An aquarium doesn't just provide a safe home for your fish; it also offers a number of health benefits for your household, including reduced stress, improved sleep, and lower blood pressure. If you're moving to a new home, it's important to properly prepare your aquarium to ensure its safe transport and arrival. Here is a brief overview of what needs to be done before the movers arrive.

Transferring the Fish

First and foremost, you need to have a temporary place to keep your fish. For smaller fish and for destinations that are within about an hour's drive, you can keep the fish in a plastic baggie. Fill a third of the baggie with water from the tank, drop the fish in, and securely close the top with a twist tie, leaving about two thirds of space for air. For larger fish and for destinations more than an hour away, a bucket is a better idea, as it offers more room and comfort. Make sure the buckets are clean and weren't used to store chemicals or anything else that could be harmful to fish. Then, fill buckets with tank water, and add three or four fish per bucket.

Packing

Having the right packing supplies will protect your tank and make the moving process easier on both you and your fish. In addition to a quality fish net and clean baggies or buckets, you'll need a siphon hose to move and drain tank water; plastic cushioning and packing paper to wrap around the tank and safeguard the glass, frame, pump, and other components; and large, sturdy moving boxes to securely contain the tank and its parts. Be sure the tank is packed and ready to go once the movers arrive; this way, you can get your fish to their new home—and back to the tank—as soon as possible.

Draining and Setup

Draining and setup are the two most time-consuming aspects of moving an aquarium. You want to make certain the tank is fully empty, cleaned, and dried before the movers show up, as this will ensure the aquarium is ready to go once it arrives at the destination. 

Setup should start as soon as you get to the new home and according to the aquarium manufacturer's directions. For a typical freshwater tank, this usually involves setting up the tank; pouring in the substrate; adding the heater, filter, plants, room-temperature water, and dechlorinator; and waiting a half hour to allow the heater to adjust to the water temperature. Then, turn the aquarium on and let it run for 24 to 48 hours so it can create the right bacterial environment. Finally, add the fish. You can avoid these steps by transporting your old tank water in buckets to the destination.

Big John Movers will safely get your aquarium to its new home. Since 1969, their movers have been serving the Cincinnati, OH, area. Whether you're moving furniture for the office or a whole home of belongings, they have the skill, experience, and equipment to move your things with a minimum of stress. Call (513) 244-5646 to request a quote, or visit them online to explore their moving services.