Need Some Advise About Moving House

[muzzy]

Hi Guys and Girls

Thanks to all the advice I got from you all last time I haven’t posted for ages. But I’ve now got to the point where I need some more expert help!!

I’m in the throws of moving house and have had this constant worry about moving the fish To try and ease that worry I took a look around the internet and the forum. I found this post and have found it to be very helpful. But I have a few questions.

Ok.... removing the water and getting the fish into bags shouldn’t be a problem so that’s fine. It’s the bit when adding the substrate and water back to the tank in the new house.

I was thinking of changing the gravel I have in the tank or at the very least adding finer gravel. Would this be a good time to either replace the gravel? Or would I lose to much of the bacteria need? Also would it be better to keep most of the water that has been drained from the tank? or will it be ok to use new water and add the dechlorinator and changing the gravel?

Hopefully this makes sense and thanks in advance

Muzzy

 

[Inchworm]

Hi muzzy

Are you moving far away from your present residence or will you be staying nearby? Did you test the water at your new home and compare it to you tank water? Will you be able to get into your new home a few days prior to the actual move so you can set up your fish first?

If you are going to be moving close to your current home, and can take the time to do a good job of washing it, I would agree that this is a good time to change your substrate. In fact, if you are contemplating adding a new tank, or upgrading to a larger tank, anytime in the near future, do it now. This way you can set it up and move any plants you might have into it. Then, when it has settled and the temperature is right. you can easily move your fish and bacteria over. Then you can move your old tank with the rest of your belongings and set it up again at your leisure.

As you saw on the thread about moving, doing the actual job can be hard work, but it's pretty straightforward. The worst part of moving them is the stress involved, so anything you can do to reduce that, such as moving them early on, will do a lot to simplify your move.

Good luck!

 

[muzzy]

Thanks for the reply Inchworm.

I’m only going to be moving about 3 miles from where I currently live so the time it takes to move should be pretty quick providing I prepare first. I was planning to move the tank last but would it be better to move it first?

As it happens I have about a month before I actually have to move in so this would give me enough time to do anything I need to (currently painting a room!!). All I was planning to do was changing the gravel for slightly finer stuff and maybe adding some live plants to replace the fake ones I currently have. Other than that the nothing will change.

When you asked about testing the water, if the water in the new house has the same acidity (I think that’s how its said) levels would that mean I can just use that without the need to keep some of the existing water? And the bacteria will be safe in the filter? Sorry to keep asking questions but i just want to make sure i get it done without any casualties.

Muzzy

 

[Inchworm]

Hi muzzy

Since you are not moving far, your water could be from the same source, and would therefore be the same as what you have now. The fish will adjust easily. Your lfs (unless it's just a chain store) should be able to give you information about this.

Using all new water usually results in the formation of many little bubbles on the glass and other surfaces. If you can use 1/4 to 1/3 old tank water it will either prevent this or at least help you to get rid of them more quickly. If you use a good product to remove chlorine or chloramine, it is safe to add your bacteria to your filter immediately. However, you must add your fish at the same time so that they can begin producing waste products to feed the bacteria. Also, I would suggest moving it without rinsing it out first. The bacteria you need cling to the surfaces, but there's no point in taking chances at this time.

I would move my tank first, just because moving can be a hectic process and once the fish are safely transported there will be less to worry about. You can set it up at a more leisurely pace than after the move when you are trying to figure out what box has the frying pan and other necessities in it.

It's good that you can paint early on so that any fumes that result will be cleared.

 

[muzzy]

Inchworm!! you have been very helpful indeed!! If there were kama buttons on the forum you would get a whole load of points!!