How to Transport Aquarium Fish When You Move

Moving to a new home can be a stressful, hectic, exciting experience. Boxes are stacked all over and you're constantly dealing with this vague notion that you've forgotten something extremely important, but you can't quite put your finger on what it is. If you have pet fish that are making the move with you, your stress levels are probably through the roof. However, with some simple preparation and a deep breath, transporting your fish can turn into a relatively easy task.

Things You'll Need

  • Large, clean polythene bags or trash bags
  • Rubber bands
  • Large cooler or polystyrene container
  • Large, plastic buckets with lids that seal
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Do not feed your fish for 48 hours before you plan on moving them. This is done in order to prevent the fish from creating waste in their water during transport.

    • 2

      Remove all decorations from your aquarium before attempting to catch the fish. Try to keep these articles moist in order to preserve the helpful bacteria that has developed over time. If you have a live plant in the tank, place it in a polythene bag with some tank water.

    • 3

      Turn off your tank heater 10 to 15 minutes prior to removing it from the aquarium. Some heaters may crack if taken out of the water immediately. Also carefully remove your filter and place it in a separate polythene bag or clean container along with some tank water. Once again, this is done to save helpful bacteria.

    Moving Your Fish

    • 4

      Place the large polythene bag or trash bag inside your cooler or polystyrene container. Then place another bag inside the first. Double-bagging will protect against a possible leak.

    • 5

      Fill the bags that are within your cooler or container with approximately 1/4 to 1/3 tank water. Try to use the water at the top of the tank as opposed to ladling it from the bottom. Do not overfill the bags. It is imperative that you leave enough space at the top to form an air pocket. This allows oxygen to dissolve into the water during transport.

    • 6

      Gently place your fish within the container. If you have a particularly aggressive fish or one with spines that may puncture the bags, you should consider keeping it in a separate container.

    • 7

      Gather the top of the bags together in your hands, leaving a small opening. With your mouth approximately 12 inches from the opening, blow air into the bag; any closer and you risk filling the bag with too much carbon dioxide. Be sure that you're filling the innermost bag with air.

    • 8

      Seal the bags tightly with the rubber bands. Check to make sure that no air or water is leaking out. Finally, attach the lid of the cooler or polystyrene container.

    • 9

      Save up to 80 percent of the tank water, if possible, and transport it in the clean plastic buckets. Be sure the lids are properly secured before moving.

    • 10

      Set up your tank and filter immediately after arriving at your destination. It is very important that your fish return to their aquarium as soon as possible. Make sure that the water in the tank and the water in which the fish have been transported are both at room temperature.