How To Move An Aquarium

Ace World Wide Moving
& Storage Co., Inc.

6001 S Ace Industrial Drive
Cudahy, WI 53110

Phone: (414) 764-1000
Toll Free: (800) 223-6683

 

One of the most unique challenges of moving is figuring out how to move a fish tank to another house. Each aquarium has its own ecosystem that keeps your fish calm and healthy. Follow our tips to reduce the stress on your fish and sustain their home in your new one.

How do I keep pets safe while moving

How do you move a fish tank? It takes time and planning. If you’re taking your fish with you, you’ll want to follow these steps to keep their temporary homes safe during transit:

  1. Change 20% of the water in the tank every day for five days before moving.

  2. Don’t feed your fish for 24-48 hours before the move. Don’t worry; previously well-fed fish can survive a week or more without food.

  3. What to do with fish when moving: If your move will last a week or longer contact a pet store that will board your fish. Have a signed contract confirming what responsibilities the store will have while taking care of your fish. Some pet stores will pack and air-ship your fish to your new home.

Moving day: steps to protect your fish during the move

Fish tanks are one of the last things you want to pack and one of the first to unpack. Follow these steps once you’re ready to move the tank:

8 Steps for protecting your fish while moving:

  1. Try to save 80% of the water from your tank

  2. Depending on the length of your trip, use either plastic bags or 5-gallon buckets with water from the tank to transport your fish.

  3. Make sure the bag/bucket has enough air for your fish.

  4. Take any plants from the tank and place them in bags with water from the tank to keep good bacteria on them alive.

  5. Remove remaining water and any decorations from the tank to prevent cracks.

  6. For a short move, put your filter media (do not clean it) in a sealed container, such as a new pail or other chemical-free, hard-sided container. For long moves, either clean or discard your filter media.

  7. Pack pumps, heaters, and other accessories like any fragile appliance.

  8. Transport your tank while it’s empty. Having items in the tank increases the risk of cracking the bottom of it and causing future leaks.