How to Move with Fish: The Best Tips for Moving a Fish Tank with Ease

An aquarium filled with living plants and animals is extremely delicate. As much as you try to keep their ecosystem untouched and consistent, if you are moving, that is not possible. Moving a fish tank is difficult and can be a lot of work, but for a hobbyist or just a fish enthusiast, it will be worth it. Try out these tips for safely moving an aquarium from one location to another!

There are a few things to consider when moving fish.

1. What Kind of Fish are You Planning on Moving? Different species of fish will be able to withstand a move easier than others. Before moving your fish, spend time researching if they are fit for the move.
2. How Long Is Your Move? A short move will be less stressful for your fish than a long move. Before moving your fish, determine the risk associated with moving them. There is a greater chance that your fish will not survive a long move. If there is a slim chance of your fish surviving a move, do not put them through it.

Moving my Aquarium is Too Risky. What Do I Do With my Fish?

If you deem that it is too risky to bring your fish with you to your new location, try to find a friend or local fish store that will take your fish in. If a friend is unable to take the fish, you may receive store credit for giving fish back to a pet store.

How to Move a Fish Tank in Four Easy Steps

Only moving a short distance? Learn how to move a fish tank a short distance below.

1. Stop Feeding Your Fish 24-48 Hours Before the Move

This will give the fish enough time to digest their food and result in less stress during the move. Don’t stress about your gilled friend going hungry, fish can survive up to a week without food.

2. Save the Tank Water

If you’re only moving a short distance, consider saving some of the water to put back in the tank. This will cut back on the amount of time it takes to cycle the tank and will result in an easier transition for the fish. Water from your tank can be transported to your new home using buckets. Only use buckets that have never been used with chemicals.

3. Prepare Fish for Travel Accordingly

If you’re moving a short distance, fish can be bagged individually for travel. Make sure there is an ample amount of air in the bag, or visit a pet store and have them put pure oxygen in the bag. For a long-distance move, fish will best travel in 5 gallon buckets. If your move will last multiple days, consider visiting your local pet store and asking about their boarding policy. This is the best option because the fish can simply be air shipped when you arrive at your destination.

4. Pack the Tank Accessories

Before moving the fish tank, remove all gravel and fish tank decorations. All individual pieces like the lid, filter and heater should be wrapped individually. Place the fish tank inside of the box it came in. Any remaining space in the box should be filled with foam or crushed up paper.

Do you Need a Place to Store Your Fish Tank?

If you’ve decided the smart decision is to give your fish to friends or back to the pet store and no longer have a use for your fish tank, consider storing your fish tank in a storage unit. An empty fish tank is useless to have around the house and can result in unnecessary clutter. Instead of leaving a fish tank in the house taking up space, consider using a storage unit to store your fish tank. A storage unit will not only keep your fish tank for cluttering your home, it will also keep it in a secure location.

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