How to Move an Aquarium Waterfall

Moving an aquarium waterfall is similar to moving homes. You need to pack everything up and unpack to the new location. The main components of aquarium waterfalls are a submersible pump, false bottom and a background. All of those items must be taken out of the aquarium and replaced in its new position. If you remember the steps you took to install the waterfall, you just need to do the reverse.

Things You'll Need

  • Separate holding tank
  • Plastic bags
  • Marker
  • Flat-head screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove all fish and other animals from the aquarium and place them in a separate tank. Empty the aquarium of all water.

    • 2

      Remove any loose items such as gravel and sand. Place them in separate plastic bags. Label the plastic bags for future installation with a marker.

    • 3

      Remove the false bottom, submersible pump and background from the aquarium. Backgrounds are usually attached with suction cups. Insert a flat-head screwdriver tip at the edge of the suction cup. Pull the suction cup away from the aquarium wall to remove the suction.

    • 4

      Measure the dimensions of the new location where you want to move the waterfall. If the dimensions are smaller than your existing background and false bottom, cut them to the dimensions of the new location using a hand saw. Backgrounds and false bottoms are primarily made of Styrofoam or plastic.

    • 5

      Insert the background, false bottom and submersible pump into the new spot. Press the suction cups located behind the background against the inside of the aquarium wall. Place the submersible pump on the bottom of the aquarium floor.

    • 6

      Locate the plastic bags and pour the loose items back onto the false bottom. Pour water into the aquarium. The water level should be below the false bottom. Place the pump input tube underneath the water level.

    • 7

      Insert all fish and other animals back into the aquarium.