Need advice on relocating with fish

[a_ellis]

I will be moving in two weeks to a location 3 hours away. I was wondering if it would be okay to put my fish in big ziploc bags inside a big cooler. I will be getting some drop in air stones that work like effervescent tablets to put inside each bag. If at all possible, I would like to empty my aquariums & pack up the fish the night before the move; is this ok?
I've never done this before & I really need some advice.
Thanks!

 

[keane]

the zip locks and cooler will be fine, as long as you ensure there's plenty of air inside the bags before you seal them.

Don't forget fish are stored and transported on long haul journeys that take far longer than three hours, although they are couriered by professionals.

I wouldn't pack them the night before though . IMO this would create unnecessary stress and create a build up of noxious ammonia from their stressed out pooping.

Whilst I appreciate what I have just mentioned about the long haul journeys it's a risk I personally wouldn't be willing to take with my fish .

juts get out of bed earlier on the morning you are due to move!!

steve

 

[freddyk]

I agree. The fish tank is generally the last thing I take down and the first thing I set up. Unfortunately I move more often then any one person should, but I've never lost a fish.

Go to the fish store and get appropriate fish bags. They are much taller then ziplocks and will hold much more air, and it's much easier to trap the air inside. Double bag every one, just in case.

For smaller fish place one bag upside down in the other, this way they can't get crushed in the corners.

Don't feed them for a few days before the move, let their systems clear out in the tank instead of the bag.

Do a nice 50% water change before bagging them, this way they start of with cleaner water.

If you really feel packing them the night before is the only way you can manage it then the best solution is to find an lfs with an oxygen tank and see if they'll do you a favour of packing the fish properly for you with their equipment. Even if they want to charge you it's worth it. Fish will easily last 24 hours in the bags like this.

 

[a_ellis]

Thanks to both of you for the good advice. I'll be moving the contents of a 3 bedroom house plus these two aquariums. It's going to be a long day.