Handy tips for moving an aquarium

Moving in-and-of-itself is difficult. Relocation is a multi-faceted event. It’s a rather big machinery that has a lot of quirks and cogs moving in multiple directions at the same time.  Which is why staying on top of it might seem impossible. However, when moving an aquarium things get progressively more heavy and complex.

A small fish tank
Fish tanks come in all shapes and sizes, and as you might imagine some are easier to relocate than others.

Not only do you have to worry about regular moving plans and timelines. But you also have to worry about getting your scaly friends and their habitat, relocated to your new home safely. Trying to accomplish all of that might seem like a logistical nightmare. However, we here at City Movers FL are going to show you exactly how to deal with that situation, stress-free! All you need to do is to follow these few simple steps.

Some handy tips for moving an aquarium

Let’s be completely honest. Moving an aquarium in-and-of-itself is not that hard. You just have to plan for it. And that is where a lot of people fail. Which causes unnecessary stress to accumulate that just tends to ruin the moving experience. And, we really think that moving shouldn’t be something that causes you a lot of angst and pain. It should be an enjoyable experience. At least that’s what we preach as Boynton Beach movers. So, if you need any help with moving your aquarium give us a ring! And let us show you what a delight moving can be.

Preparation is key

A planner with writting materials
If you want a successful move make sure to formulate a plan.

First and foremost, the most important thing in relocating your aquarium is to prepare. The best way of going about this is to define exactly what your goal is. If you are reading this article, then the answer to that question is quite obvious – moving an aquarium. Okay, so how does one go about doing that? Well, before you decide to empty the tank and start relocating, let us make a suggestion. Gather all the supplies you are going to need for the move. You don’t want to be hands and knees deep in water, only to realize that you don’t have the proper equipment to pack the aquarium. So, here’s a quick list of things we think are a must-have when moving an aquarium.

  • Container for storing the fish. This is a no-brainer. If you want to relocate your fish we recommend that you grab yourself a bucket, plastic bag, or any plastic container, and fill it with water. This will ensure that your scaly friend has enough water to swim in during the move. It’s not the perfect solution, but it’s far from bad. Also, as a side tip, we also recommend that you don’t feed your fish for at least 24 hours before the move. So, the water you decide to move them in will be clean as a whistle once you start relocation.
  • A siphon hose. Again, another no-brainer. The best (and really the only) way of removing water from the tank.
  • Packing supplies. Among other things we also want to use this opportunity to remind you to get the appropriate packing supplies for transporting all the appropriate equipment and decorations used for the fish tank.

Moving an aquarium

After you have prepared all the necessary equipment for moving your aquarium it’s time to start relocating. The first thing you need to do is to make sure you remove all of the fish from the tank and place them in the appropriate containers. Another useful tip here is to make sure to use the same water used previously in the tank to help your scaly friends feel as comfortable as they can be.

After that is done it’s time to get the tank ready for travel. Make sure you siphon out all the water from the tank. If you want, you can also keep the water you siphon out in another container so you can refill the tank with as much original water as possible. After that is done, make sure to remove all the decorations from the aquarium. The same goes for the water filter and the thermometer. Don’t forget to wipe them down and pack them carefully. After that is done make sure you wipe down the tank and let it dry for a couple of hours.

Packing your aquarium

A person labeling moving boxes
Don’t forget to label moving boxes!

As you might know, aquariums are really fragile. So packing it appropriately is key. You don’t want to end up with a broken tank at the end of the move. This will only cause unnecessary stress and damage. So, how does one go about packing an aquarium and avoid moving stress while doing it?

  • First, make sure to remove all the lids from the aquarium and pack them separately.
  • Secondly, cover the bottom of the moving box with a foam board.
  • Thirdly, put the aquarium in the moving box.
  • Lastly, fill the tank and the remaining space of the moving box with air-filled plastic padding, newspaper, and towels.

These steps will hopefully fill the gaps in the moving box and prevent the aquarium from moving during transport.

After that is complete make sure to label all the moving boxes, to keep everything neat and tidy and make unpacking easier.

It’s time!

Finally, the time has come to load everything up in the moving truck and relocate! A quick key note here to mention. Your moving truck is probably not climate controlled. So, you might want to think twice about putting the buckets full of your fish in it. We recommend that you carry those buckets with you in the car.

After you have arrived home, it’s time to put everything back together. While it might seem like a daunting task, we assure you it’s not. It’s only the thought of unpacking that is scary, but once you get to it… It’s really simple. First, make sure to unpack the aquarium, and check for any scratches and nicks in the glass. After you have confirmed that the tank is good conditions, it’s time to start filling in the water to the tank. Then add your thermometer and water filter. Give those time to work. After about an hour or so it’s time to put your amphibious little friends in the tank and let them enjoy their new home alongside yourself!

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