Pets Guide: Fish

Fish are notoriously difficult to move from one location to another however it can be done effectively and efficiently with some planning. It is advisable to sell as many of the fish as you can before you move to help ease the burden however if this is not an option this guide will help you understand what you need to do.

Depending on the size of your aquarium and the number and type of fish you have it may be easier to break them down to a couple of tanks. If the aquarium is five gallons or less it may be just as easy to move the entire aquarium. Place some cellophane over the top of the aquarium and remove and heaters and aerators. Place this container in a cooler box or Styrofoam container to regulate the temperature. This should keep the temperature constant for up to 48 hours. Ensure every four-five hours to open up the cellophane to change the air. This option may be the best for tropical fish that may not do well in smaller containers with overcrowding or indeed sudden changes in water and temperature. Never leave this container in the car overnight as the temperature changes may be too drastic for the fish. If you plan to be traveling to your destination for a couple of days with your fish it is advisable to purchase a portable aerator to keep the water well oxygenated. Always pack your aquarium last in the moving truck so you can set it up quickly when you arrive at your destination.

Depending on the size or your aquarium you may need to break down the dish in to a number of smaller containers or fish bags. If you can you should use the water from the aquarium if you choose this method. In the event you do not have enough water for all the smaller use fresh or saltwater depending to the type of fish you have. It is advisable to fill the container with appropriate water and allow the water to settle for a few hours and empty and refill. Do this a couple of times and to leach any impurities out of the container material. If you have only a small number of fish and are moving only a short driving distance, you can move the fish to their new location by using plastic bags half filled with water and the other half with air. As a general guideline each fish should have at least 1-2 gallons of water. To maintain the temperature place the bags in an insulated container or Styrofoam container.

Most fish can go without food for a couple of days with no bad reaction. It is important to put healing agents in to the water.

As the fish may become bruised en route .This is not uncommon and you can purchase healing agents at your local pet supply store.

When you arrive at your destination set up the aquarium as quickly as possible. You may need to add water neutralizers to the water to neutralize any chemicals. Your local pet store can advise you of any treatments the water may need.

Turn the aerator on for a while before adding the fish one at a time. Slowly and gently add the fish to the filled tank. Wait until the water settles and feed as usual.