dorcy

Looks like I might have to move my tank when we buy a new condo. I don't want to hurt my fish or my cycle. Obviously we can't move it when its full of water, what is the best advice? I've been looking on this site and to be honest, this is probably a common issue that should have a "best practices" manual or something posted. I'm a newbie and would like some advice!

atmmachine816

Ok I've done this before so I'll tell you what worked for me. You can get some five gallon buckets to put your tank water in. You can put your fish in one and put an airstone in it to give some water movement and a heater if they are going to be in there a long time but that shouldn't be necessary unless you are going for a long time. You can put as much tank water as you have in other available five gallon buckets but the used tank water isn't all that important. However you should put your filter media in used tank water so it doesn't lose the bacteria so you don't have to recycle. After you have unplugged all equipment and drained the water and put the filter media in some tank water you can put the gravel in a bucket or bag and move the tank. Then you can put everything back in, gravel, water, heater, filter, and start the tank up again, if you stirred anything up you can wait a short time before putting the fish back in. If you use new water just make sure you have de-chlorinated it and have it at the same temperature as your bucket with your fish. Basically as long as you keep the filter media in tank water and your gravel in a little water or in a bag and seal it, your tank won't recycle and just make sure you have no aggressive fish, if you do put them in separate buckets. I think that covers everything, if I didn't cover something somebody else will or just ask. Smaller tank the easier it is to move, just make sure you take everything out because when you move a tank you don't want anything in it so you don't crack the bottom.

COBettaCouple

The important thing is to keep the fish as calm as possible and the good bacteria going.

Putting the filter media and substrata in durable plastic containers with lids and enough tank water to keep the stuff inside covered is one thing.

Double-bagging the fish (2/3 water, 1/3 air) and transporting them in a container that minimizes movement and keeps them dark and shielded from a/c, etc is the other.

The tank can be transported empty or with the substrate in it (and enough water to cover the substrate) if it's a small tank.

Ryno

I have used coolers in the past. They are a little better insulated than buckets so you don't loose as much heat. But if you don't have coolers to use the buckets should work just fine. Just make sure you clean out what ever you use with fresh water. Make sure there are no detergents or chemicals in the buckets/coolers.

Are you moving across town or a long ways away?

Barbrella

Coolers are a great idea. Not only keep the fish warm, but keep them more stable so they don't slosh around as much.

You can get large, cheap styrofoam coolers at this time of year.