metal_fish

Im moving after christmas not to far about a 20 min trip.
What is the best way to move your fish tanks? Im really worried its going to be stressful for the fish and me any help would be appreciated

Chief_waterchanger

You could bag the fish and not use any chemicals and be fine. Could also haul them in a bucket with a lid.

We have hauled fish both ways with no chemicals for in excess of 8 hours at a time. Your fish, if of decent quality, should survive just fine. There are a lot of people that suggest this or that chemicals to go in to "relieve stress" but honestly it would be a waste of money, in my opinion.

susitna-flower

If you can't find a REALLY clean bucket with a lid, another suggestion is a food cooler. These usually can be cleaned, then use about 1/2 aquarium water and 1/2 clean water of the exact same temp. Just deep enough your fish are happy, but not so heavy it is hard for you to carry. The lid will keep the fish and water in, and these don't turn over as easy as a bucket. Water should also stay warm easier.

For your aquarium, take most of the water out, and put filters and decorations in the water that is left to keep moist. A 29 gal shouldn't be too heavy. Hope for the best!

COBettaCouple

That's probably the best way.. you can move the tanks easily if there's just enough water to keep the substrata wet. The fish should be ok for the time it would take to move them and set the tanks up at the new place. Like CWC, no chemicals are needed but you could use a TINY amount of meth. blue (be real careful, it'll stain just about anything) and/or fish protector in their water. You could also cover the cooler or containers with a dark towel(s) until you're ready to acclimate the fish to the re-setup tanks. I'd get the Betta into his tank first since I think he's the one that would feel the effects of cooling water first out of those fish.

metal_fish

Thanks im less worried about it now, I want to also replace the substrate and do a really good cleaning on the tank, the previous owners didn't take great care of the tank or fish and i havent been able to clean it really good without removing the fish thanks again

COBettaCouple

yw.. good luck with the move!

metal_fish

i have another question about being in a cooler do you close the lid all of they way? would there be no oxygen for the fish?

COBettaCouple

we closed the cooler up. there's air inside it when it's closed and usually some in the bags, although we did our best to minimize the air in the bags. Enough for moving them, even Bettas can make it through a move without a lot of available air.