moving fish

[suffused]

I'm moving a tank and fish this weekend from one apartment to another. I've never had to do this before. Does anyone have any tips about this? What will I need to take with me? Whats the best way to transport fish? Will I have to let the tank cycle? Totally clueless on this!:confuzeld:

[DaveC]

When we moved I bought some 55G Rubbermaid trash cans with lids to put the water in, and a cooler for the fish. Refilled tank with the water and used same filter and did not recycle the tank and had no problems.

You will need a hand truck "dolly" to move the water.

[bra8ndy8]

u don't have to take all the water....just 50%, put the fish in a cooler....with a airstone if ur not getting it set up fast. also put as many decorations in the trash can with the water.....don't change the filters either! everything should be fine.....don't worry!

[lellison]

all advice given is good. The main thing is to take as much of the original tank water and decor/rocks etc as possible to make sure you have the bacteria you need. Just set everything back up as soon as possible, but moves aren't a big deal unless you make them. Well, they are a pain, but don't let it get you overwhelmed. You will do fine :) You are not alone, I will not be too far behind you moving 3 tanks. Cooler is a good idea for the fish. Just move them and enough water for them in there and when you get to your location put an airstone in there so you won't feel so rushed. Set the tank back up with the 50% or so water from the original tank and the decor, filter etc. and be sure to add something to neuralize chlorine.

[suffused]

Thank you all!!! I feel much better about this now! I have the cooler and a few large containers w/ lids for the water. I plan on taking all of the decor along with the tank and fish.

You will do fine :) You are not alone, I will not be too far behind you moving 3 tanks.

I don't think I could handle that! I was stressed over moving one. I can't even imagine moving 3.

[kewlkatdady]

its no biggie...
drain about 90% of the water out of the tank...

move and re set up the tank ASAP and chunk the fish back in once the water is back to temp.

[biggin]

I like using bags for the fish. If you go to Petsmart or Petco they will give you bags for free....

[REYREY]

SI...

also... look at the tank set-up as it is...and PLAN out any changes you want to make to it prior to fillign up the tank again... this is a great time to better hide hoses and make sure suction cups are working well... you can rearrange things to make the overall tank look better with out the fish and water in there....

good luck... I DO NOT LOOK FORWARD TO MOVING ANYTHING REGARDING TANKS.....THEYA

[suffused]

Go this evening to take the tank down an bring it back to my place. I think I have everything I need. I'll have to set it up, do a partial water change on my 20g and take down my 10 g. It's going to be a long night!!!

[lellison]

how did it go??

[suffused]

It went a lot easier than I thought it would. It took a little over on hour to tear it down and and about 2 to get everything back up. I ended up with a few monster sized fish. There are 2 plecos that are about 6 inches long. They may be a little bigger. I don't know if I am going to keep them or not. There is also a huge upside down cat fish that cae with the Aquarium. There are also several Cichlids...6...and a few other fish that came from another tank. Not sure which ones I want to keep yet.

[REYREY]

let us know... we will help move them out...