Instructions
Feed your fish a vitamin supplement for one month before the move to boost their immune systems.
Remove fish, and seal in a clean, new 1 to 3 gallon plastic container or a smaller glass tank filled halfway with old tank water (leave space for air at the top). If it's a shorter trip, use plastic bags - double up in case of breakage.
Transport living coral in an ice chest half-filled with water.
Drain the tank. Reserve as much water as you can easily transport in a bucket.
Take out plants, decorative items and gravel. Pack living plants in a bag with water.
Take apart the filter and heater and pack carefully. Completely dry all parts before packing.
Protect the tank with packing material and be sure it's moved very carefully.
Check the tank for damage at the new location. Add the water you reserved earlier and fill the tank. Assemble the filter and heater and run them.
Add gravel, plants and other items. Wait for the temperature to reach a normal level (about 72 degrees F for most tropical fish) before adding fish. Note: Fish are very sensitive to temperature changes.
Add the fish. If they're in a bag, float it in the tank for an hour, then add fish to the tank. If they're in a bucket, pour them in the tank, adding some of the water from the bucket.
How to Relocate an Aquarium
Whether you're moving your aquarium next door or across the state, it's a delicate process. Follow these steps to make the transaction smooth for everyone involved.