tranportingmyfishandtank

Question
I am moving how will I transport my fish without them going in shock and die

Answer
Hey Duane,
Lots of moving going on these days! You're the 3rd one to ask this question. So forgive the copy of the last answer I'm giving you. It's the best answer I can give you.
There are companies that specialize in aquarium moving and transport. They are extremely expensive for the really good ones. Finding one in your area may be a challenge as well. I personally wouldnt trust them with my systems. Not their pets. No one will take the care and time that you will. Moving a system is an expensive and time consuming thing in any regards. I moved almost 500 gallons 700 miles in 2005. I did go 3 weeks in advance and set up a 55 gallon tank(bare bones set up, very little rock and substrate) to be sure if there were any problems in the move the fish and corals would have someplace to go immediately upon arrival. You need to transport at least 50% of the water. The rock and substrate must be kept wet and at a stable temperature between 76 and 82 degrees to prevent die off. The fish and corals must be transported the same way, in water, stable temperature and with aeration. I drained 75% of the water from my 190 and 220 gallon aquariums and 2 55 gallon sumps when I moved, removed corals and fish, rearranged the rock so there would be no tumbling and shifting and packed styrofoam insulation(4ft by 8 ft sheets, 2 inches thick from menards) cut to fit inside plastic garbage bags at the water level and taped it into place to prevent sloshing. The fish and corals I transported the same way only in rubbermaid tubs, packed the same way only I cut holes for air lines and bought a battery pack(at menards) for the power source. I think my top speed was 55 mph and I drove very carefully! When I stopped for gas I checked temperature with a digital thermometer. I also used a climate controlled moving truck. Started the truck 4 hours before loading to allow the temp in the rear to stabilize. All in all I was up for about 52 hours straight and lost none of my pets. There is no guaranteed way to move a system, but as you can see there are extensive measures you can go through to keep your pets safe and healthy. Best of luck to you. I hope it goes well. Let me know if I can give you any tips, pointers or help in any way!