What is the best way to transport my tropical fish?

Question

I am moving and need to transport my fish can anyone tell me the best way to do this. The journey will be approx an hour

Answer 1

One hour is nothing to worry about. Using plastic bags is OK, but is not necessary. Many people make moving fish a lot harder than it has to be.

If it is a small tank (up to 20 gallons), lower the water level to about 2 inches and just leave them in the tank. That way they are still in an environment they know. Netting and bagging is quite stressful.

If it is a large tank, buy a brand new bucket (no soaps or detergents have been in it) and fill it just enough to cover the fish with tank water. They will be fine. The open bucket allows O2 to transfer into the water as it moves.

When I take fish to fish auctions, they remain in bags for up to 8 hours. I usually put a small tablet into each bag called a "Bag Buddy," it calms the fish and adds O2 to the water in addition to turning the water a very pretty shade of blue.

If you do use bags, just put enough water in the bag to cover the fish if the bag is laying on it's side. That way there is a lot of air in the bag to transfer O2 into the water. Remember water is not the most important thing in a bag of fish, water and air, air is. The fish must only remain under water for the journey.

Answer 2

Individually bag the fish in fish bags, with an appropriate amount of methylene blue (an oxygen source). The dosage will be on the container. If very small fish, they can double up. Store them in one of those plastic picnic cool boxes, as this will maintain the water temperature. Transport as much of the water from their tank as possible in another container (you don't say how big your tank is). When you get to the new place, set up the tank again immediately, and add any extra water you need to. Float the fish bags in the tank, with the lights off. After 20 mins, as long as the temperature has not dropped too much, the fish should have acclimatised. Gently release the fish, but try not to put too much of the blue water into the tank. Leave the lights off for an hour, and give them some food when you turn them back on. They should be fine.

Answer 3

Dear Boney,
The best way to transport your fish is to go to the local pet store see if you can buy or they will give you some fish bags (let them know what kind of fish and size so they can give you the proper sized bag) Don't do more then half fill the bag with aquarium water then place the fish in the bag ( depending their again on the type of fish, and size, and size of the bag on how many you would place in each bag) then tie it up trying to get as much air as possible ( don't blow in the bag this will put in co2 ) then place them in a Styrofoam box or a cooler ( this will help maintain temp) and then you are set to go.( catfish, algae eating fish, loaches, botias, you should double bag. This means put the fish in the bag tie it, Put the rounded portion of the bag into the other bag and leave it like that . No corners less of a chance the above fish can put a hole in it.) Empty 99% of the water out of the aquarium. But make sure their is enough water to keep the gravel moist (don't want to lose all of that good bacteria) and when you get to your new home set-up the aquarium and acclimate your fish like you would when you bring them home from the pet store.

Answer 4

Ask your local retailer for a poly box (they usualy give them away) and some fish bags if its tropical fish you may need some heat packs if they are going to be travelling for over an hour or two. At the last possible time fill bags one third with tank water a few fish per bag, then get as much air in the bag as possible and tie. place straight in poly box and keep the lid on . If there is space left in the box pack it out to stop fish moving about. If you can transfer some of the water to the new tank as well it will be less stress for the fish. Dont forget to float the fish in the bags for 20 minutes in the new tank to equall the temprature. Good luck.

Answer 5

Coming from an aquarium industry background, firstly, you'd need to know how far you are travelling. Fish can be kept in a bag of their aquarium water for a maximum of 1 hour to 2 hours depending on the weather. If it is a hot day never keep them in direct sunlight or sitting in a car, always prevent the bag from being shaken and try to make it as less stressful for the fish as possible, humans don't like being all shook up and neither do fish!

If you are going to be keeping tropical out of a heated tank for longer that 1-2 hours always keep them wrapped in a towel to keep most of the heat in and see if you aquarium store will fill the bags up with bottled oxygen. They shouldn't normally charge for this seeing as air is mostly free!

Goldfish are a lot hardier as they are pretty basic fish, but again longer that 1-2 hours, see your aquarium store for some oxygen!!

Have fun and safe travelling!!

Answer 6

Get one of those solid plastic picnic cooler boxes with a tight-fitting lid. Wash it out with hot salted water, then rinse with very hot water to remove the salt. Let it cool until its completely cold.

About an hour before you're due to leave, fill with as much aquarium water as you can, until the level is some three inches from the top. Add the fish and the tank heater, which is still working. When you're ready to leave, pull out the heater and tape down the lid.

When you get where you're going, decant the majority of the water into the tank, add the heater/filter/aerater, put in the tank furniture and add the fish. Leave the tank lights turned off for the first 12 hours or so, to reduce stress and let everybody settle down. Good luck!

Answer 7

We did this recently - go to a local fish shop and see if they have any strong clear bags.
Just fill them half way with the water from the tank make sure you get a lot of air in the bag too, tie the top securely and pack them all into a sturdy box togather so the bags don't fall over.
Depending on the size of the fish you can put a few in each bag.

Hope that helps!

Answer 8

the best way is to remove 50% of the water from the tank and move them in the tank. If not still you NEED the old water. Try your best not to disturb their enviornment. Now If it is a big tank and you cannot use this method it is best to use a container that wont slide or tip over. Leave some space at the top for hitting the brakes...sudden turns and so the fish don't just hop out. I would rinse out the containers quite a bit before I used them too

Answer 9

If you're walking use a bag similar to those used by aquariums, with water from your tank. Wrap a towel around it and put it in a carrier bag.

If you're driving, empty the tank to about quarter full and put it on the floor behind the seat in the back of the vehicle, Wrap a blanket or quilt around it to retain temperature. If it doesn't fit on the floor wedge it on the rear seat.

I'm sure you know about a liquid you can get to put in the tank to calm the fish. It should be available in your local tropical fish shop.

Answer 10

Most aquarium stores will only be too pleased to provide you with a polystyrene transportation box - The type they receive their fish deliveries in.
Either free, or a small donation in their charity tin!
They will be able to tell you how much water/air to leave in the box. You then tape it up securely.
Good luck