Whether you recently purchased your fish and want to bring them home, move them to a new tank, or move them with you, it’s important to ensure your fish are moved properly. Fish are more difficult to move than other types of pets because their water needs to be kept at the right temperature and with the right properties.
Whether transporting fish short or long distances, we’ve included some important considerations in our list of tips and tricks.
1. Use a plastic bag
A commonly used method is to transport fish in plastic pouches. Large, clear plastic bags are available at your neighborhood fish market. Of course, the plastic bag should not have any holes that could leak water.
Plastic shopping bags should be avoided because they hold solids, not water. If one of the plastic bags breaks during transit, you can stack two inside each other for extra reinforcement. Once your fish is inside, secure the top of the bag with an elastic band.
2. Use aquarium water
Leave an air layer above the waterline and fill the carrier bag or container at 80% to 90% with your fish. To prevent stress for your fish, the water in their aquarium has the same parameters they are used to and contains traces of beneficial microorganisms.
Avoid adding fresh tap water that has not been dechlorinated to a shipping bag or container, as chlorine and other heavy elements in tap water can kill fish. For long journeys, you can add ammonia-neutralizing liquid to this water, which will protect your fish for long journeys.
3. Use a portable air oxygen pump
Fish need oxygen if you are traveling for long periods. To stimulate the surface of your fish for oxygenation, you can use a portable air pump connected to an air tube and an airstone inside a bag or container. The air in the plastic bag will eventually disappear, so it’s only necessary if your fish travels for more than a few hours.
4. Place the plastic bags in the container
Try to put plastic bags of fish in the container so that the bags do not roll if transported in a moving vehicle. If the bag constantly moves and falls, it can add extra stress to your fish. A container is also useful if the bags leak, as you can put the fish in an emergency.
5. Change the water in the aquarium
Several days before the fish’s planned long-distance transfer, you should make small water changes in the tank. This ensures that the water you put in your container or plastic bag is fresh. It is necessary to ensure that the water used has ammonia and nitrite levels of 0 ppm (parts per million), as the water in the bag will not stay fresh for long. Before using the water, you can do a water test to determine the aquarium’s ammonia, nitrite, and nitrite levels.
This is important because fish can die from unstable water content.
6. Avoid feeding the fish during transport
Feeding the fish during transport is unnecessary, as they can last several days without food. Most fish are too upset to eat. The food quickly makes the water displeasing and toxic to the fish. If your fish leaves food, the composition of the water will change as it sinks to the bottom and begins to decay. Once your fish have reached their destination and returned to the main aquarium, you can feed them.
How long do Fish live in a bag?
Most fish can last up to 48 hours in a plastic bag, which is usually more than enough to transport the fish. Suppose the plastic bag has enough water, enough space to hold oxygen inside, and some chemicals to prevent ammonia formation. In that case, the fish will have a better chance of surviving during transport. Transporting tropical fish can be more difficult, depending on where you live. You must ensure the water is slowly warmed to the correct temperature.
What about after moving?
After the move, stopping feeding the fish for a day or two is advisable. This allows enough time for the bacterial colony in your tank to adapt to the gradual change. You can use the cycling equipment in the aquarium for about a week to ensure your fish are safe in the water.
It is important to check the water source in your new location – if it is very different from the water in your previous location, you will need to acclimate the fish to the new water slowly. If the fish are moved in the dark, they should not be exposed to bright light immediately but should be left in a subdued state for about 2-3 days after returning to the tank. This period is usually stressful for living plants, so it’s best to temporarily relocate your fish while they adjust to their new environment.
Safety measures for aquariums
Remember that moving large aquariums should be done carefully, especially if they are glass-made. The glass can break easily if uneven pressure is applied to the walls. Furthermore, an aquarium filled with water is incredibly heavy. Only a minimal amount of water should remain on the substrate after excess water is removed from the reservoir. The filter material must be submerged during transport so it does not dry out. It is recommended that the aquarium be moved with the help of a professional. A moving aquarium must simultaneously be in contact with the ground at all corners. An aquarium placed unevenly on the ground may break.
