How to pack and move a fish tank locally

You are probably reading this with some preconceived notions in your mind about how to pack and move a fish tank. We are guessing that you think this is a complicated task on which you will lose a lot of unnecessary time. We are here to tell you that, that can be true. If you do not plan and if you do not know what’s the next step is, and you just keep on cleaning the aquarium on a whim, that is exactly what you will experience. Let’s be clear tho. This is what most people experience. However, it doesn’t need to be like that. There is a clear-cut process of cleaning your fish tank and moving it, which doesn’t cause headaches. Simply follow the steps mentioned in this article, and see for yourself.

Pack and move a fish tank by preparing.

Before we start delving in deep waters… Let us make a recommendation. If you want to skip the entire process of packing and moving aquariums and you live in NYC, we recommend that you hire Bay Ridge movers. This way you won’t have to worry about the packing, and you can spend quality time with your family.

However, if you do decide that you want a more do-it-yourself-type-of-move the first and most important thing you need to do is to set up the correct foundation for your move before you actually start the relocation. This is done by planning and preparing. Now, there isn’t much to plan and/or prepare for when moving an aquarium, however, there are some things you need to make sure you have. Most of these items are fish tank specific, however, you will find familiar items such as moving boxes on there too.

Get the proper equipment for the job

Without going into much detail on why you need this particular set of items, make sure you have all of these items from the list:

• large container (i.e. bucket)
• fishnet;
• siphon hose;
• cleaning supplies;
• bubble wrap;
• plastic fish bag(s)

Prepare the fish tank for the move

Apart from those items, you are also going to need to prepare the fish, or rather the fish tank, for the move. This is done by firstly making sure you do not feed the fishes for at least 24 hours before moving. This is quite important, and people forget this. However, the rationale of this is so you can have the cleanest water available for your fishes when you start moving. Most people don’t do this and end up moving their fishes in dirty water, which is not ideal for the fish’s health. While on the topic of water, some experts recommend that you change 20% of the water in the tank every day for five days before moving. This way you are making sure the water will be clean during the move.

Pack and move a fish tank

When you decide to pack liquids for moving there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind. The most important thing is to try to keep your fish in the tank for as long as possible. Only when it’s time for the actual move, you are going to unplug the power for the thermometer and the water filter. Unplug the cords from the lights, and start packing.

Packing up

Every accessory that goes with the tank goes into the large container that you prepared beforehand. Make sure you clean those items with your cleaning supplies and pack them in bubble wrap. So as to avoid damage. Take the siphon hose, remove enough water from the tank to fill the plastic fish bag and then use the fishnet to transport your fishes to their new temporary home. After the fishes have been successfully relocated, it’s time to empty out the entire tank. Take the siphon hose again, and remove all of the water from the tank. Grab the cleaning supplies and make sure you clean the tank inside and out. Then get ready to pack the fish tank. Every individual part that you can remove, make sure you remove it.  The rest you should pack in the moving boxes you brought beforehand.

Moving the fish tank

Lastly, all you have to do now is move the fish tank. Now, there are two options. Option number one is to find the best moving quotes Brooklyn and hire movers. The second option is to move the fish tank yourself. Both options are valid and have their pros and cons. Whatever you choose make sure you keep extra care of your fishes while transporting them. Or if the mover is transporting them make sure to tell them that. Also, don’t forget to label the box in which the fish tank is being transported as fragile. This way you and others who are helping you transport the tank know that they should handle that box with care.

Set up the tank

After you have arrived at your new destination, all that is left to do is roll out the red carpet for the fishes. So-to-speak that is. Take out your aquarium from the box, rinse it, and start adding other accessories such as plants, water filters, and thermometers. After everything is set up, start adding water. We recommend that you wait at least a couple of hours before the water gets filtrated properly so as to add fishes in it. After that is complete, add the fishes and voila!

In summary, the best way to pack and move a fish tank is…

Really not that hard. All you have to do is have a plan. That’s where most people fail. Just make sure to prepare all the right equipment. Take the necessary steps to pack everything up, and then have the patience to move everything by yourself. However, that’s only option A.

What we recommend is option B. That is,  you should hire professional movers and let them do all the heavy lifting! That way you can spend quality time with your family, and enjoy other things and life and not worry about moving.