Moving an Aquarium: How to Pack and Move a Fish Tank

Spark Solutions • March 27, 2024

Moving an aquarium is not just about transporting a glass container; it's about ensuring the safety and health of the aquatic life within it. The process requires careful planning to minimize stress on the fish and maintain the delicate balance of their ecosystem. In this guide, we'll outline the steps needed to pack and move a fish tank, ensuring a smooth transition for your finned friends to their new home.


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Essential equipment for moving a fish tank

  • Fish Tank Net: Nets are needed for safely catching and transferring fish to and from containers.
  • Fish Containers or Bags: You'll need something to safely transport your fish during the move, containers or bags with proper aeration are crucial.
  • Clean Plastic Tubs or Buckets with Lids: Buckets are needed to hold both the old and new water; ensuring water quality is vital for the health of your fish.
  • Siphon or Gravel Hose: A siphon pump for water is necessary to remove the water and to clean the gravel before moving the tank.
  • Battery-operated Air Pump: Maintaining water oxygen levels in the fish containers/bags during the move is essential, especially for longer distances.
  • Protective Wrapping Material: Bubble wrap or similar material is useful for wrapping the tank to avoid scratches or cracks while it's being moved.
  • Saltwater Aquarium Kit: This will be vital at the end of your move if you have a Saltwater tank currently. You will want to use the kit to restabilize your water before you re-introduce your fish.


If you’re looking for an aquarium moving company to help with Local Moving Services, you can stop the search. Stewart Moving and Storage can assist with the careful moving of your delicate items.


Read more: Best Packing Tips & Golden Rules For Moving & Storage

Step-by-step Guide to Moving an Aquarium

  1. Prepare Your Supplies: Before you start moving the aquarium, gather all necessary supplies listed above.
  2. Stop Feeding the Fish: 24 to 48 hours before the move, stop feeding your fish to reduce waste and keep the water cleaner during transit.
  3. Disconnect Electrical Components: Unplug heaters, filters, lights, and other electrical components to prevent any electrical hazards and allow them to cool down before handling.
  4. Remove Fish Aquarium Accessories and Decor: Take all items out of the aquarium, and place them in buckets with aquarium water to maintain their condition.
  5. Siphon Water Into Buckets: Use a siphon hose to transfer enough aquarium water into buckets to transport fish and possibly some to help reestablish the tank at the new location.
  6. Transfer Fish to Buckets: Gently catch your fish with a fishnet and place them in the prepared buckets with plenty of space and aquarium water. If going a long distance, an oxygen tank for fish transport should be considered.Plan to transport the fish in your personal vehicle as they cannot be transported on a moving truck.
  7. Remove Remaining Water and Substrate: After the fish have been safely moved, continue to remove the rest of the water and carefully scoop out gravel or substrate to avoid damaging the tank.
  8. Protect the Empty Aquarium for Transport: Wrap the empty aquarium with blankets or use bubble wrap to protect it from scratches and cracks during the move. Mirror cartons are a great layer of protection for smaller tanks. Custom crating can be ideal for larger tanks and longer distanced relocations.
  9. Set Up Your New Aquarium: To set up, start with the substrate, then slowly add accessories, fill with the transported water, and re-install the equipment. Slowly introduce your fish back into the tank by floating the buckets in the aquarium to equalize the temperature, then gradually mix in tank water to the buckets before releasing the fish.


Read more: How To Pack Plates For Moving, Best Tips To Keep Dishes Safe

Experts Can Assist With Moving Your Tank

Children carrying in moving boxes, man carrying rug, moving into house

If you're planning a move with your fish tank, seeking the assistance of professionals can make all the difference for a smooth transition. Professional movers are skilled in aquarium relocation and have the equipment to handle the delicate process. Whether you are needing your tank moved a short distance, and you’re in the market for an aquarium moving company with Long Distance Movers, Stewart Moving & Storage is here to help. We have the equipment necessary to safely transport your fish tank. Call us at 888-566-9737 to receive a quote and discuss how we can help with your next move.


Read more information about our services:

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do you move a fish tank a short distance?

    In the article above, we discuss the steps to take for Moving a Fish Tank any distance. Throughout this process, it's important that the fish are kept in a stable environment, avoiding extreme temperature changes and minimizing movement. If you’re looking to enlist Short Distance Movers, give Stewart Moving & Storage a call. 

  • Can you move a fish tank with water in it?

    It is generally recommended to partially or completely empty a tank of water before relocating it. While small tanks can be moved with some water in them (up to a third of the volume), larger tanks, like a 100 gallon aquarium tank, should always be drained to prevent the strain on the glass and seams.

  • Can you move a fish tank half full?

    It is not a recommended practice. This approach can pose serious risks to the structural integrity of your aquarium, as well as to the safety of your fish. When filled, aquariums are designed to distribute the weight of the water evenly across the base. If moved when half full, the shifting water can exert uneven pressure on the glass or acrylic, increasing the risk of cracks or breaks. sloshing water can also stress and potentially harm your fish.

  • How do you transport a fish tank with fish?

    You should safely move your fish into temporary containers with water from their original tank and ensure the temporary containers are secure and will not spill during transport. If the journey is lengthy, consider using battery-operated air pumps to provide oxygen.

  • How do you move a heavy fish tank?

    Enlist the help of friends or hire an aquarium moving company, like Stewart Moving & Storage, with experience in handling heavy and fragile items, and use sturdy moving equipment, such as dollies or lifting straps, to ensure a smooth and secure transport. 

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