Moving Tank - Huge Move

[azvictoria]

Hi All,
Just curious if anyone here has moved a tank internationally or via ferry? I'm likely moving from Colorado to Alaska - need advice for packing it. Whether it's going into a pod or on a Uhaul, it will be on a ferry through the Inside Passage and has to get to Washington first. It's a 60g glass. If this setup was easy to replace in AK, I'd sell and get a new one, but supplies are limited for aquariums. On that note, if anyone in Denver is interested in some tetras, BSP Angels and assorted angels, snails, etc., let me know. I'd think that bringing the fish would be impossible. Is there anyone out here who's moved an aquarium to AK from the lower 48? Or Hawaii for that matter - same process.

 

[MaloK]

With the lid off, put protective padding in the bottom of the tank . Pillows or towels are worthy solutions. Then insert the lid diagonally in the tank , Fill the rest of empty space with more towels, until noting can move inside. Wrap the aquarium in blankets or another protective layer before carefully placing the wrapped lid and aquarium into an appropriately sized box.

In you case an appropriate box is nearly impossible to find. If you can get a hold of larger boxes you can cut a customized one from them. Home appliance stores are a good place to ask for them. And make yourself a solid multi layered box.

You can also consider making a 2x2 and Plywood plank crate to enclose your Wrapped Tank.

Edit: Make sure it mentions "Fragile" and "This side Up" on all sides.

 

[Uberhoust]

As @MaloK mentioned you need to crate it if you are using movers. Likely you should secure it to the base with a foam base. My father and I moved a 75 gallon from LA to Calgary many years ago, but we pulled our own moving trailer so could pack the tank so that items would not shift or put pressure on the sides or bottom.

 

[azvictoria]

Great info! I have to use some sort of mover, whether it's with a Uhaul or otherwise sent - I will be separated from everything since there's no way to drive where I'm going, and I'll be somewhere else on the journey with my other pets. I like the crate idea, and I bet Home Depot has a bunch of large boxes from appliances. I think they also have a weird spray foam you can use that solidifies. May be messy, but worth it if it arrives in tact!