13 Jun Moving an Aquarium & Fish Tank Tips Preparation for Your Next Move
Fish tanks and aquariums apart from just housing pet fish and invertebrates also add an aesthetic appeal to your room. However, moving them can be a challenging process due to the high risk of damage as most fish tanks and aquariums are highly fragile. However, with just a little planning, it is possible to move them safely to your new location. Though you can drive it/them in your own vehicle, the task requires specialized handling and preparation.
1. Prepare Fish for Transport
It is critical to transport fish in their original water to reduce instances of stress and shock. This is extremely vital, particularly for marine aquariums where the existing salt water must be used. Some less sensitive freshwater fish can, however, use a mix of fresh distilled water and tank water. The fish can be transferred into fish bags, clean pails with enough room for air. You should always be keen where each species is riding in as some species are aggressive and can pick on others. While transporting, the buckets should be kept in safe places to avoid too much jostling.
Transferring tips: Avoid blowing into fish bags. You can provide the fish greater swimming space as well as exposure to oxygen by keeping the fish bags sideways. You should also use air pumps when moving over long distances, in extremely hot weather or where the container are quite small. When using fish bags you should fill it with 50% pure oxygen and 50% water, or 1/3 water leaving the other 2/3 for air.
2. Draining any remaining water
After transferring the fish from the tanks you should drain the remaining water into clean pails. if possible you should carry the water with you especially for the salt water. This fast tracks the process of putting the fish back into the tank, and will mitigate shock for the fish. You should keep any live rock or live sand in the water entirely to safeguard the fish and microorganisms.
3. Packing the Equipment
You can pack any filtering equipment, heaters as well as pumps you use in your tank in a sealed bucket particularly for the short local moves. however, for long distances moves it more advisable to start with a new filter. you can then disassemble and wrap your tank. while at it you can ensure it is clean and ready for the new home.
4. Setting Up the Tank
Before transferring the fish back to the tank you should always ensure any rock work is settled in its permanent location as unstable rock work is a significant hazard to fish and invertebrates in the tank. meanwhile, you can keep your fish in a bucket with an adequate heating and filtration system. You should then reassemble the filters and heating systems of your tank. you can then reintroduce the water and leave it to cycle for a few days where possible. You can then safely reintroduce your fish and invertebrates.
If you have been wondering how to move with your fish tank or aquarium, we hope the above tips will help you move your tank with ease and add style and decor to your new home.