If you are a sea lover and a pet lover mixed into one, then you must have a fish aquarium. While shifting, you might come across the question of how to move your fish aquarium. Well here is your complete guide to moving fish aquarium. You are shifting not only your family but a part of your family as well.
Read it carefully and follow the steps diligently and you will be good to go. Fishes are more than just pets for us. They are a part of your family. A sentient being that celebrates life with you and for you. Although their emotional quotient might be considered less but they are still emotional beings.
Moving Fish Aquarium to New House will depend on the distance, all the packaging that you do, proper planning and many other steps rolled up into one. Fishes are also brilliant because they are easy to care for as compared to other parts.
Equipment Ready to Go For Moving Fish Aquarium
Before your decide to shift moving aquarium to new house, keep these equipment ready to go for a hassle free shifting experience. The items mainly include fish tank equipment such as the hose, fish tank nets. Containers to shift decor, food, equipment and the likes of it. Keep a to do list and see that your list is full of all the equipment that you might need.
- Individual fish bags
- Rubber bands
- Plastic tubs and coolers
- Air wrap
- Air pump
- Shims
- Water Conditioner
Make a list and follow it to. Check each item off the list for an easy transfer. Look for additional packaging just in case.
Make sure to educate any company that is doing your shifting on how to handle the fishes for longer distances. If they are going with you then it will be easy as you can be vigilant enough and take care of them. Tick the items of the list as they are packed away.

Proper Preparation for Moving Fish Aquarium
Make sure that the level on which you keep your tank is balanced and can bear the weight. Ensure electrical supply. Also ensure that your tank can bend around the door ways or any of the other corners. Compare the water supply for alkalinity, pH and other water requirements. Read this article if you have to again.
Make sure you have ample space in the moving vehicles. Do not move your aquarium in extreme weather conditions. Change the water of the aquarium regularly. Vacuum the surface of the tank regularly. Also remember to take a breath.
Lightly clean the tank before the big move. Remove any biological disturbance and avoid disturbing the fishes yourself. Set up you new tank with the air pump, water and proper decor pieces before hand to ensure a successful move.
Do not feed the fish 24 hours before the big move. Be careful and gentle with them. Let the fishes be for the rest of the week. Keep an eye on them but be careful.
Also Read: Local Home Shifting Tips & Checklist
Tips and Tricks For How to Move a Large Aquarium
Moving Fish Aquarium on the big day can be stressful for them. Make sure that 72-80% of the water in the tank remains the same. Also ensure that the the tank is stable, this will ensure correct move and will be less stressful. Let your fishes be free. Let them swim in the tank without any decor if you want.
Small to medium sized fishes can be shifted in the individual bags, placed in the coolers. Large fishes can be placed in the large tank. Ensure that the temperature remains the same.
- Use battery based air pumps, ensure that the fishes are habitual to this one before loading them in the vehicles. Battery pumps are more effective and reliable.
- With fish bags fill the bags with 33% water and the rest with air. As this will get them more oxygen for the whole trip. They will not get oxygen deficiency.
- Do not blow in a fish bag to inflate it. Make sure that your fishes are habitual to your presence or they might get scared.
- Double bag the fishes for easy transport. It will also ensure that your fishes are safe in case there is any holes or leakage in the bags.
Moving your Fish Tank
Unplug your heater before 30 minutes. Ensure that the tube is checked for any algae or any mineral deposits. If so, then change it. Remove filtration equipment and air pumps. Keep the biological flora wet, or keep it in the sealed container.
Remove any pieces from your fish tank. Keep it empty and package it with bubble wrap. Place it in the truck. Also ensure that any such pieces are kept away. Place them in the correct spaces for your own benefit.
Remove any sand or rocks. Wire strainer should definitely be used to clean the surfaces. Clean the tank regularly. Place it in the correct location so that no other item is kept on it anyway. Placing it on a platform will be easier. Keep the plug points nearby for other additional attachments that you might need in the future.
Wrap the fragile items in the towels or blankets. Place the items in bubble wraps or cardboard boxes. Ensure that your fish do not get overheated in the sunlight. Carry spare parts of the aquarium equipment in case of emergency. It might come in handy.
Also Read: How to Move on a Budget? 10+ Simple Budget Friendly Moving Tips
Setting up Aquarium Into New Home

Now is the time to set up the new home. Place the aquarium in the spot you like. Start the electrical items like heating pump, air pump and other devices. Place them in the tank. Allow your decor items to be placed correctly.
Start the tank and let it reach the appropriate temperature. See to it that the water has the same quality as the previous water of the tank. Place the fishes inside the tank when it is ideal. Ensure that you feed your fishes once the move is over.
Keep your fishes inside the tank. Place them in their new home. Let them get habitual to their new home. Make sure that they are used to the surroundings. Avoid any sudden noises and let silence be present around them. Keep them company as they might feel they are at their home by seeing your face.
After Moving Fish Aquarium
Once moving aquarium to new house is complete and the tank has been installed. Fishes are placed and see that their home is settled. Cut on the feed for any additional checkups. Ensure to check the ammonia levels. Place your fishes in their natural routine.
Visit the vet regularly. Let them be in their visits. Call out any new tests that need to be done. We also have to see that their food habits are resumed but in moderate times. Ensure that food quantity is less but around the same time as before it was in their daily routine.
Once that has started, keep an eye on them. Check your aquarium with some local experts. Make sure that this happens regularly for the next few weeks. We suggest taking your fishes to their vet for an easier handling and caring for them.
You might get more info from your vet than any other local expert. Plus we think you might trust your own vet more than any other local expert. Also ensure their regular health checks. Love your fishes as they might be homesick because of the new climate and surroundings. Fishes are also more than their families think them to be.
Think of them as your friends or your family members. Please be kind to them. Love them and be kind with yourself. You are also moving your home. Just be careful and care for them diligently.
Further, if you’re looking to move from one place to another then you should feel free to check out our packers and movers cost calculator, to get an estimate moving cost.
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Conclusion
Now that the aquarium has been moved, rest easy. We have given you the info about moving fish aquarium. Read them carefully and ensure to follow the steps diligently. I would recommend learning about your own fishes before hand for an easier move.
Let your fishes get used to their new surroundings. Spend time with them. As soon as the new month is over in your new home, make sure you take them on another vet visit. Please make sure that their old pattern of habits including their food timings are kept the same.
Fishes are just like any plants, or any other animals. We would suggest that you keep an eye on them even when the shifting is over. Care for them as your family member. Plus fishes are considered lucky for anyone.
Wondering where to find a trustworthy and reliable moving company? Look no further, check out Rajbala Packers and Movers for the best packing and moving services in town. Get a free quote today!