I'm moving... What do I do about the fish?

[tah0619]

I'll be moving about 35 minutes away soon to a new home. I have a 55 gallon tank with African Cichlids (about 10). To transport the tank, I need to drain it. I can transport the fish in plastic bags, but what do I do about setting the tank up at the new location?

I guess I'll have to take a chance on putting the Cichlids into tap water at my new location.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any suggestions out there. I can't think of a conventional way to transport the existing 55 gallons of water in my tank right now...

Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[shawmutt]

Go to home depot and get 6 5-gallon buckets with lids, this will allow you to carry 25 gallons of water in 5 buckets. In the sixth, put the gravel in and top off with tank water and filter media. Don't let the gravel or filter media dry out! This should be keep a healthy bacteria level in the new tank. The three times I moved my tank from place to place (a 29 gallon so I used 3 buckets), I just put the fish in the buckets, the larger water volume helps keep the water temp stable and the darkness keeps down the stress.

 

[Black Sails]

Those are all very good suggestions. I really can't say much more. I'd just like to reiterate the importance of saving your gravel and filter media and keeping them wet. I'd hate for you to lose out on all that beneficial bacteria and have to start from scratch. Good luck with the move.

 

[RogerMcAllen]

Good idea with buckets, a garbage can works too. That is how my lfs guy moves fish around a lot of the time. Just make sure it doesn't tip.

 

[stresco]

I agree with the buckets. I helped my buddy move his tank this way. He had to do a couple of water changes within the month because he had to use tap water to finsh filling up the tank, but it worked.

 

[Guest]

I have moved several times using the method described by Shawmutt. I think it's the best way to go.

One other thing to consider, timing. I prefer to move all the rest of the household first, then leave yourself enough time to concentrate on the fish tank move by itself, preferrably the next day. This way you don't hurry and do something dumb (I only say this out of plenty exp. doing dumb stuff). Also, plot the exact location of tank and stand at the new location, make sure its cool with the rest of household, MEASURE and reserve the area. Nothing worse than trying to fit your tank in somewhere it wont fit, or will make somebody unhappy. A little planning goes a loooong way!

 

[d9hp]

Get a 35 gallon garbage can from walmart, put the leftover water in this, then do what shaw said

 

[tah0619]

Thanks for all the great ideas... Quick responses too, I posted this at lunchtime today. I'll be using this forum again in the future.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[wabyrd]

Get a 35 gallon garbage can from walmart, put the leftover water in this, then do what shaw said

And still be able to move it??? I'd stick with the 5 gallon buckets that are more manageable.

 

[Bearfan]

I use the rubbermaid storage totes, same concept. I usually do the 25 gallon size and move the water by buckets to the tote in the vehicle. I like the totes because their large bottoms prevent tipping. I moved my 72 gal this way, two totes. Keep the gravel wet.