I'm moving in about two weeks, about 3-4 miles down the road. I have 4 gouramis, in a 30 gallon tank, and I am wondering what is the best method in moving them with me.
Should I gather them and put them in a bag until the tank is settled in the new house, which will only take about max 30 minutes to get it loaded and unloaded.
Are there any other methods in moving my fish, so they won't be so stressed out?
Thanks for the help!
2007-01-22 11:22:13 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
I put my fish in a large bucket of water from the tank they are in and leave a few inches of water in the tank while I move it. Then I pour the fish in the tank when it is moved and gradually build up the water level.
2007-01-22 11:28:22 · answer #1 · answered by rip snort 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I had to move 6 salt water and 9 fresh water tanks ranging from 10 gallon up to 150 gallon.
Since you have a 30 moving the entire tank is impossiable. What I did and since you only have a few miles to go one of two things.
1st you can clear out the tank of all decorations add on filters etc. Gravel can stay. If you have guys strong enough, leave about 1/2 of the water and the fish in the tank and move it as is. (this will be about 140 pounds) Set it on carpet in the truck. I taped suran wrap (plastic) around the top to keep the splashing to a minimum and the water from leaving the tank.
If you are afraid the fish will not like the uproar of the water, you can remove them. I've placed them into a 5 gallon bucket, (Aquarium bucket used only for the aquarium) added my battery powered air line (or electric since you aren't moving that far) you can add the heater if need be. Decide where you are going to put your tank and get it going. The quicker you are the better your fish will be. I emptied almost 1/2 of the water from the bucket back into the tank add tank water back to the bucket to maintain temperature. Dump all back into the tank. There won't be a problem unless you have really exotic fish. In that case, go to the pet store and see if they will give you a few stress tabs. This allows the fish to relax while in transit. Bag your fish and float them as you normally would. Any way, if the aforementioned are done within an hour you will be fine, if it will be longer, you may want to bag, and use larger bags.
2007-01-22 11:33:33 · answer #2 · answered by danielle Z 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Get a big bucket with a lid. Fill half way with tank water. Put in gourami. Then don't worry about them. When you get the new house set up the tank. Put them in the tank with their water. Place the heater in the tank on it's side. (Be sure the heater is submerged.) Gradually refill the tank at about 10-20% per hour. Try to keep the new water the same temp as the old early on.
Gourami get their air from the surface of the water. So your biggest is them getting to cold, or subjecting them to rapid temp changes.
Also to avoid killing off the bacteria in your tank that eat ammonia. I'd keep the gravel, and filter media in tank water as well.
Of course there is a good doc on the subject online:
http://fins.actwin.com/mirror/begin-longterm.html#moving
2007-01-22 14:05:16 · answer #3 · answered by Sabersquirrel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I moved my Black Moor and Terrestrial Goldfish about 3 miles between apartments and I drained the tank almost all the way down so it would be easy to move then I filled a few tupperwear containers with water from the tank and seperated the fish i drove while my friend held the containers in my passenger seat! I got their tank set up asap and they did just fine... Wayne and Steven loved their new place! Good Luck.
2007-01-22 12:49:09 · answer #4 · answered by Ash 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would probably put them in a tupperware container (one that will hold about 3-5 gallons or so) with a lid. I'd save as much of the tank water as you can so that they aren't shocked with new water. I'd put a small airstone and heater in the tupperware while you're waiting for the tank water to adjust to the proper temp in the new place if it takes a bit longer than you estimate.
2007-01-22 11:31:13 · answer #5 · answered by Carson 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i always have put my goldfish in a 5 gallon bucket, with a lid, and i put small holes in the lid. They sell clean new ones at home stores like Lowe's they are like $3. wash it out real good and put your fish in with some of the water from the aquarium. cover the lid with a towel when driving which will help keep down any splashduring the short drive.
2007-01-22 12:42:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
For that short of a trip, putting them in a bag is fine. It is suggested, however, that you set up and cycle your tank in your new house so it is all ready to go when you get your fish there and can get them settled right in.
2007-01-22 11:32:25 · answer #7 · answered by Venice Girl 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Put them in the little bag.
2007-01-22 11:45:39 · answer #8 · answered by Guti 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋