Moving With Fish? How to Prepare and Move Your Water Friends
Moving with a fish is a little tricky. But with a bit of ingenuity and the following tips, your move will become a success.
Don’t Transport Your Fish in their Tank
It’s imperative that you don’t move your water friends in their tank. That is a big no-no. Instead, take out the fish and remove as much water as possible. The thing is that fish tanks are not designed to tolerate long-distance moves, at least, not when the water is still inside. The last thing you want is for your fish to spill over from the container with water. You can use a bucket or polythene bag filled with tank water.
Load your fish last
Your fish container should be the last thing you pack. It should also be the first thing you unload from the truck. Not only will this reduce the stress on your water friends, but it will even make sure that they are placed in the safest spot.
Use Some of the Water from the Tank
Fishes are sensitive to changes in the environment. While you don’t want to take the aquarium when it’s filled with water, you should try to take some of the original water. This will help the fish accustom to the change.
Do not feed them a day before the move
Most fish lovers know this – it’s not recommended to feed the fish at least a day (24 hours) before they are transported. It will simply do more harm to the fish than good. You see, fish, especially the larger ones, regurgitate food if they are stressed. By not feeding them before the move, you will minimize the amount of waste in the transportation container. Of course, excess waste in the water can become toxic to the fish.
Use a Strong, Clean Polythene Bag
If you are making a long-distance move, it’s important to use a sturdy polythene bag to keep your fish. You can get these bags for a good deal from your local pet stores. Seal the bag ensuring there’s enough breathing air. You can also double the bags to minimize the risk of leaks. Before loading, gently place the bag in a polystyrene container. Also, don’t forget to label the container.
Hire Professional Fish Movers
Most full-service movers offer turnkey fish moving services. They know every step needed to ensure that your fish reaches the destination alive and well. It’s vital that you choose a moving company in Portland OR with sufficient experience transporting fish.
