What is the best way to move a fishtank?

Question

We have a small tank (10-15 gallons), and I need to move it today. Right now it is in our dining area, as it was where we had most space when we moved in, but I would like it in another room, where there is less traffic, and not so much harsh lighting.

We have 6 fish in the tank right now. What is going to be the best way to go about doing this?

I don't want to stress the fish too much, although I know that the move is going to some... Any help is greatly appreciated :)

Answer 1

When we had a big tank we moved, i think we took out all the fish with a little net, and put them in one of those big orange home depot buckets with some water in it from the tank/hose/w.e.

We actually had them in the bucket for about 8 hours in a van when we drove from NC to MD ha ha....

they should be fine for a few minutes to an hour. Just be careful they don't jump out. We had one suicidal fish ha ha

Answer 2

empty the tank partly then move the tank then put the same water you took out and put it back in the 2 days later do a water change

Answer 3

Siphon out most of the water into a tub or bucket, just leave about 4 inches or so for the fish. You should be able to carry the tank with one other person to help you. Then just put the water you took out back into the tank.

Answer 4

take some water out to make it lighter.  

Answer 5

first get  a big bucket or a lot of smaller ones.  put the fish with water in bucket.

empty out the aquarium and move.  put the fish back.

Answer 6

Take the fish out and put them in a small containert, drain your water into a bucket,put all your decorations and substrate in a bucket too. Move your aquarium to the place you want it to be and put the water and everything back in the tank, This is so you dont have to cycle it again.

Answer 7

Drain half of the water out and then put the fish into the container you are draining the water into. Then drain the rest of the water from the tank into the container. Next move the tank onto the surface that you already have cleared off(it shouldn't be that heavy with only the rocks and decorations in it.). Then pour the water back into the tank and get the filters going immediately. Add some Stress Coat just to be safe.

Note: This is the LEAST stressfull way to move your tank.

Answer 8

Hi there. Personally, I think its MUCH better to be safe then sorry. This method of moving your tank will prevent damage to the tank and injury to your livestock.

1. Turn EVERYTHING off. Siphon off some of your aquarium water into a medium-sized container.

2. Net out ALL of your fish carefully, and put them in the container.

3. Siphon out ALL of the water from the aquarium and place it into various containers. You can discard about half of it,

4. Put your tank on a wheely-tray, or a heavy-object trolley. If you don't have any of these fancy bits, just get a few friends to help you pick up your empty tank.

5. Place it into your desired area.

6. Refill with half of the previous water to retain some bacteria. Use a dish on the gravel to stop if getting swished around.

7. Top up with tap water treated with Tap-Safe liquid. Mix warm and cool water to bring it to the same temperature as the tank was.

8. Net out your fish from the holding container, into the tank.

9. Turn the filter, aerators, etc. on again. !! Leave the light OFF.

10. Monitor your fish for around 5minutes in case of stress. Dose with Stress Coat if you have any.

11. Leave your fish for 1 hour before turning any lights back ON. Keep a close eye on your fish for about 24hours.  

Answer 9

Turn off your filters and heater.  Take them out.  Empty as much water as you can while still leaving enough for the fish to swim.  Keep that water in clean buckets.  Find something solid to put under the tank and slide it under.  Have someone help you lift the tank off the stand.  Move your stand to where you want it.  Move the tank to it and take out the board.  Put the water back in.  Put your filter and heater back in.

It's important not to twist the tank when it has the weight of water in it so that's why I recommend sliding it onto a board.  If you have a light weight stand you may be able to move it right on the stand with another person.

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Answer 10

take a quarter of the water out so they have enough room to swim around then move the tank to where u want it ,then fill it back up again straight away and put on your filter dont forget to use the conditioners to remove the chlorine out hope this helps u out and good luck