How to Move a Tank

[silent1mezzo]

If this is in the wrong forum please move to the appropriate one.

I just bought a tank off Craigslist and I'm going on Wednesday with my van to pick it up. It's roughly a 50 gallon bowfront with a Fluval FX5 and 7-8 various fish.

What's the best way to transport the tank and fish to my home. It's roughly an hours drive. What's the best way to keep as much of the old tank water?

I've never moved a tank or this many fish before eso I'm a little curious as to the best way to do it.

Thanks

 

[tankboi]

If you plan on taking fish and the tank you will have to get a bucket or cooler for the fish. The tank must be empty and you will want to use blankets all around and maybe styrofoam on the bottom if you got any. The styrofoam will keep the tank from sliding as much. I prefer to use styrofoam on the sides as well. Drive carefully!

 

[Pepito]

Keep the fish in coolers/tubs. If the fish are small you'd probably be able to get away with just one cooler, but if you want to save more tank water more coolers won't hurt. Also keep the filter media in a tub in tank water, if you keep the filter media wet you're saving a good majority of the beneficial bacteria.

The tank should be empty of all water when you move it. Wrapping it with blankets during transports is probably a good idea. Also watch out for decorations that could potentially rearrange themselves or fall over and break the tank... keep those separate from the tank as well.

 

[silent1mezzo]

Thanks guys, I'd never thought about a tub.

I saw a 45g rubbermaid tub that has a lid. Is there anything I should do to clean out this tub or will it be fine as is?

 

[Valous]

just rinse out the tub.