Moving an aquarium: How to make the move a success
How can you relocate with an aquarium?
Anyone who has ever bought an aquarium probably didn't immediately think about one day leaving their home and taking their fish with them. However, personal or professional changes often require a change of residence or location. So what is the best way to move house with an aquarium?
How to prepare for your move with an aquarium:
Select moving date
Since many fish do not tolerate high temperature fluctuations well, it is best to choose a moving date that does not fall during the hot summer or cold winter months.
Getting the fish ready
Damit die Tiere den stressigen Transport besser überstehen, sollten Sie ihr Immunsystem vorab stärken. Achten Sie deshalb auf eine abwechslungsreiche Kost. Zwei Tage vor dem Umzug Ihres Aquariums sollten Sie aufhören zu füttern, da Ausscheidungen das Transportwasser verschmutzen.
Obtain transportation materials
To move the aquarium and fish, you will need waterproof plastic bags, rubber bands, and Styrofoam boxes for the fish, canisters for the water, and packing material for the aquarium, filter, and plants.
Bottle water
To help the fish settle in, it is a good idea to fill a container with water from the aquarium and take it with you to your new home.
What you need to bear in mind when moving your aquarium
One of the most important aspects when moving an aquarium is the volume of the tank. There are small aquariums with a few small fish, and aquariums with a capacity of up to 1,000 liters. The former are relatively easy to transport. However, moving large aquariums is a challenge. They take up a lot of space during transport and are correspondingly heavy. There is also a risk of damage during transport. Aquariums are mostly made of glass, which makes them particularly susceptible to breakage and cracks. Therefore, they must be carefully protected for the move.
How to pack plants and fish correctly
First pack the plants and then the fish for transport. For the fish, you can use plastic bags, for example, which you can seal with rubber bands. For specimens with sharp fins, wrap the plastic bag in newspaper for safety and then pack it in a second bag. Important for oxygen supply: Do not put more than six small or two large animals in one bag. Also, make sure that the bags are filled with about one-third water and two-thirds air.
For longer journeys, the bags should be enriched with additional oxygen at a specialist store. You can put the plants separately in plastic bags with a little water. Now pack the still damp soil, the hoses, and the uncleaned filter in extra containers. Caution: The filter plug must not get wet.
Relocation of the fish
Once you have arrived at your new home, you should first set up the aquarium, fill it, and start it up again. You can temporarily place the fish in small buckets filled with water from the aquarium. Important: When moving fish, you should only put them back into the tank once the water quality and temperature are right. If necessary, you can add some fresh, but stale water.
In the first few weeks after moving your aquarium, it is also advisable to keep a close eye on the aquarium inhabitants. This will allow you to recognize early on if a fish is not doing well after the stressful transport.
Need to move with an aquarium?
Do you want to move your aquarium and fish, but still need a suitable moving company? Then let us calculate your individual price for your move in seconds. We will then contact you and do our best to accommodate all your wishes.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about moving an aquarium
How can I transport my aquarium safely?
To transport your aquarium safely, you should first transfer all fish to a suitable container filled with water. The aquarium itself must be completely emptied—including decorations, plants, and substrate. Wrap the glass securely in bubble wrap and avoid shocks during transport.
What do I need to consider when moving house with an aquarium?
In addition to transporting the aquarium safely, you should plan the moving day carefully. Make sure that the new home is well prepared so that the aquarium can be set up and installed in its new location immediately after transport. It is also important to have all the necessary equipment such as filters, heaters, and lighting ready.
How can I protect my fish during the move?
Pack the fish in a special aquarium transport container or in large waterproof containers. Make sure that the container is tightly sealed and that fresh water is added regularly to ensure oxygen supply. Avoid significant temperature fluctuations during transport.
How long can my aquarium stand without water without being damaged?
Aquariums should not be left without water for long periods of time. The glass container can be sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations. To avoid damage, we recommend emptying the aquarium only for a short time and refilling it with water immediately after moving.
What happens to the aquarium filter during the move?
The aquarium filter should be transported safely during the move and then immediately put back into operation in the new aquarium. If the filter is not used for a long period of time, it can become clogged or lose the bacterial cultures that are important for biological balance.
How long does it take to completely set up the aquarium again after moving?
Depending on the size of the aquarium and the animals being transported, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a day for the aquarium to be fully set up again in its new home. Once set up, you should ensure that the water is at the correct temperature and quality before putting the fish back in.
