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!

 

[tiwali]

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 and mve with International Moving Company Near Me.

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

Moving a 60g tank to Alaska is doable if you empty and pack it carefully with padding. Transport it upright and label it fragile. It’s best to rehome the fish, as the trip is long and risky. Bring your equipment and plan to cycle the tank again once you arrive.

 

[GaryE]

I did an internal move within Canada, but for 800km in winter in a van at minus 27. Sheets of styro are ideal. You can cut them to the dimensions of the tank and tape them, wrap around style. If you are moving in a container, there is a risk, but that tank probably got to you in one. I packed all my large tanks that way and rattled down the road when the extreme cold made them more fragile, and brittle. All the large tanks made it just fine.
I kept my filtration media wet (it didn't freeze) and fired up the filters once I arrived. Where I am is a bit off the beaten track, so getting good fish to replace the ones I gave away and sold before the move has called for creativity. Good luck there!

 

[Magnum Man]

keep in mind they ship new aquariums all the time, with just a light cardboard wrap... so as long as you make the precautions listed above, you should be fine... some seem excessive, like building a crate, but since you said replacing it where you are going would be difficult, it may be worth the excessive to insure it arrives safely.... it may pay, to think ahead about how your movers are going to handle it... the suggestion of marking it fragile / glass, and which side is up is good, but it may be really challenging to keep them from standing it on end, and using a 2 wheeled cart, unless there are handholds or some provision to make it easier to carry... so you may want to plan for someone standing it on end, when it comes to packing, even if you mark it this "this side up"

 

[Colin_T]

old thread from 2 yrs ago, probably won't get a response.