How to Move a Fishtank??

C

Capnbob

AC Members
Oct 19, 2004
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Hello everyone,

I'm going to be moving into an apartment this summer. I have a 36 gallon tank. I'm wondering, how does one go about moving a fishtank?

I don't want to drain all the water out of it, but it I leave too much in it we won't be able to carry it. Also, do I keep the fish in the tank during the transit, or do I put them in separate containers?

Thanks for any suggestions,

Bobby
 
Don't transport a tank with any water or gravel, decorations ect in it , a big no no. Get a couple of buckets keep as much water from the tank as you can, put as much gravel in one of the buckets with tank water, and dont forget to put the filter media in as well. Put the fish in another bucket with tank water and when you get to your appartment put all the tank water you saved in and transfer the fish from the buckets, then slowly add the new treated water water like you would with a normal water change. Dont forget to test the water because it may be chemicaly different to what you are using now(check for chloramines).If it is a not a long trip to your new appartment then you wont any worrys.
 
breaking a tank

When you move the tank, be sure to have it toally empty. It is a tragedy to get everything almost to the new place and then have a heater or decoration shift in the tank and crack the glass.

Use this opportunity to clean the gravel, so gravel vac well before you put it into a large bucket.

You can transport the fish in bags or buckets, or even a styrofoam ice chest with a lid on it. Don't feed the fish for a day or two before the move, and add Amquell or Prime to the fish to lock up th ammonia they will produce.

Wen you get to the new location, put an airstone in the fish container and maybe a heater so you can take your time in setting up the tank correctly. Get it level and steady.
 
Alright, I appreciate the help! It's a very short trip. About a 15 minute drive, so it shouldn't be too bad.

-Bobby
 
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I moved my 29 with all the gravel/5-6" of water with some fish still left in it about 10 minutes away. I just got a board that is big enough to completely cover the base of the tank (all 4 corners) and lifted that. It worked perfect even though it was kind of heavy. I didn't lose a single fish either even though I expected to.
 
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