tips on transporting fish & tank

J

jjanoch

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Mar 6, 2005
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I am considering buying a 75 gallon tank from a friend. This tank is well established and has been running for several years. It is planted and has 12-13 fish currently in it.

I have concerns about transporting and then settling them in at my house. The drive itself is just over an hour.....and then adding in prep time before and after.

Anyone have specific experience in doing this, and could share with me how this can be done the safest for the fish and plants (although the plants I think are the least problem)
 
You can't transport a full tank.

It will have to be emptied.

You'll just have to use precautions to keep the bacteria colony alive.

The plants and fish should be okay.
 
yes I understand transporting a full tank (75x8.3=622lbs) but my question is more about the fish. I only have a 5 gallon pail to put them in, and even then I dont think it can be full for the trip (splashing/sloshing and all that)

So maybe 4 gallons for 12-13 fish (many are angels and not small) for an hour trip.....will them come through this ok?

Or it is your suggestion to try and transport them still in the tank...with a minimum amount of water still in it? If so, how much is that?
 
You need to get a good snap top bucket.

It depends on how big the fish are.

A 5 gallon snap top bucket is something I use to transport fish up to 8".

Go to a hardware store and buy one.
 
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I'd go to Wal-Mart and buy a few buckets with lids - they're cheap, and well worth it. I'm planning a big move soon and will be purchasing a Rubbermaid garbage pail with wheels and a lid, I understand they're great for moving fish and water. Here's what I would do:
Glass needs a lot of respect, I'd move the tank completely empty. Remove the fish and decorations/plants, then take out ALL the water (keep as much as you can in buckets), remove the substrate and put it in a bucket. Move the tank carefully, keeping it level. I wouldn't put anything inside the tank while you're moving it, even though the empty container looks inviting (maybe filter floss, something light and soft, but no buckets or sharp objects).
When you reach your destination, get the tank on the stand, add the substrate (if it smells at all I'd rinse it out), then carefully pour in the old water you kept in buckets. Fill the rest of the way with warm tap water, add the equipment, and when it's settled for a few minutes and everything's running (I'd leave the lights off), gently add the fish. If the water is different from what they're used to, acclimatize them as you would with newly purchased fish.
 
styrofoam ice chest

I used a large styrofoam ice chest to transport fish. Very cheap.

Do not feed fish for 2 days before move. Do a nice water change the day before, clean filter. Put fish into ice chest, enough water to cover them, not much, 2-3 inches max I'd guess. Add Amquell or Prime to treat ammonia.

Break down tank, remove decor and gravel to buckets. Put filter media in shallow water or a plastic bag to keep damp. Take some tank water in jugs if you can, only about half the tank.

Transport tank empty, do not leave heater or anything in it that could shift and break tank.

Tape ice chest shut, line car with plastic just in case. When you get home, add an airstone to the box, leave the lid on for jumpers.

Take your time setting the tank up, get it level, get the filters done right.

Fill with old tank water and dechlorinated tap water, transfer fish when temps are even. Do not add any of the ice chest water to the tank, net the fish to move them.

Been there, done that, it is amazing how long it takes to move a couple of big Oceanics and cabinets with fish and equipment.
 
Don't bother trucking the water back from your friends house.

Not worth it IMHO.
 
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