Moving locations is incredibly stressful for your fish. Their health highly depends on maintaining the same atmosphere and water temperature, which are all changed when moving. Fortunately, there are some tips you can execute to ensure a stress-free experience for both you and your aquatic wildlife.
All Water Must Go
Consider the difficulties that come with moving such a large, heavy and bulky item, and you’ll want to do whatever you can to make the process easier. Aquariums are heavy as it is when they’re empty. You’d be surprised at how much extra weight even the slightest bit of water adds. So, the first step to doing that is to empty all of the water and everything in the aquarium, such as plants, stones, and filtration system.
Use Proper Moving Equipment
Whenever you’re moving heavy, bulky items, you’ll want to use proper moving equipment to avoid the risk of injury or damage to both yourself and your items. For aquariums specifically, you’ll want to use a dolly and furniture blankets, as well as help from friends to get your aquarium into the moving truck and into your new home. You may also want to go the extra step to prepare and wrap the aquarium in bubble wrap and cardboard before placing it on the dolly.
You Must Remove Your Fish
The number one rule to moving fish is that you cannot keep them in the aquarium while you move. The transportation process will be too bumpy and stressful for them to handle. So, to ensure the safety of both you and your fish, do not begin the moving process until they are moved to a smaller holding container. There are some specific steps you’ll want to follow based on the types of fish you have in your aquarium and it’s highly recommended to speak with a professional from the store you purchased them from.
As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to place some aquarium water into a holding container, as well as some plants to help maintain the environment they’re used to. Now, your fish also need oxygen so make sure to purchase a container designed specifically for fish and keep them in there for as little time as possible.
Find Alternative Transportation
Any living species are not allowed to be transported by a moving truck. So, you’ll have to arrange alternative transportation for your fish and any living plants prior to moving day. The empty aquarium can certainly go in the moving truck but anything living will need to be removed and transported another way.
Specific Steps Are Needed When Placing Your Fish Back Into Their Aquarium
Putting your fish back into the aquarium once you’re at your new home also requires some specific steps. Speaking with a professional at the fish store will be able to give you specific instructions based on the breeds of fish. The general rule is to place the fish in plastic bags with the leftover aquarium water from the holding container and set the bag on top to allow the fish to adjust to any changes in temperature. You’ll also want to clean the filter and run it through a cycle before releasing your fish back into the aquarium.
Your fish have likely become a statement within your home and even possibly, a loving pet in your family. Guarantee an efficient moving experience and hire professional movers to transport the aquarium. At BMS Moving & Storage, we offer full-service moving solutions and our professionals will come in and pack your aquarium for transportation, disassembly, and reassembly any large pieces as needed, load, transport and unload for you.
