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Moving an aquarium - tips and hints

Moving takes a lot of effort. Not to mention when you are moving with pets. Because every pet needs its own certain conditions if you wish to move them without stress. This is not any different for fishes and fish tanks. Especially if you are moving to big cities such as Minneapolis or St Paul. There is a lot of aquariums with different sizes, shapes, and functions. Most importantly, they all require a certain way of transportation. A way that will prevent them from damages. These tips and hints on moving an aquarium will help you prepare it for transportation. So do not worry about it getting damaged!

 Before moving an aquarium gather the packing materials

Before you even begin emptying your fish tank and prepare it for transport, there are a few things you must do first. See if you can find boxes that fit the size of the tank perfectly. There shouldn’t be any empty space between the box walls and tank glass. This can cause the aquarium to move around the box and get scratched or damaged. Even if you do have some empty space, try filling it with protective materials. There are a lot of different materials you can use to protect your aquarium. Some of them you can even find in your own house such as:

  • When moving an aquarium always use old blankets and towels. They are perfect for wrapping those fragile fish tanks.
  • Newspapers, sponges and other fabrics are good materials you can use to fill those empty spaces left in the box.
  • Sturdier boxes are a better protection for your aquariums than cardboard ones.
  • You must have duct tape in order to further secure the aquarium in the box.

 

crumbled paper
When moving an aquarium, wrap it in paper to protect it

Empty and clean your fish tank before moving

Good preparations are a key to successful aquarium transportation. You can’t transport your aquarium if it is filled with small items. They can tumble during the transport and damage it. To avoid this, before moving an aquarium empty it of any items. Taking out decorative items such as stones, plants, ships, pumps, filters, and sand are crucial in this process. Make sure you clean aquarium accessories and the aquarium before moving. Try to boil those rocks and sand in order to get rid of any bacteria. Once you cleaned and emptied your aquarium you can start wrapping it and packing properly. Sometimes people have large aquariums that can’t be transported instantly. Then it is a good idea to search for a good City Moving and Storage MN moving company that can provide you with a proper storage unit for your fish tank. Also, they can provide you with the best services regarding animal and pet accessories transportations.

Fish tank with a gold fish and a plant
Empty your aquarium from all small items

Find a suitable container for your pets

When transporting your fish tank it is important to find a useful and suitable container you can use to transport your pets. There are numerous ways you can move your animals to another location. They all depend on the size of the animal, type and the distance you have to cross. When it comes to fishes, most of the times people use special plastic fish bags. They are more sturdy than the regular plastic bags, so you won’t have to worry about any leaks and losing your animal friend. But, make sure there is no room for them to tumble in your transport box. They must stand in an upright position.

If you have turtles or any other type of animal that requires aquariums or terrariums than regular plastic boxes will do the trick. Snakes, lizards, chameleons, tarantulas can be transported in plastic bins. You must make sure there is a constant air flow. Also, the seal must be closed tight. Remember all of this when you think about moving to Twin Cities. One of the best things you can do in Twin Cities is living with your animal friend. There are many pet-friendly places in Twin Cities that will leave you breathless.

gold fishes
Use fish bags to transfer your aquatic pets

Loading and unloading the aquarium from the truck

Now that you prepared your aquarium, and safely put your pets in suitable transport boxes or fish bags, it is time to transport your aquarium. Remember, do not place your aquarium at the bottom of the van, or place items on it. That is a very fragile part of your items and it can break easily and you can not only lose your aquarium but damage other items as well. Instead, place it on top of the boxes in the van. Make sure it can’t move during the transport. You can secure it with ropes, duct tape or just put other boxes next to it. If it can’t move, it can’t fall down and break. Try to find out what other methods you can use to pack breakable glass items if you wish to avoid losing them. When you arrive at your new home, take the aquarium first. Moving an aquarium is an easy process, but what comes after that is a bit tricky and time-consuming.

aquarium
Don’t place anything on top of the aquarium during transport

Reassembling the aquarium

Once you settle in your new home, you must reassemble your aquarium as quickly as possible. Those fishes and other pets can’t survive that long in closed and confined space. When you place your aquarium at the designated place, start putting back the items. Start with the sand, rocks, and decorations. Once you place your plants back, boil water and let it cool down to the room temperature. Boiled water is free of bacteria and it is best for fishes. When you put water in it and it cools down, place fish bags with fishes in it. So that they can easily adapt to the new water and temperature. This is a simple process that requires a little time. Now that you are finished, start unpacking the rest of the boxes and enjoy some quality free time in your new place. Go out and stroll around one of the favorite parks in Twin Cities.

Moving an aquarium is not a stuff of nightmares. Just follow the simple steps we provide you with, and you will pack it and transport it in no time. Fish tanks are usually more sturdy than any other glass items, so you do not have to worry about the transportation that much.