Moving with Fish

When moving with fresh or saltwater fish, it’s all about the water. Well, there are a few other considerations, but the water is certainly the most important.

Most experts will recommend using a box with a Styrofoam liner that should be available at your aquarium store. You can also use the inexpensive Styrofoam ice chests. Make sure to get enough containers to fit the number of fish you need to move. Next to water, overcrowding is the next biggest issue that can affect your fish. Discuss your move with a local aquarium expert regarding mixing the types of fish you have.

Line the fish transport box or Styrofoam cooler with a plastic trash bag, making sure that it is tight in the corners. This will protect the fish in case the carrier is damaged. You may want to place one trash bag into another to make the liner even stronger. Some people use plastic containers, which is be fine for shorter moves. Plastic buckets or containers may not be good for long moves because they could leech toxins.

Do not put fresh water into the container; always use water directly from the fish’s aquarium. Take the water from the top, never from the bottom as it could bring up contaminates. Fill the container about half full with the aquarium water. The fish will need the rest for air.

During the trip, open the container a few times a day to refresh the air supply. You can also get a battery powered air pump to oxygenate the water.

Stop feeding your fish about two days before the move. You want to have their water as clean as possible, so don’t feed them during the trip. Most fish can go a week without food and be fine.

Don’t throw out the unused aquarium water. Put the water in 1- to 5-gallon buckets so you can refill the aquarium at your new home. You can gradually replace the water from your new source after you move in. Try not to change any more than 20 percent of the water at one time so the fish can become acclimated to its new environment.

It is not advisable to move your fish in their aquarium. If the fish must be moved in the aquarium, remove about half the water, the aerator, heater, hood and anything else that might shift and cause the glass to break. Cover the top with plastic film to keep the water from splashing out. To avoid breakage, take care that the bottom of the aquarium is solidly supported while it is being lifted and moved.

It is advisable to place the aquarium into a corrugated carton and pad it with crushed paper. Wedge the carton in the car so it will not slide during the trip. Replace the aerator immediately upon arrival at destination.

Here are some more tips to successfully move your fish:

Plants and snails from the aquarium can be carried along in plastic bags with a small amount of water.
Fish might become bruised while traveling. Liquid healing agents to put into the water are available at pet shops.
At destination, replace water and place fish in the aquarium as soon as possible. Add tap water a little at a time to fill the aquarium to the proper level, letting the fish adjust gradually to the new water.
New water may need treatment before use to neutralize any chemicals it might contain. Neutralizers can be purchased at most pet shops.
Make sure the water temperature is safe for your fish, about 72 degrees but it will depend on the type of fish you have.
Place living coral in an ice chest with about 50 percent water.
Pay extra attention to your fish after the move for signs of illness.
Aggressive fish should be packed separately.

If you wish to move your fish by airline, consult with an aquarium expert or consider a pet transportation company. If you are expensing relocation, see if you can negotiate having your company pay to have your pets moved professionally. Moving companies are not allowed to transport pets. When considering professional movers, you can ask if they work with or can recommend a pet transportation company. Pet movers handle everything from picking up your pet at home to delivering it to your new home or a kennel. Most offer airline or vehicle travel options.