How To Move a Fish Tank To a New House

Moving a fish tank when moving house can be a stressful process for both you and your aquatic pets. Unlike other household items, aquariums require careful handling, precise conditions, and a well-thought-out plan to ensure the safety of your fish. A sudden change in water quality, temperature, or environment can cause extreme stress, illness, or even fatalities. To avoid these risks, follow this detailed step-by-step guide to safely transport your fish and their tank with minimal stress.

Planning Ahead: The Key to a Smooth Fish Tank Move

Assess If Moving Your Fish Tank Is Feasible

Before you start packing your fish tank, ask yourself if moving it is the best option. Large tanks, fragile setups, or long-distance moves might pose too much risk for the fish. If the journey is too long or complicated, consider temporarily rehoming them with a trusted friend or a local pet store until your new setup is ready.

Schedule a Separate Day for the Aquarium Move

Moving an aquarium on the same day as everything else can be overwhelming. If possible, plan to move your fish tank separately, ensuring that you have enough time to properly dismantle, transport, and reassemble it in the new home.

Check with Your Removal Company

Most professional moving companies will not transport live fish due to liability reasons. While they may be able to move an empty, dry tank, you’ll likely need to transport your fish, water, and accessories yourself. If you decide to use a specialized pet transportation service, research their experience and reliability beforehand.

Gather the Necessary Equipment

Before moving a fish tank, ensure you have all the essential tools and materials:

• Fish bags with rubber bands
• Insulated polystyrene fish transport box
• Buckets or sealed containers for water and substrate
• Battery-powered air pump for oxygenation
• Siphon hose for transferring water
• Dechlorinator to treat new water
• Bubble wrap, blankets, and towels for tank protection
• Water testing kits for pH, ammonia, and nitrate levels

We work with some of the best local house movers who offer fish tank moving services. If you need to move home, get free quotes and match prices today.

Preparing the Tank and Fish for the Move

Stop Feeding the Fish 24 Hours Before Moving

Fish should not be fed for at least 24 hours before moving. This helps reduce waste production, keeping the water clean and preventing the buildup of harmful ammonia in transport containers. Don’t worry—healthy fish can go without food for several days without harm.

Turn Off and Remove Equipment

Unplug heaters at least 30 minutes before removing them to allow them to cool down. If taken out of water while still hot, they may crack. Disconnect and pack filters, lights, and air pumps separately, ensuring they are properly stored to avoid damage.

Remove and Secure Decorations & Plants

Carefully remove tank decorations and live plants, checking for any hiding fish. Store plants in plastic fish bags with tank water to prevent them from drying out. Ornaments should be packed separately in waterproof containers like plastic boxes or buckets.

Drain and Store Tank Water

Never move a fish tank while it is full of water. Drain approximately 75% to 80% of the water before attempting to catch the fish. Retaining some of the original tank water will help maintain stable conditions in the new location and reduce stress on your fish.

Transporting Your Fish Safely

Use Proper Fish Transport Containers

Small fish can be transported in sealed fish bags filled with tank water and oxygen. Larger fish should be placed in lidded buckets with air holes. For added safety, keep fish in insulated polystyrene fish boxes to maintain stable temperature conditions.

Separate Aggressive or Sensitive Fish

Avoid placing different fish species together in the same container. Some fish excrete toxins when stressed, which can be harmful to others. Additionally, fish with sharp spines, such as catfish or puffers, should always be transported separately.

Keep Fish in the Dark

Fish are less stressed when kept in a dark environment. Once fish are packed, store their containers in insulated boxes with the lids closed. Keeping them in darkness helps reduce activity and stress levels.

Maintain Oxygen and Temperature Control

If the journey is long, use a battery-powered air pump to oxygenate the water. Avoid exposing fish to extreme temperatures—keep their containers in a temperature-controlled environment, such as inside your car rather than in a moving truck.

Moving the Fish Tank

Empty and Clean the Tank

Once the fish and most of the water are removed, drain the remaining water and lightly clean the tank. Avoid using soaps or detergents—simply wipe the inside with a clean sponge or cloth.

Pack the Tank for Safe Transport

Wrap the tank securely with blankets, bubble wrap, or foam padding. Always transport it upright and ensure it is positioned securely in the vehicle to prevent movement. Do not stack anything on top of the tank.

Transporting the Filter and Substrate

Keep filters damp by storing them in sealed containers with some tank water. This helps preserve beneficial bacteria essential for maintaining water stability. Gravel and substrate should also be stored in buckets with a small amount of water.

Setting Up the Tank in the New Home

Unpack and Inspect the Tank

Before reassembling the tank, inspect it for cracks or damage. If there are any signs of weakness, consider replacing the tank rather than risking leaks.

Reassemble and Refill the Tank

Start by placing the substrate, decorations, and plants back in the tank. Slowly refill with the stored tank water to maintain stability, and top up with fresh dechlorinated water if needed.

Reconnect Equipment and Test Water Quality

Set up the filter, heater, and lights before introducing fish. Test water parameters to ensure they match the previous conditions. The water temperature should be stable before adding fish.

Check also: How To Choose a Removal Company?

Reintroducing the Fish

Acclimate Fish to Their New Environment

Do not immediately dump fish into the tank. Instead, float their bags in the water for 20-30 minutes to equalize the temperature. Gradually mix small amounts of tank water into their bags before releasing them.

Monitor Water Parameters and Fish Behavior

Check pH, ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite levels daily for the first week. Observe fish for any signs of stress, such as erratic swimming, loss of appetite, or gasping at the surface.

Post-Move Care and Observation

Adjust Feeding Schedule

To prevent stress-related digestive issues, feed lightly every other day for the first two weeks. Monitor water conditions closely and avoid overfeeding.

Avoid Adding New Fish Immediately

Do not introduce new fish until you’re sure the current ones have fully adjusted. Adding new tankmates too soon can increase stress levels and disrupt the tank’s balance.

If you believe this can help someone else, please share it. Thank you.