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How to Pack & Move a Fish Tank Short Distance or Across the Country from Pasadena, CA

Moving a fish tank can be a bit tricky. It is a little more involved than unplugging everything and moving it to the next place. However, applying the steps that we at Laprom Movers Moving & Storage have prepared below, you can move your fish tank simpler and successfully. These steps are broken down to 3 stages: before, during, and after the move.

Before Moving a Fish Tank

Collect moving supplies: Make certain you have all the supplies you’ll need before getting to work. You won’t have to worry about scrambling to find things when you’re in the middle of a move if you are organized beforehand. Gather the following items:
– Siphon hose
– Plastic baggies
– Packing paper
– Moving boxes
– 5-gallon buckets (make sure these are new or very well cleaned)
– Insulating foam sheets
– Duct tape
– Bubble wrap
– Fishnet

Ready the fish to move: To ensure the fish has all their waste passed before you move them, it is ideal to stop feeding your fish 24-48 hours before moving day. Fish should be fine as they can survive up to a week without food. You can put the smaller fish into plastic baggies along with water from the tank when the move is under an hour away. Use a sturdy case or a cooler to keep the safe for traveling. Larger fish will need to be transported in large buckets. The buckets need to be cleaned well and make sure to not use any that are stored any harsh chemicals. Use the water from the tank to fill the buckets, then add the 3-4 fish per bucket. To prevent spills, tape the lid closed.
Clean the tank before moving: Unplug everything and gently remove all the plants and accessories from the tank. With water from the tank, pack any plants in buckets. Clean and dry the decor and accessories and carefully pack them with bubble wrap and paper. Remove and pack up all the equipment, including the light, pump, and heater with care. The filter should be packed in a sealed, damp container.
Water draining: For the health of your fish, if possible, preserving the water from the tank is best, as long as it is clean. Use the remainder of your 5-gallon buckets to siphon the water from the tank and store it with lid taped down.
Packing the aquarium: Use bubble wrap to separately secure the removed lid. If you can find one large enough it is better to pack the tank in a box. Use insulating foam to fill in any gaps around the tank to prevent it from shifting around once the tank is in the box.

During the Move; Transporting a Fish Tank

Transporting the fish tank: To keep them extra safe, it is better to move the tank and fish in your own vehicle. If that is not an option, be sure that the person who is, or moving professionals know it is fragile.

After Moving a Fish Tank

Fish tank setup: Once you get to the new house, setup your fish tank immediately. Fill the tank with the saved water and set up the filtration system. Ensure the temperature, PH balance, chlorine level, and ammonia level are back to normal before you put the fish in the tank. Carefully add your fish in the tank and minimize the stress. If the smaller fish are in bags, place the bagged fish in the tank first to get use to the water again before releasing them.

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Call Laprom Movers for efficient moving services and let our certified experts assist you on your move.