How to Move an Aquarium Without Losing Fish

Plan Ahead

• Ask your aquatics store for fish bags, bands and an insulated box; many supply them.
• Decide where the tank will go in the new home: level floor, a stand that takes the full weight, near a socket, out of direct sun.
• Skip feeding for a day before the move so fish produce less waste in the bags.
• Move the fish and tank last out of the old home and first into the new one.
• For long moves, ask your store or a specialist about the best plan; some fish may be better rehomed or held by a store.

Packing the Fish

1. Turn the light off for a while first, so fish are calmer.
2. Fill strong fish bags about a third with tank water, leaving plenty of air, and double-bag spiny fish such as catfish and loaches.
3. Pack a few fish per bag, not crowded, and seal with bands.
4. Stand the bags upright in an insulated box, close the lid and keep it dark, level and at room temperature.

Never leave fish in a car in hot or cold weather. Larger fish may need a lidded bucket of tank water with a battery air pump.

Keeping the Filter Alive

Your filter media holds the bacteria that keep the water safe. Take the sponges and media out, put them in a bucket or bag of tank water, and keep them wet and cool. Never rinse them under the tap: chlorine kills the bacteria. Keep the time out of the filter short; the longer it is, the more bacteria are lost, and the tank may need to cycle again.

Moving the Tank

• Save water: siphon as much tank water as you can into clean, lidded buckets or containers.
• Empty it completely: remove plants (bag them damp), decor and substrate. Never move a tank with water or gravel in it; the weight and flexing can crack the glass or break the seals.
• Protect it: wrap in blankets or foam, cushion the edges and corners, and carry it upright by the base with two people.
• Pack the kit: heater (unplugged and cooled first), filter body, lights and lid.

Setting Up Again

1. Place the tank on its stand and check it is level.
2. Add substrate, decor and plants, then the saved tank water, topped up with conditioned water at a similar temperature.
3. Put the filter media back and start the filter and heater.
4. Float the fish bags to match temperature, then add tank water to the bags slowly over a few minutes before releasing the fish.
5. Feed lightly and test ammonia and nitrite daily for the first week or two. Do partial water changes if they rise.

Fish medicines and treatments: see your vet or a pet supply store with trained staff. Moving is stressful for fish; if they seem unwell afterward, test the water first and ask your store before adding anything.