Fish moving tips and questions

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Riviera
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Joined: Fri Jun 21, 2024 4:47 pm

Fish moving tips and questions

Post by Riviera »

I'm moving my 55 gallon community tank next month and I'm stressing about how to transport my fish safely. They're a mix of Tetras, Corydoras, and a pair of Angelfish. Any tips on minimizing stress during the move?
firenzo
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:03 pm

Re: Fish moving tips and questions

Post by firenzo »

I've moved tanks a few times. The key is to keep the fish in separate containers with their original tank water. Use battery operated air pumps to keep oxygen levels up during transit. How far are you moving?
folksong
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:08 pm

Re: Fish moving tips and questions

Post by folksong »

Riviera wrote: Sun May 18, 2025 12:30 pm I'm moving my 55 gallon community tank next month and I'm stressing about how to transport my fish safely. They're a mix of Tetras, Corydoras, and a pair of Angelfish. Any tips on minimizing stress during the move?
Yo, I feel ya. When I moved my 40 breeder, I bagged the fish like they do at the store, double bagged with pure O2. Worked like a charm, no casualties. Just don't overpack the bags, give 'em space.
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brisk
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Re: Fish moving tips and questions

Post by brisk »

Agree with firenzo on the separate containers. Also, keep the filter media wet in tank water to preserve the bacteria. You don't wanna crash your cycle after the move. How long will the trip take?
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muddywave
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Re: Fish moving tips and questions

Post by muddywave »

I'd add that you should fast the fish 24 hours before the move. Less waste in the water means cleaner conditions during transit. And yeah, keep the media wet, maybe in a bucket with a lid.
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MikeyKid
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Re: Fish moving tips and questions

Post by MikeyKid »

For the Angelfish, be extra careful. They're sensitive to sudden changes. Use a styrofoam cooler to keep temps stable. What's your plan for acclimating them to the new tank?
dusk92
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:12 pm

Re: Fish moving tips and questions

Post by dusk92 »

I've heard some people use stress coat during the move. Not sure if it helps, but might be worth a shot. How many fish are we talking about?
lavender
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Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2023 4:37 pm

Re: Fish moving tips and questions

Post by lavender »

MikeyKid wrote: Sun May 18, 2025 3:08 pm For the Angelfish, be extra careful. They're sensitive to sudden changes. Use a styrofoam cooler to keep temps stable. What's your plan for acclimating them to the new tank?
Absolutely. I'd drip acclimate them over a couple hours once you're settled. Sudden shifts in pH or temp can really mess with them.
gregarious
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 1:51 pm

Re: Fish moving tips and questions

Post by gregarious »

Don't forget to label the containers. Last thing you want is mixing up the bags and stressing the fish more. Simple but easy to overlook.
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florine
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Re: Fish moving tips and questions

Post by florine »

Haha, gregarious has a point. I once almost dumped my Betta in with the Tetras. Chaos avoided, but man, that was a close call. How's the new tank setup? Same as the old one?
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