How to Safely Transport a Fish
When moving, it is important to consider how to go about transporting fish. Fish need to be in water, are sensitive to temperature shifts, and are delicate. They can’t just be held in a person’s lap. This is why the right preparations need to be made. Taking care when transporting the fish ensures that it will survive this move.
Transport Fish to a Smaller Space
It is important to take the fish out of its large or bulky aquarium. A glass fish tank is fragile and can easily break during a move, especially if loaded with heavy water. Drain the tank and place the fish in a small carrying container. The fish should be in a clean space with some of the water from the original tank. This ensures the aerobic bacteria, rich with oxygen and the life cycle of the space, will keep the fish alive long enough for the move. Transporting live fish means being incredibly careful: bumping the bag or container into a car door or moving the item around too much could end up killing the pet.
Think About the Time
The fish needs to be transported in an efficient manner. The quicker the fish is back in its tank, the safer it will be. If the original space can’t be set up, have a temporary one that is larger than the transport space. Fish need to move around and swim.
Take Care of the Tank
It is important to drain, dry, and carefully pack all of the aquarium’s pieces: everything from the glass itself to the pumps and filters. Use bubble wrap for the tank, too, so that no cracks and chips happen. The tank and its pieces should not be placed in a moving van or large space. A car trunk or a person’s lap are better options so that the glass is not jostled around.
Once at the location, it is time to remove the fish and place it back into its environment. Add gravel, healthy forms of bacteria, and then fill the tank with some of the old water, too. It is important to use room temperature water and to also turn on any and all water filters. Check on the fish from time to time to see how it is adjusting to the move and to being placed back into the tank. If the fish isn’t moving or lays on its side, there may be a problem. After a week, if the fish is swimming and alive, the move was successful.
