What's the best way to move my fishtanks- 20 gal. & 5 gal. all goldfish- to my new house?

Question

just moving to the next town- about 12 miles- thanks for the great answers so far- much appreciated!

Answer 1

I do this at my fish store, I just moved a 120 gallon to a new house for a client. First of all put the existing water into buckets at least 70% of it. Put all fish into bags, they will survive don't worry. When we do this it is usually with salt water fish and corals. When you got the tank set-up at the new house place everything back in except your fish will have to sit in the bags on top of the water until they reach the same degree of the water. We usually add ammo lock(conditioner) to regulate the water back into a good condition for the fish. After 20-25 minutes you would add the fish back in. Remember to set the rock accordingly so the fish will have somewhere to hide and reestablish their territory. It really is not that difficult, if you have a filtering system prepare that first, if you have a heater than prepare that as well. Then your set to go....good luck.....kat....p.s. fish need the previous water for the bacteria at least 25% of it, the more you can keep the better it is.......never throw away the water......

Answer 2

Depends on how long a drive it is. If it's a short drive just take the fish and put them into a bucket. If it's a longer drive, then buy a battery operated aerator to keep the fish alive. Take the fish out, drain the aquariums, and take off for the new home. Set up the aquariums and transfer the fish. I did this from Alabama to North Carolina and only lost one fish out of about 20. If it's a really long trip, you might want to make some ice from treated water so you can keep the water cool since goldfish are cold water fish.

Answer 3

You want to drain most, but not all the water. Since your tanks are small, I'd leave the gravel in them with enough water to keep the gravel covered by about 1". This will keep your bacteria from drying out, so you don't have a major project of cycling the tank once you move in. Also keep the filter media in a bag with some tank water. You might get a little fluctuation with ammonia and nitrite, but this will keep changes to a minimum.

Fish can be moved in bags, but I keep them in an old picnic cooler to move them - this keeps the temperature more constant, and the cooler lid lets you stack stuff on top.

Answer 4

You didn't say how far your move is, but if it's not too far you could put some tank water and the fish in big zip-loc bags (or even other heavy plastic bags) and lay them flat on their side (this gives the fish more surface oxygen and is how fish breeders send fish in the mail) inside the empty tanks. Good luck in your new home!

Answer 5

put them in 5 gallon buckets with airaters and when you get to the new house set the tanks up right away. Goldfish will be alright to move like this, I have did it before and also had to move my oscars and several guppies and cichlids.