Moving an aquarium to a new location is not an easy task, especially if it contains fish and other aquatic inhabitants. It is important to consider not only the safety of the glass tank itself but also the health of its living inhabitants. Even minor errors during transportation can cause stress for the fish and lead to serious consequences. If the move involves long distances, especially between states, it would be a wise decision to contact interstate moving companies in Boston which have experience in transporting fragile and sensitive cargo.
Packing Supplies Needed to Safely Ship an Aquarium
Preparing and using the right tools to pack your aquarium is the first important step to successfully shipping it. This will eliminate the risk of damage. Here are some tools you may already have:
- Scoop net.
- Drain hose.
- Buckets of clean water.
- Fish bags (or similar plastic bags).
- Packing tape.
- Strainer or colander.
- Bubble wrap and padding.
- Tarpaulin or other floor protection.
It is best to prepare more materials as unforeseen circumstances may arise.
How to Organize The Transportation of an Aquarium?
Taking careful steps to prepare your fish and their home will give your finned pets the best chance of surviving the move and their first days in their new home. Start preparing about 48 hours before you are ready to move the tank. This will also give you a chance to clean the tank.
Before you move your tank, you should do the following:
Prepare the fish
It is recommended to stop feeding your fish 24–48 hours before the planned move. Do not worry, as adult fish can go without water for up to a week. When moving, use the water from the aquarium.
Choose a suitable shipping container for your fish
For short-distance moves, use fish bags. Each bag can hold one fish. Bags should be doubled for safety and filled with water about a third of the way to provide enough oxygen. Seal the bags tightly with bands. For moves that take longer than an hour, buckets will be needed, and you can fit three or four fish in each bucket. The water in the buckets should only be half full, make sure there are lids and the ability to fix them with tape. Carefully remove the fish, you can use a net for this.
Prepare the fish for safe transport. If you are using fish bags, refrigerate them. Also, wrap the bags in bubble wrap for extra protection. As for the buckets, make sure they are tightly sealed and on a level surface during transport. Avoid areas where the containers may be exposed to direct sunlight during transport. This will help maintain a safe water temperature.
If you are traveling more than 6 hours, you will need to take extra precautions. Long journeys are stressful for fish. It is best to consult with experts to ensure complete safety for fish over long distances.
Empty the aquarium
You should never transport an aquarium with water in it, even if you are moving a short distance. Follow these steps to empty the aquarium of all equipment:
- Turn off the lights, filter, and heater.
- Allow these items to cool before emptying the aquarium.
- Remove live plants and place them in a bucket half-filled with aquarium water.
- Remove rocks, decorations, and gravel.
- Rinse them with water.
- Dry them.
Remove all accessories from the aquarium
Before long distance moving, you will need to remove the filter from the aquarium and other working parts, including coolers, heaters, filters, and lighting. Pack them.
Drain the water with a hose, and clean and dry the aquarium.
An important step is to clean the aquarium of water and gravel. You can use a vacuum cleaner or a hair dryer for this.
Pack the aquarium
If you have a small to medium-sized aquarium, a crate or box is best for safe transport. Get someone to help you and carefully place your aquarium in a similarly sized crate. Add foam sheets to prevent shifting during movement.
Finding a crate for larger aquariums can be difficult. Instead, wrap the aquarium in packing paper, bubble wrap, and blankets. Cushions can be placed inside the tank and the padding should be taped down. This step can be tedious and time-consuming, but it is crucial to protecting large glass surfaces.
Carry the aquarium carefully
Even when empty, the aquarium is heavy. Never attempt to carry the aquarium alone. Shifting can damage it, and the heavy load can also cause back injury. It is important to decide how to carry the aquarium before you lift it. With two people holding it on each side, slowly carry it to the car and place it on a flat surface. Plan your route and decide on a place in the car before carrying it. It is best to contact professionals. For example, the interstate moving company Paradise Moving & Storage in Boston can help you cope with this task.
Set up the aquarium in the new home
Once you arrive at your new home, pet care should be your priority. Set up the aquarium as soon as possible upon arrival at your destination, before unpacking other things. The place you choose for the aquarium should have a hard surface. You should also ensure easy access to an electrical outlet needed to power the aquarium accessories.
Conclusion
Transporting an aquarium with fish is always a test of attentiveness and accuracy. Each stage, from preparing the water and packing the equipment to adapting the fish to a new place, requires a special approach. To ensure that everything goes smoothly and without losses, especially during a long move, it is worth trusting the professionals. The reliable interstate moving company Paradise Moving & Storage ensures safe transportation of both the aquarium itself and its inhabitants. In addition, the company offers packing services and storage services for a certain period of time.