Can you move a fish tank with water in it?
NOTE: Regardless of size, NEVER lift or transport an aquarium with water or gravel in it. The weight and/or sloshing water can damage the aquarium, compromise seals and present a potential safety hazard.
How do you move a fish tank without draining it?
Remove all or at least most of the water from the tank, transferring it to clean plastic buckets or tubs. If possible, keep the tank on its original support unit (cabinet, stand, table, etc.), and move the unit and tank together, sliding the unit on moving sliders or carpet scraps, if the flooring is har.
How to Move a Fish Tank to Another House
- Prepare Your Fish for Transport First. First, drain some of the tank water for your fish to travel in.
- Drain the Remaining Water. Next, drain the rest of the water into clean pails.
- Pack the Equipment.
- Disassemble the Tank.
- Set Up the Tank.
Can you move a partially full aquarium?
Never a good idea! The weight and movement of the water puts uneven stress on your aquarium’s seals, which could cause leaks later. Plus, fish are extremely sensitive and likely won’t survive the stress of sloshing around in a partially full tank. Move fish individually in bags filled with water from the tan.
Steps to Move a Fish Tank
- Gather supplies to empty the tank.
- Turn off and remove filters and equipment.
- Siphon water from the tank to move fish.
- Remove remaining fish tank items.
- Siphon and save the remaining water.
- Remove gravel or sand.
- Pack the fish tank inside a cardboard box.
- Move the fish tank with care.
How do I change the water in my fish tank without killing the fish?
A 25% change is a good partial water change. Check temperature, dechlorinate and pour slowly back into the tank, and you should have no problems. If there is an emergency like high ammonia and nitrite, change 50% on a daily basis until those levels have come back down.
Pack Your Tank
- Take off the lid and wrap it in air-filled plastic padding. Secure with packing tape.
- Cut foam board insulation to size and place it at the bottom of the tank. Fill the tank with towels or packing paper.
- Wrap the tank in air-filled plastic padding and place in a moving box.
Where do you put your fish when you move a tank?
If you have smaller fish and your move is under an hour away, you can put them into plastic baggies along with water from the tank. Keep them safe for travel by placing them in a sturdy case or a cooler. For longer moves or larger fish, transport them in large buckets.
Can you move a partially filled fish tank?
Never a good idea! The weight and movement of the water puts uneven stress on your aquarium’s seals, which could cause leaks later. Plus, fish are extremely sensitive and likely won’t survive the stress of sloshing around in a partially full tank.
Can I move a partially filled aquarium?
When the tank is empty, that stress is not enough to cause a problem, but if the tank has any additional weight from substrate or water, the stress created by moving the tank can break a seal. The damaged seal might not be apparent until the tank is filled and later begins to lea.
Can you move a full Fishtank?
No fish tank should be moved when it’s full of water. You won’t be able to physically lift most tanks and if you could, you risk splashing water at best and broken fingers or a dropped, broken tank at worst.
Can I move a 5 gallon fish tank?
It’s much easier on the fish and minimizes health risks. Transport the water in large 5 gallon buckets and seal the lid with tape before you move them. Remove the lid and pack this separately, wrapped in bubble wrap. It’s best to pack your tank in a box, if you can find one large enough.