moving 3 tanks and fish 400 miles

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I don't envy you. We just recently moved about 200 miles and I went back and forth on what to do with my larger tank which was only 65 gallons. I ultimately decided to rehome all of the fish in the 65. Most of the ones I cared about (bichirs) went to MFK members, so I can still see how they're doing, which is fantastic.

I decided to move my 20 long with my Schoutedeni Puffer. I wrote all of the steps out, moved them in a styrofoam cooler with an air pump and the filter media, and everyone was fine HOWEVER it was really stressful. I was really thankful to not have moved my other tank. That being said, my other tank didn't have anything in it that would be difficult to replace.

Anyway, my point is... do what seems right and best to you. Moving is stressful no matter what. It might be a middle ground to rehome some of the fish that will be easier to replace in the future to drop the stress level. That way you can really focus on the ones that mean the most to you.

Also, there have been stories on here of people losing many fish in a move. It's something to consider. I know it can be done though, as many here have done it successfully. So there's my flip floppy answer. ;)
Thanks maggie..im looking at 3 big tanks...i just dont know if worth the stress..maybe offer fish up on mfk and bring empty secured tanks with accessories
 
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dont give your fish away! People ship fish in the mail in tiny boxes and bags for several days all the time. I have moved my whole house with a couple tanks a couple times 5 hour drive both times. Best thing to do is pack everything and put tank in very last so you can get it out first thing. put fish in five gallon bucket or ice chest full of tank water and add some prime or amonia killer to water. travel with fish in climate control cab of vehicle secure so it cant move or spill. Make sure container is dark so fish dont spook alot. try and Keep as much cycled tank water as you can to put back in tank when you set it up, if you cant it should be fine. make sure you fill tank with apropriate temp water and reaclimate fish as if you just bought new one from store and they will be just fine.;)
Sounds easy after reading u thoughts..but im confused..have heard pro /con on both sides..u being pro..thankfully after all post will create list of positive and negative and make best decision..im planning renting large u haul for 3 big tanks ..bed..and house stuff
 
In the past a lot of people I have talked to, bag fish and place them in coolers along with heat packs to keep water temps warm for transport. Other people have put their fish into a 5 gallon bucket with a lid and placed an aerator in the top to keep oxygen to them while transporting. The down side to buckets is that they slosh around quite a bit. Are you moving the fish? My personal opinion would be to use the cooler and double bag them. As for tanks all you would really need to do would be to make sure the tank is secure and use shipping blanket to ensure that they do not get scratched and or bumped. That is how I got my 125 home. We Filled up food grade 55 gallon drums with established aquarium water and used that to fill our tanks at least half way when we got to our new location. The drums were placed on casters to move them We put our filter media in a 5 gallon bucket with an aerator to in hopes keep it active. we have a 60 gallon, a 55 gallon and a 125 gallon. worked well for us, good luck!!!
Thanks ..got months to plan and make best decision
 
I agree about the large rubbermaid tub, the first time I moved, I had a 15" male and 10" female haitiensus pair, and during the move I gave them to a friend for a few months during the process. We put a 100 gal rubbermaid in the back of his SUV, and after filling it with about a foot of tank water, put the pair in for the 90 mile trip to Chicago. They were in great shape, when my move was complete, and I was ready to pick them up
I have a male gold jack..female blue gene..that are spawning..hate to lose them
 
Sounds easy after reading u thoughts..but im confused..have heard pro /con on both sides..u being pro..thankfully after all post will create list of positive and negative and make best decision..im planning renting large u haul for 3 big tanks ..bed..and house stuff
LOL. It's not easy at all. It's alot if work. I just found this to be the simplest most easy way. They sale 1 gallon freezer bags at waly world or grocery store
 
Last option I can think of is breather bags. In theory, oxygen would no longer be an issue, only temperature and ammonia. Some people don't like them because they can break or be punctured but since you're driving you can have secondary containment and monitor for breakage. Can't really do that if you ship them.
 
Last option I can think of is breather bags. In theory, oxygen would no longer be an issue, only temperature and ammonia. Some people don't like them because they can break or be punctured but since you're driving you can have secondary containment and monitor for breakage. Can't really do that if you ship them.
Wow ill look into it
 
Update on the move..guys qnd gals..bad news..me and girlfriend broke up..muat move out in one week..just sold 120 gallon for 700..with fx6 and 2 aquaclear 100..decoration rocks.heaters..everything..still waiting to sell 150 gallon and 125 gallon..good news..had a 2 day fish sale posted on offer-up..sold 90 percent of my cichlids..couple left...broke my heart..love the hobby... Giving tanks and fish away at 30 percent worth..destroyed me..tough day..hope know ever had or does have to make the choices i just had to make..must be out of apartment 5 days..had to give up my hobby and stress relief and fun..does anyone hqve similar story...
 
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