Moving my tank

Question
Hi Alex!

I have a fully cycled 3 year old 55 gallon freshwater tank in which i have 5 small angelfish residing along with a few mollys. I've got to move the tank about 20 minutes to my new place and I was wondering what is the best way to do this while preserving my tanks ecosystem and keeping my fish safe. I've been looking to change the rocks in my tank as well, all I'm waiting for is the right time to do so. Think this is a good opportunity?

I've been tossing ideas around with friends about different ways to do all of this. One idea was to put about 80% of the water in a large clean trash can for transport while keeping the fish in a 5 gallon clean bucket for about 2 hours while we move and refill the tank. Is this the best way to transport the fish? I think it would be a good idea to take advantage of the water being extra low to give the substrate a good vacuum, but i don't want to ruin the ecosystem. If you've got any advice on moving tanks Id greatly appreciate some help. Thanks!

Answer
Hi Chris
I saw your question in our question pool.

A 20 minute move isn't bad at all :)  I had to move 7 tanks and a small pond worth of fish 12 hours to another state....not fun.  You don't need to worry about keeping as much water.  The main thing is to keep all the filter media(filter pads, bio balls, etc.) wet, and any decorations and gravel/substrate should be kept wet as well.  

What I did, got a couple of those Rubbermaid containers with the lids-like the ones they have out usually around Christmas time.  For that amount of fish, a smaller one would be fine, maybe the 10-20 gallon ones.  Fill it up about 1/2 way with the tank water, and add the fish.  Use a separate one for the gravel, decorations, filter media etc.  Fill that up so everything is at least covered with water.  Then finish taking apart your tank.  Set up your tank at the new house, and once you get the water in, start adding a little bit to the fish container.  That way the fish can adjust to any temperature differences as well as any ph differences to your new house.  Take at least a  good hour to let them adjust to the new water.  Once their container is at least 1/2 way full with the new water, go ahead and add them to the new tank-and once everything settles down in the new set up.  

I would also recommend picking up a battery operated air pump.  They're fairly cheap, and good to have in case of power outages as well to help aerate the water.  Without surface agitation, the oxygen can be depleted fairly quick.  Here's a link with one I bought that's similar to it:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3669+3693&pcatid=3...

I had a hard time finding these in a store where I used to live, so had to buy it online at that site.  Also, I've heard of people using coolers to move their fish, the trash can would work as well, a bucket etc.  I would want a lid on it though, and just cut a hole in the lid to add the air pump tubing.  The lid just makes it easier, and in case one of them decides to jump out....

And, like I said, don't worry so much about bringing all the water with, they'll have to get used to the new house water anyway for water changes.  Save yourself the hassle, water is heavy :)  Just be sure to acclimate them slowly to the new water, and keep all the other stuff wet.
Good luck and hope that helps!

Christy