How to Transfer Fish From One Tank to Another

Whether it is time to upgrade to a bigger tank, or time to isolate aggressive, pregnant or problem fish, it is sometimes necessary to transfer fish from one tank to another. Extreme changes in environment and temperature can be very traumatic and stressful for fish, and it is crucial to carefully prepare and condition their new environment and to transfer them as safely as possible in order to avoid injury or death during the process.

Things You'll Need

  • Net
  • Buckets or plastic bags
  • Gravel scoop
  • Water dechlorinator
  • Aquarium thermometer
  • Aquarium siphon
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Instructions

    • 1

      Rinse the new fish tank and all tank accessories including plants, gravel and decorative items thoroughly with water to remove any dirt and debris.

    • 2

      Add the tank accessories---i.e., gravel, plants and decorative items---to the new tank.

    • 3

      Begin draining the water from the old aquarium with the aquarium siphon. Plan on using about 80 percent of the old water in the new aquarium and the other 20 percent for placing the fish in during the transfer process.

    • 4

      Use the gravel scoop to fill the buckets or plastic bags with water from the old aquarium. Add enough water for the fish to swim around in freely.

    • 5

      Use the net to carefully transfer the fish from the old tank to the storage container. Fish can be housed together, but be sure not to crowd them.

    • 6

      Attach the aquarium thermometer to the inside of the new tank and begin adding the water from the old aquarium to the new one, taking note of the water temperature.

    • 7

      Once the tank is approximately 80 percent filled, add fresh water and a water dechlorinating or conditioning solution. Make sure to add water that is the same temperature as the water that is already in the tank.

    • 8

      Carefully net the fish and transfer them to the new tank.