How to Move with a Small Fish Tank

Moving with pets is never easy, and the usually trouble-free aquarium and fish-pets are no exception. Whether it's a big breeder tank or a 3-gallon hobby model, moving your fish and their home takes some planning. Going across country or across the road, follow these simple tips to make the relocation as easy and stress free as possible for all involved.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic container with a lid big enough to accommodate your fish
• Small box a little bigger than the plastic container.
• Medium box big enough to hold your tank.

Instructions

1. A day before the move, dissemble the fish tank. Begin by adding some of the tank water into the plastic container. Since this article focus' on small tanks, the container will be a medium size to accommodate the fish.

2. 

   Gently remove your fish to their new plastic container home. Put one plant or tank ornament in the bowl as well to give fish a place to hide. Do not use a heavy tank object as it may shift during the move and hurt the fish.

3. Empty out the rest of the tank and rinse and clean all the components including the gravel, the filter and any "furnishings" you have in the tank. Drain as much water as possible from the tank. Do not throw away the used filter, as it will help to "age" the new water you put in the tank upon arrival at your new home.

4. Place all the tank furniture back in the empty tank, as well as your water conditioner, fish food and aquarium salt. Put your fish net in there as well so that you have all the things you need to reassemble your tank in one place.

5. Place the empty tank and all the other tank components (heater, air pump, and any additional cords or outlets you use) in the box. Put the additional items in a large plastic bag to keep them dry.

6. Mark the box clearly as "fish tank" and pack last or take in the car with you if it is a long distance move.

7. On the day of move, place the plastic container holding your fish in a box to stabilize it for the move. Place in the car with you on the floorboards to keep it safe and stable.

8. 

   Once you get to your new location, reassemble your tank as soon as possible and fill with water. Treat water with aquarium conditioner and salt. Place in the new location and add fish gently.

9. Monitor the fish within the next few weeks to watch for stress related diseases and treat as necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Moving with fish is stressful to the fish, so if you have just a few, you may want to adopt them out before the move and just take your tank.

• If you are on a long distance move and need to stay overnight a few nights, take the aerator with you and place in the plastic container at night to help the fish receive air. Also, keep the fish food in your purse or other handy location so that you can feed at night as well.