Moving questions

S

Sunny

AC Members
Jun 24, 2004
120
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0
Texas, USA
excoboard.com
In a few months we'll be moving to another home, and by then we may have full cycled, not one, but possibly two tanks. If all the water is drained out of both tanks, and everything will have to be rearranged in them, how would this affect the cycling? Will we have to do this all over again or will the tanks remained cycled despite complete water change? What is the best way to move fish?
Thanks for your input! :)
 
No, once the water is drained you wont have to re-start cycling if you do one of the following: Take your gravel with you, assuring that it doesn't dry out; take your filter with you assuring that it doesn't dry out; Both of the above together, or; buy some filter media or gravel from a Fish Store once you reach your destination and put it in your tank. I've done this moving thing 4 times with fish and have never lost a single fish from a move, so I may be able to help you in this regard...
 
Thanks, Vato! Did you have to put your fish in bags (like when you bring them home from the pet store) during the move or plain glass jars? Or do pets stores sell some special containers for the move?
Thankfully, we won't have to do this for another few months, but I want to be prepared and know what to do. ;)
 
I have always used just regular plastic bags. I just got to the pet store and ask for bags and elastics. I don't know if it would be good to use glass though because they might hurt themselves while traveling, but I have never done it so I can't say for sure. It is also important to put the fish in a cooler. This will regulate the tempature, and keep light out, thus avoiding stress. Make sure their cooler moves as little as possible. And if the trip is going to longer than say a day, you will want to open each bag for about 5-10 minutes to allow the co2 to be exchanged with o2. If you have any other questions, just ask.
 
I have moved fish in new 5 gal plastic buckets, and storage tubs of varying sizes. How long will it take you to get to your new home and what it the usual temp for the time of your move?
 
I expect the moving trip itself to be no longer than 1 hour, because we'll just be moving from one town to another nearby, but there also has to be some time for preparation, and the temp is going to be not too cool, because we live in the heart of TX and the move will probably be in just a couple-three months, and it is quite hot this time of the year here. :rolleyes:
 
I lived in Houston for a few years. Your fish won't get too cold but they might melt. :) Warm water does not hold as much oxygen as cold water. The cooler idea unless your fish are too big. It wouldn't hurt to have a battery operated air pump and a water additive like stress coat might come in handy.
 
If the trip is only going to be an hour I wouldn't worry about an air pump, the stress coat may help if you put a little in their bags but, honestly, they are going to be very scared as it is. Do you have any fish that would be too big to fit in a standard fish bag? What sort of tempatures do you face out there this time of year?
 
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