Your pets are a part of your family, and you always want to keep them comfortable during your move. But what happens when you have more than a cat and a dog? How do you move something like a fish tank? Believe it or not, there are some items your moving company can’t move. And a loaded fish tank is one of them. It puts the rest of your items at risk for damage, not to mention threatens the safety of the fish inside. But there are ways to get your fish tank and your fish to your new home safely and easily. Here’s what you need to know.
Give Your Fish Some Water to Travel In
Your fish are already used to the water in their tank. Use that water for them to travel in. This will help them avoid shock and keep them healthy in transit. You can fill sturdy plastic bags, unused buckets, and even small fish tanks to help transport your fish. Just make sure the containers are clean and have no soap or chemical residue inside before you put your fish inside.
Drain Your Tank
Once you have your fish in their travel containers, drain the rest of the water from your fish tank. Ideally, take the water with you in clean containers. This will make it easier to set up your tank and reduce the risk of shocking your fish once you’re at your new home. This is especially important if you have a saltwater fish tank as it can take a long time for the salinity to reach ideal levels when starting from scratch.
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Take the Tank Apart
The larger the tank is, the heavier it will be. That’s why disassembling what you can is one of the best things you can do. Remove your filters, light system, and any other mechanical components for transport. Pack them in a safe place in your personal car. Remember, you’ll likely arrive at your house before the movers, and having everything ready to go will make setting the tank back up far easier and faster.
Set Things Back Up
Once you’re at your new home, you can start getting the tank ready for setup. You may want to avoid filling it with water until the movers unload your furniture and once you do, give it time to set. Bring the water back up to temperature and let the tank run through the cycles for a few days before reintroducing your fish. This will help them adjust more easily and keep them healthier for longer. Remember, if anything looks off or you have additional questions, ask your veterinarian for help and advice.
Moving fish is easier than you might think. It just takes time and patience to keep your fish happy and healthy. Though we can’t move a full fish tank for you, we can help take the stress out of the rest of your move. Contact our experienced team to schedule a free estimate and see the difference that care and attention can make in your next move.
