Moving with an aquarium – how to do it right

Moving with an aquarium is one of the most challenging aspects of relocating. An aquarium is much more than just a glass container filled with water; it is a highly sensitive biological ecosystem that can be disrupted by even the smallest change. Transporting an aquarium must therefore be planned precisely in order to minimize stress for the aquarium's inhabitants and maintain the vital nitrogen cycle.

As your moving partner, we know that special care is required here. Here you will find comprehensive, detailed instructions on how to make your move with an aquarium safe and stress-free. You can leave the move to us at any time if you want your aquarium to be transported stress-free, guaranteed.

Preparation and survival of bacteria

Good relocation planning begins long before the water is drained. Experts recommend starting preparations for the aquarium 14 days before the move.

Moving an aquarium – keeping filter bacteria: the survival strategy

The most important factor for restarting after a move is saving the filter bacteria. These microorganisms live mainly on the filter substrate and in the aquarium substrate and are essential for the breakdown of nitrite and ammonia.

• Save the filter media: Carefully remove all filter material (sponges, ceramic tubes, etc.) from the filter. Immediately place it in a clean, airtight bucket filled exclusively with the original aquarium water. The substrate must be completely submerged and must not dry out, otherwise the aerobic bacteria will quickly die.
• No cleaning agents: Never touch the filter substrate and filter with chemicals or soaps. Only rinse it lightly with old water if necessary.
• Substrate: The substrate (gravel/sand) also contains many bacteria. If you want to reuse it in the new location, fill a separate bucket with some of it and add a little old water.

Choosing a location and reducing feed

• New location: Ensure that the floor in the new home is level and stable. Make sure that the new location has similar lighting conditions to the old one to reduce stress on the fish.
• Preparing the fish: Reduce feeding drastically 5 to 7 days before the move to minimize excrement. Stop feeding completely 48 hours before transport. This prevents dangerous water contamination in the transport containers.

Can I take the aquarium water with me when I move?

It is strongly advisable to take as much water from the aquarium with you as is logistically feasible (target: 50-75%). There are good reasons for this: this water is already biologically stable and makes it easier for the fish to acclimatize, as the chemical parameters (pH value, hardness) are familiar. Fill clean, sealable canisters with aquarium water for safe transport.

Fish transport box: transporting fish safely

This critical step takes place immediately before dismantling the glass tank.

As professional moving companies are not allowed to transport living creatures for insurance and animal welfare reasons, you are responsible for transporting the fish yourself. Here are a few tips:

• The right fish transport box: Use sturdy, clean containers (food grade) or special double-walled transport bags from pet stores. Dark containers are ideal as they reduce visual stress for the animals.
• Filling: Fill the containers only about 1/3 full with old water and leave 2/3 empty. For longer journeys, oxygen tablets or a battery-powered aerator are extremely important.
• Be careful when catching the fish: Use two nets to catch the fish carefully. The fish should remain in the transport containers for as short a time as possible.

Can I leave the fish in the aquarium during the move?

It is tempting to entertain this idea, as moving an aquarium can seem intimidating. However, the answer is a clear no. The risk of broken glass, oxygen deprivation, and severe shaking makes it impossible to leave the fish in the aquarium during the move. The aquarium must be completely emptied before you can transport it.

Dismantling the aquarium: How to dismantle the glass tank

Once the animals and bacteria have been removed from the aquarium, remove the plants, heater, and all decorations. Drain the water completely. Clean the empty glass tank thoroughly from the inside to remove any sand or gravel residue that could cause scratches during transport.

Protect the glass tank during transport with thick, padded moving blankets or special edge protectors. Be careful with bubble wrap, especially with wooden base cabinets. Condensation could form under the wrap and cause the wood to swell.

If possible, transport the aquarium upright and on a completely level surface to avoid creating tension in the glass.

Aquarium moving service & costs: When is it worth hiring a moving company?

A specialized moving company is advisable for moving aquariums, especially very heavy tanks (300 liters or more) or those with difficult access (stairwells).

The costs for a moving company including an aquarium are usually based on:

• Volume and weight: The heavier the tank, the more special equipment and personnel are required. This is especially true if you need to transport a particularly large aquarium.
• Distance: Moving an aquarium within the same city is usually cheaper than moving it long distance.
• Insurance coverage: A professional service offers insurance that covers glass breakage – essential protection.
• Scope of service: Does the company only transport the empty tank, or does it also dismantle the base cabinet and reassemble it in your new home? The scope of services further influences the costs. Special aquariums, such as saltwater aquariums, often incur additional costs.

Important: Make sure that the moving company of your choice has experience in handling aquariums!

Starting afresh after moving: setting up the aquarium

Once the tank is safely in its new location, you can start setting up the aquarium again:

• Setup and filling: Set up the cabinet and make sure that the aquarium is level. Then fill the tank, starting with the substrate. Use as much old water as possible and top up with treated tap water if necessary.
• Filter activation: Immediately replace the secured filter substrate in the filter and start it up. The filter bacteria need to be reoxygenated as quickly as possible.
• Acclimatizing the fish: Slowly reintroduce the fish into the tank. First, place the transport bags with the fish in the new aquarium for 20 minutes to ensure that the temperature equalizes. Then slowly mix the new water into the transport containers before finally releasing the animals.

Aquarium disposal: I don't want to move my aquarium.

If the effort involved is too great, disposal is the last option. Always try to rehome the fish through pet shops or clubs. Never release the animals into the wild!

Dispose of the glass tank at the recycling center as broken glass or bulky waste.

Moving with an aquarium is entirely feasible if you take the biological and logistical challenges into account. Focusing on the stability of the water, saving the filter bacteria, and securely packing the glass tank will ensure that your aquarium and its inhabitants arrive safely at their new home.

Plan your move with Movinga

A moving company can make this special move much easier for you. Trust our expertise when it comes to transporting your delicate glass tank. We will ensure that your aquarium is transported safely, efficiently, and with complete peace of mind for you.