How to Move a Fish Tank
An aquarium is the hardest item in most homes to move. The tank itself is fragile, the water is heavy and the filter bacteria die quickly once the pump stops.
Plan for a short journey
Fish tolerate a few hours in transit bags. If the move is longer than half a day, arrange for a local aquatic shop or a friend to hold the fish.
Save the filter media
Keep the sponge or ceramic media submerged in tank water in a sealed container. That water carries the bacteria colony your tank depends on.
Empty the tank fully
Never move a tank with water or gravel in it. The glass seams will fail. Bag the substrate separately and keep 80 per cent of the old water for refilling.
Setting up again
Level the stand first, refill with the saved water, restart the filter and heater, then acclimatise the fish slowly. Test water quality daily for the first week.
Planning a move?
BlueSky Removals gives fixed written prices after a free video or home survey. Call 0800 090 3125 or request a quote online.