How to Prepare for Moving an Aquarium

Relocating or moving an aquarium from one place to another is a major task that requires planning and considerable preparation. When the lives of pets sensitive to their environment are at stake, dismantling, moving, and reinstalling their delicate habitat could be time-critical. Before siphoning the water off the aquarium for the relocation, go over these preparatory steps to make the move as smooth as possible for you and your fishes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Container to hold the fish during the move
• Loose-fitting somewhat opaque cover for the holding container
• Buckets and containers to transport the tank's water
• Fishnet
• Siphon hose
• Rags, paper towels and old newspaper
• A friend to help you move the aquarium

1. Ready the aquarium's new location. Clear the new area and make sure the surface is sturdy and level. If necessary, provide a new Styrofoam mat to support the glass tank. Check the location of the power outlets and determine whether you'll need a power strip or extension cord.

2. Prepare the container that will house the fish while the tank is being dismantled and reinstalled. Make sure it is clean and free of toxins. Depending on the quantity of the fish and the length of time they will be in their temporary habitat, provide a relatively large container to minimize the stress to your fish. Be sure you can conveniently move the container with its contents to the new location. Use a loose-fitting cover to deter the fish from jumping out. A somewhat opaque cover will be ideal because fish are less active in the dark; this will help minimize their stress.

3. Prepare the buckets or containers for transporting the tank's water. If you are using the same water for the relocated tank, you will need to have clean containers to hold the water until the new tank is in its new place. If you are using new water, make sure it is ready and properly prepared in terms of chemistry and temperature.

4. Have several rags, paper towels and old newspaper on hand. They will help absorb and clean up splashes and spills, and wipe off smudges from the glass after the move. Protect carpets and wood floors with a few layers of old newspaper.

5. Soak the fishnet in water. Soak it for at least 10 minutes to soften it and minimize damage to the fish.

6. Ready the siphon hose, making sure it's clean and has not been used to siphon anything other than clean water.

7. Call a friend to help you carry the tank to its new location.

Tips & Warnings

• Try your best to conduct the relocation in the shortest time possible. This will minimize the fish's disorientation and help them reestablish balance immediately.
• If you are using mostly new water for the relocated tank, be sure to prepare the water adequately before the move. Tap water should be left standing for at least an overnight.
• Fish tanks are delicate and they aren't easy to lift. Also, moving and transporting an aquarium poses major risks not only to the integrity of the sealant that keeps the glass panels together, but to the glass walls themselves, which may shatter if damaged. Be sure that you have adequate assistance in carrying your setup to its new location.
• Moving an aquarium can get messy. No matter how careful you are, there will be splashes and spills as you transfer the fish, the landscaping and the water. Have enough absorbent material on hand to promptly soak up the mess. Know where the wet mops are in case of a major spill.

Resources

• Tetra - Aquarium Setup
• Tropical Fish Place: Aquarium Setup
• RightPet: Fish