One of the most frequent problems spelling trouble for homeowners when they need to move is that they have a tropical fish tank full of fragile fish. It may seem strange, but it is true, as an owner of tropical fish that amaze and intrigue your family, friends and visitors, you know that this special environment that you have created did not come easy. You had to work, learn and apply the techniques that were advised to make sure that the environment you have created remained balanced and secure for your tropical fish. It was not easy and you would have probably made some mistakes that could have been costly.
Now you have no option, you have to move, either to take up a new exciting job, or simply to find a bigger home to house your growing family. Either way, disruption is inevitable and the fish plus their aquarium will need to be securely and safely moved, how are you going to do this? If you are not sure read on and take note of the advice of tropical fish experts. You may be surprised to find that if you follow the logical steps, it is not too tricky – you just need to be methodical.
Temporary storage
Take time to make sure that you have a place to store your fish for their temporary removal. Essentially you can use containers, bags or the best choice, which is a range of suitable polystyrene boxes that you can normally collect from your local fish store. Do go there first for all of your temporary fish storage needs, as certain containers can contain chemicals that will kill your fish or make them sick really easily.
If you talk to the fish shop owner and explain that you are moving, you could be surprised at their generosity, as they will offer to offer lodgings for your fish in your containers while you complete your move. Maybe they will offer temporary housing in a tank or sump in their system for a short period of time, while you are busy making your move and getting all your belongings and furniture including your fish tank into its new location. Just ask if they would help, you have nothing to lose, they might even say “yes”!
The fish tank also needs to be removed carefully
Have your containers ready to remove your fish carefully as you prepare for the move. Carefully catch them in your hand net and transfer them as quickly into the travel containers to avoid any unnecessary stress. These containers should have been filled with water from your aquarium so that it is exactly the same temperature and most importantly the right chemical balance as your tank.
Now remove the tank décor, rocks, plants, backing plates, effectively everything, so you are only left with the tank and the gravel base. Take great care to look out for small fish, for example Plecos who love to hang on to wooden accessories, help them off drop them into your fish transport containers so that they can travel safely too.
Disconnecting the setups
Before you remove the water from your tank make sure that you disconnect everything, filters, pumps and most importantly the water heater. If you drain the water from your tank the water heater will overheat and could actually explode, destroying itself and even possibly crack the wall of your tank, from every angle an expensive mistake to make! Either way you will be faced with the unpleasant task of removing broken glass from your gravel base of your tank, so don’t risk it.
Draining the water
How do you plan to take the water out of your tank? Do you plan to use a cup, a ladle or watering can? Well you should avoid all of these as they take a great deal of time, will cause you to leak water everywhere and worse stir up the silt in the tank, that you could have used again so long as it is clean. Syphoning is the right answer as it is fast and efficient and can allow you to clean the substrate. As mentioned, the more aquarium water that you can save could really help you prepare your new location with tank water that will not destroy your carefully balanced eco system.
Maintaining the temperature
A very simple, but great rule of thumb is that if your fish are going to be in a temporary home for more than 2 hours you should pop a water heater into their container to keep them comfortable. This is most important if you are moving in winter. Also insert an air stone to make sure the water is oxygenated.
Getting used to the new home
Make sure that all setups are installed in the aquarium; heaters, décor, water and cleaned substrate. Now complete your check list just as you would if you were adding new fish to your tank. Acclimatize them, this is most important. Now it is time to welcome the fish to their new home. As you let them free to swim into the tank, keep the light low. If it is daytime, cover the tank for a minimum of 6 hours so they don’t get stressed and become possibly sick. So, there you go, successful moving for your fish!
If what is mentioned here sounds really stressful for you, leave it to experienced residential movers in Toronto to help you. Those reputable companies that have helped many houses move have surely encountered moving tropical fish tanks before, so you can rely on their expertise to enjoy a successful moving experience!