Moving house, any tips on moving fish?

I will be moving my house in a few days time. I have one betta and 6 ember tetras in separate tanks. Any tips on moving the fish? I am planning on putting them into a plastic bag of water(they got their own bag). Also, how long can I leave them inside the bags to get ready the tank? How do I prevent the bacteria in the filter media from dying? Do I need to cycle the tank again?

 

I will be moving my house in a few days time. I have one betta and 6 ember tetras in separate tanks. Any tips on moving the fish? I am planning on putting them into a plastic bag of water(they got their own bag). Also, how long can I leave them inside the bags to get ready the tank? How do I prevent the bacteria in the filter media from dying? Do I need to cycle the tank again?

It can depend on how far you are travelling but if it is a relatively short distance (say 30 mins or so) you should be able to just catch the fish and bag them up, or use containers to transport them in.

Keep the media in your filter damp (I have used a separate container filled with tank water in the past) and get the filters running as soon as you can. As long as you do the set up quickly you shouldn’t need to cycle again but best to keep an eye on your parameters just in case.

 

It can depend on how far you are travelling but if it is a relatively short distance (say 30 mins or so) you should be able to just catch the fish and bag them up, or use containers to transport them in.

Keep the media in your filter damp (I have used a separate container filled with tank water in the past) and get the filters running as soon as you can. As long as you do the set up quickly you shouldn’t need to cycle again but best to keep an eye on your parameters just in case.

I am not sure exactly how long it will take but at most 45min.

 

I have a 5 gallon bucket/lid where I drilled 2 little holes in it, one for an airline and one for a little heater. I set up a USB air pump and a little USB heater that I can plug right into the car - the lid is paramount to keep things from sloshing out...

45 minutes and the number of fish you are moving, bags should be fine as carsonsgjs said. My method is usually a bit overkill, but sometimes moving fish in winter in Minnesota, or sticking 100+ guppies in a 5 gallon bucket together, I like having that extra bit of reassurance.

 

45 minutes and the number of fish you are moving, bags should be fine as carsonsgjs said.

Ok Thanks. Do I need to bring some of the old tank water to the new house(so that the fish does not get shocked) ? The water parameters shouldn't change too much except the nitrite, nitrate and ammonia level.

 

If you have the option, its good to move the fish on a different day than the big move.

Moving days are always hectic. You'll be busy, you'll be distracted and you'll be tired. And the fish will demand your time and attention first, which can be a challenge on such a busy day, with other time constraints.

So if you can move the fish on a different day, then you'll be able to focus solely on getting them settled. I know I always do much better if I can focus on the task at hand without any major distractions.

This is not always an option. But if it is, then I'd recommend taking the time for it.

 

If you have the option, its good to move the fish on a different day than the big move.

Moving days are always hectic. You'll be busy, you'll be distracted and you'll be tired. And the fish will demand your time and attention first, which can be a challenge on such a busy day, with other time constraints.

So if you can move the fish on a different day, then you'll be able to focus solely on getting them settled. I know I always do much better if I can focus on the task at hand without any major distractions.

This is not always an option. But if it is, then I'd recommend taking the time for it.

You are right. I think I will move the fish one day after. Will the fish be fine without me for one day?

 

You are right. I think I will move the fish one day after. Will the fish be fine without me for one day?

Definitely.