How to Move a Fish Tank in 7 Steps

Moving a fish tank is tricky to say the least — especially a large one. It’s not like you can just unplug the tank and move it on the spot. You need to put in some careful thought and planning to the process to ensure it goes smoothly for you and your fish. Remember, moving is stressful to fish, as they are taken from their trusted environment and transported into a temporary one, back into a new permanent one.

Here’s how to move a fish tank safely in seven steps.

1. Gather Supplies

Before getting started, make sure you have everything you need, such as:

Fish net
Large buckets
Siphon hose
Plastic sandwich baggies
Duct tape
Bubble wrap
Insulating foam sheets
Packing paper
Moving boxes

2. Get Your Fish Ready

Stop feeding your fish between 24 and 48 hours prior to moving day so you know all their waste has passed before transporting them. Fish can live up to a week with no food, so don’t worry that they’ll die. If you have a small fish and you’re facing a local move that’s no more than an hour away, you can put them in plastic baggies with water from the tank. Put the baggies in a cooler.

For longer moves and larger fish, you’ll need to transport them in five-gallon buckets that have been filled with water from the tank. Put three to four fish in each bucket, then tape the lid shut to prevent spills.

3. Clean the Tank

While the water is still in the tank, unplug the tank and lights, then remove all plants and accessories. Pack the plants in a bucket of water from the tank. Clean and dry the accessories, then pack them with bubble wrap and paper. Pack all the equipment individually, including the light, pump and heater. Keep the filter damp and pack it in a sealed container.

4. Drain the Water

Use a siphon hose to drain the tank of water. If you can, save the water to add it to the tank in your new home. This will minimize the health impact to the fish.

5. Pack the Tank

Remove the lid and pack it in bubble wrap. If you can find one large enough, place your tank in a box, filling any gaps with insulating foam.

6. Move the Tank

Transport the tank and fish in your own vehicle for the utmost in safety. If you want your movers to do it, make sure they know beforehand about using extra care with this fragile item.

7. Set up the Tank

Set up the tank right away once you arrive. Use the treated water you brought with you to fill the tank and get the filtration system going again. Make sure the temperature, pH balance, and chlorine and ammonia levels are all where they should be. Only then should you add in the fish. If the move was a major one, you’ll have to start from scratch with new water, which could take longer to normalize.

When adding the fish back in, scoop them out of the bucket with a net and place them gently into the water. If your fish are in baggies, place the bags in the water for a few minutes to help the fish get used to the temperature. Release them into the tank.