Preparing Your Fish Aquarium For A Move To A New Home
If you are moving to a new home, and you have a large fish aquarium in your current abode, you will most likely want to bring it along so you can continue the enjoyment and hobby of watching your pets swim around. You will need to take precautions in how this piece of equipment is packaged in addition to how you handle the accessories and fish inside. Using the following steps to prepare your aquarium and fish for a move.
Make Alternate Plans For Your Pets
When you move an aquarium, it will need to be done without your fish inside so they are not at risk of injury should the glass happen to break during the move. Go to a local pet store and purchase a plastic fish tank container for the fish to use during their own ride to the new home. Fill this with water from your existing tank. You will need to transport the fish yourself as most moving companies will not allow live creatures to board their trucks or vans. If you are planning on moving across the country, sell your fish to a pet store and buy new fish after your aquarium is set up.
Keep Bacteria In Mind Before The Move
Since a fish tank needs aeration to keep beneficial bacteria intact in the water in your tank, you may want to consider salvaging some of the gravel and water in your existing tank if you are not planning on moving a long distance away. Place some of the water inside a thermos along with a handful of gravel. Save any used carbon filters as well. This will save you time in preparing the tank as you can add the water, gravel, and a filter to the tank so the bacteria disperses into the new water quickly.
If you are moving far away, you will need to set up the tank, fill it with water, and wait a week before purchasing some a few hardy fish to get the nitrogen cycle started in the tank. You will need to keep your existing fish in their temporary tank until this is cycle is well established.
Drain And Package Accessories
After you have salvaged water for the re-establishment of your tank, you can dispose of the rest. If you have live plants in your tank, place them in a jar with some water to keep the roots wet. Keep the lid off so they get oxygen. You will need to transport these to your new home yourself. Wrap any filters, lights, or decor in pieces of bubble wrap and place them in a plastic storage tub. Do not use soap to clean any of your aquarium items as this can kill your fish when you place them back into the tank. Instead, wipe each piece down with a piece of clean microfiber cloth.
Protect The Tank From Harm
After your tank is drained and dry, place a soft comforter or blanket inside to give the interior glass walls some stability and cushioning. Use bubble wrap on the exterior of the tank to keep the glass protected. If your tank is separate from a wooden base, place it inside a large cardboard box. Use packing peanuts to fill in voids between the box walls and the tank. If the tank is glued to a base, it will need to be secured inside the moving truck with bungee cords or ropes to keep it from sliding.
For a local moving company, contact a company such as Bekins Van Lines Inc.