 24-hour video surveillance and confidential password entry codes. If you need extra space, call (907) 696-3343 for storage unit rates and availability. Visit the website for additional information.