Best way to move an established tank

[JLorraine]

Possibly getting an established 20gal planted community tank. This is the first time I’ve moved a tank with fish. What are the recommendations for moving everything? Thanks!

 

[kattiq]

I would personally keep as much of the tank water you can manage just so its not like you are replacing 100% of the water when you put the fish back in. Also make sure the filter or any media in the tank does not dry out.
But really it all depends on how long the trip is to bring it back to your place and if you could put the fish in separate containers/bags- how many fish are you going to move?

 

[CarmenSanDiego]

In the past for a 29 gal I've netted and bagged all fish and plants (I don't know how to move carpeted plants), scooped with a colander and took all the gravel (home depot bucket), especially take the filter/media and DONT replace with new, and as much water as you can transport in the large blue 5 gal water bottles you can get at the grocery/water store. Always move the glass tank empty to avoid damage.

 

[BlueBirdBetta]

The gold standard that I know of is keeping ALL of the original water if possible. Keep the substrate/filter media moist during travel to keep the bacteria alive. Use a breather bag for non plant inhabitants if possible, and keep plants in moist newspaper and an insulated box during transit. (I once had to have plants shipped in the dark this way and it took 5 days to arrive, they were green and alive and thrived in my tank save for just a couple die-offs.)

 

[Dennis57]

I moved a 55 gallon 5 months ago. Buy a few totes from Home Depot or Lowes, fill them 3/4 of the way up with the tank water.
In 1 tote put in any decorations, plants. In the other tote put in the fish, and make sure you pick up a battery operated air stone. Once you get home put in a heater in the tank with the fish, they can live in there a few days if needed.
Clean out the new (old) tank, set it up with gravel or whatever substrate you are using, put in decorations.
Then add the water that is in the 1 tote ( without fish ) then go and add the fish, and now you can either add the rest of the old tank water or just add new water like you are doing a water change.