How to Move an Aquarium

You may need to move your aquarium to a new home or simply shift it to another spot in the same room. When emptying the tank, you might think it would be easier to leave the gravel or even some water inside to save time. Even if a small or medium-sized aquarium can survive a move like that, it's not recommended. When you keep gravel or water in the tank, it becomes heavier, increasing the risk of damage. If you want to avoid cracking the glass or damaging the seals, it's always safest to empty the aquarium completely before you move it.

Learn How to Acclimate New Fish. 

What Steps You Can Take?

Collect Supplies

Before you get started, collect everything you will need. It can include fish nets, buckets, towels, and a siphon hose. If possible, prepare a large container. It should be filled with water from the aquarium. Move the heater and filter into the container before you transfer the fish. It gives your fish a safe temporary home when you move an empty tank and reduces the pressure to rush. 

Keep The Water Oxygenated

Place an air pump with an air stone in the temporary container and keep it running throughout the move. Fish need a lot of oxygen, and biological filters also use oxygen. Run an air stone to keep the water healthy until the aquarium is set up again. 

Cover The Container

If you are using buckets, place the lid on loosely so air can still circulate. It prevents fish from jumping out and allows fresh air to enter. Dark-colored buckets can also help keep fish calm by reducing light. If there are larger containers, cover the top with a sheet of plastic or garden netting to prevent escapes. 

Stop Feeding Before The Move

Once you know the moving date, don't feed your fish the day before, the day of the move, or until after you set up the aquarium again. Fish can safely go without food for a short time. So, feeding them during the move creates extra waste. It can even lead to ammonia buildup and poor water quality. 

Save Tank Water

Before removing decorations or catching the fish, drain out most of the clean aquarium water into the buckets or storage containers. Reusing the water when setting up the tank again helps your fish adjust more easily and reduces sudden changes in water conditions. 

Check out How to Do a Water Change Without Stressing Fish. 

Catch Fish Carefully

Fish are usually difficult to catch because they know their surroundings well. You can use two nets or take help from another person. It makes the job much easier. Remove decorations first so that there are fewer spaces where fish can hide and the net doesn't get caught. Before you finish, make sure every fish has been moved safely. 

Remove The Gravel

Graven can add the needed weight to the aquarium. You can take it out into a bucket using a fish net or a small scoop. When most of the water is gone, use a dustpan to remove the remaining gravel. Removing the graven can make the tank much lighter and reduce the risk of damage during movement.

Clean The Empty Tank

When the tank is empty, wipe algae from the glass using some of the old tank water. Remove the remaining dirty water with a siphon, small scoop, or a sponge till the tank is clean and empty. 

Move The Tank Safely

Before you move the aquarium, make sure you have a sturdy surface ready to place it on. It can include a strong table or workbench. Avoid placing the tank on the floor, as it can be difficult to lift again and may increase the risk of damaging the base. If possible, you can place a layer of foam or polystyrene under the tank for better support and protection. 

If your aquarium has glass lids or cover panels, you can remove them before moving the tank or secure them with tape so they cannot slide or fall out during the move.

Move The Cabinet

Take help from others, and move the aquarium cabinet to its new location. Make sure the floor is level and strong enough to support the full weight of the aquarium. It should also be close to electrical outlets without blocking access to them. 

Place The Tank Back On The Cabinet

Carefully lift the aquarium onto the cabinet and check that it sits level. A level tank can distribute weight evenly and reduce the stress on the glass. 

Replace The Gravel and Decorations

Wash the gravel with some of the saved aquarium water to remove dirt while preserving the beneficial bacteria. You can add the gravel back first, then rocks, decorations, and live plants. 

Refill The Aquarium

Refill the tank with aquarium water. Then add some fresh water to bring the aquarium back to its normal level. Make sure the new water is close to the same temperature as the existing water. Also, treat tap water with a water conditioner before you add it to the tank. 

Learn How to Cycle a New Aquarium.

Reinstall The Heater And Filter

Turn off the heater for around 10 min before you move it so it can get enough to cool. Transfer the heater and the filter back to the aquarium. Then switch them on. Don't clean the filter during the move because it contains beneficial bacteria that help keep the water healthy. 

Return the Fish

Once the heater and filter are running, gently move the fish back into the aquarium. Keep the aquarium lights off for a few hours to reduce stress and help the fish adjust to their surroundings. 

Over the next day, keep a close eye on the fish and check the water quality to make sure everything is working correctly. Adding beneficial bacteria can also help support the aquarium's biological filter after the move.

How To Move Fish During A Long-Distance Move?

If you are moving long distances, it will be impossible to keep your fish in buckets or other temporary containers throughout the trip. In that case, you can transport them the same way aquarium stores do. Visit your local aquarium or pet store and buy fish bags and insulated polystyrene boxes. These can keep fish safe during transport and are primarily used to ship them over long distances. 

You can even place each fish in a separate bag whenever possible. Fill each bag with about one-third aquarium water and two-thirds air, then tie it securely. Put the bags inside the insulated box and seal the lid with tape to help maintain a stable temperature during the journey. 

If you have fish with sharp fins or spines, use two bags instead of one to reduce the risk of punctures. As with any aquarium move, don't feed your fish the day before. It can reduce waste and help keep the water clean during transport. When you arrive, set up the aquarium, refill it, and start the filter and heater. Before you release the fish, float the sealed bag in the aquarium for about 15-20 minutes so the water temperature can adjust better.