How to Relocate an Aquarium

Whether you're moving your aquarium next door or across the state, it's a delicate process. Follow these steps to make the transaction smooth for everyone involved.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Feed your fish a vitamin supplement for one month before the move to boost their immune systems.

2. Remove fish, and seal in a clean, new 1 to 3 gallon plastic container or a smaller glass tank filled halfway with old tank water (leave space for air at the top). If it's a shorter trip, use plastic bags - double up in case of breakage.

3. Transport living coral in an ice chest half-filled with water.

4. Drain the tank. Reserve as much water as you can easily transport in a bucket.

5. Take out plants, decorative items and gravel. Pack living plants in a bag with water.

6. Take apart the filter and heater and pack carefully. Completely dry all parts before packing.

7. Protect the tank with packing material and be sure it's moved very carefully.

8. Check the tank for damage at the new location. Add the water you reserved earlier and fill the tank. Assemble the filter and heater and run them.

9. Add gravel, plants and other items. Wait for the temperature to reach a normal level (about 72 degrees F for most tropical fish) before adding fish. Note: Fish are very sensitive to temperature changes.

10. Add the fish. If they're in a bag, float it in the tank for an hour, then add fish to the tank. If they're in a bucket, pour them in the tank, adding some of the water from the bucket.

Tips & Warnings

• For a longer trip or a larger number of fish, transport fish in a 5 to 10 gallon plastic container (1 fish per gallon). Also, consider portable air pumps to keep the water well oxygenated during the trip.
• If you added a lot of new water to the tank, test the pH level of the water before adding fish.
• After the move, watch your fish for signs of illness.
• Consider boarding your fish at a pet store for a long move.
• Don't feed fish during the move - they are too stressed to eat.
• Aggressive fish should be packed separately.
• Open the buckets the fish are in once a day to replenish the air supply.
• Some plastic containers leach toxins that can kill fish. When using plastic, change water often to remove toxins, especially if moving over long distances.

on 11/22/2005 When moving in the same general area, ask your aquarium supply shop if they'll keep your fish while you're moving and until your tank is set up and established in its new location. Also consider giving/selling them your fish when moving a long distance.

on 11/22/2005 I learned this the hard way. I lost two special fish. Plastic wading pools can also kill fish.
What to do? Use clean plastic goldfish bowls OR a small fish tank. Fill halfway with old tank water. Leave air space on top. Cover it? Don't suffocate fish.