How to Move a Fish Aquarium

Moving an aquarium is impossible without removing the water. Although some tanks are small enough to move even when they are completely filled, always drain them before moving. Tanks will crack from weight if they are moved while holding water or gravel. Building a healthy colony of fish takes energy and money, and the fish must be moved with the utmost care. It is possible to move an entire aquarium to a new location with correct preparation so that it can be accomplished quickly. Fish must be moved into holding bags and put in a controlled environment, then reintroduced to the aquarium when arriving at the destination.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic fish bags
  • Oxygen canister
  • Cardboard box or cooler
  • Plastic bucket (optional)
  • Sealable plastic bag
  • Fish net
  • Bubble wrap or tissue paper
  • Dechlorinator or water conditioner
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Instructions

  1. Preparation and Moving

    • 1

      Do not feed the fish for 24 to 48 hours before moving the tank. The fish need to be placed in bags or a small container and starving them will reduce the amount of waste they produce, avoiding the risk of poisoning the fish while they are in a holding tank.

    • 2

      Prepare some plastic fish bags, found at pet stores, and rent an oxygen canister. Fill the bags 1/3 of the way with aquarium water, fold over the edges and stand them in a strong cardboard box, or in a cooler. A cooler will control the temperature and reduce the risk of shocking the fish.

    • 3

      Remove ornaments, filter, air pump and heater from the aquarium and drain the aquarium water until it is half full, making it easier to net the fish. Save the aquarium water in a plastic bucket if possible. Put the filter mesh in a sealable plastic bag and rinse the filter. Do not rinse the filter mesh; the bacteria in the filter are needed to filter the new water when refilling the tank.

    • 4

      Net the fish and put them in the bag. Fill the bag with oxygen and close with a rubber band. Double the bag and place it in a strong cardboard box or in the cooler. Replace the oxygen in the bag for long travel times, especially if the fish seem distressed or gasp for air.

    • 5

      Drain the rest of the water and remove gravel and rocks from the aquarium. Rinse the tank and aquarium ornaments if desired, but note that the beneficial bacteria attached to the gravel and rocks is necessary to keep a healthy environment for the fish. Attempt to save the gravel if possible.

    • 6

      Dry the aquarium and protect it with bubble wrap or tissue paper and place it in a cardboard box. Skip this step if moving the aquarium within your home.

    Setting Up the Aquarium

    • 7

      Set up the aquarium's stand, then unwrap the aquarium and rinse it. Place the aquarium on top of the stand.

    • 8

      Replace the gravel, rocks and ornaments to the tank, then spill in any water that was saved from the aquarium. Fill the tank with tap water and add some dechlorinator or water conditioner.

    • 9

      Reinstall the filter, heater and air pump and let both run for at least a few hours before replacing the fish.

    • 10

      Float the fish bags in the aquarium water to acclimate the fish to the water temperature. Open the bags and let the fish swim out.