Need to dismantle a planted tank - FAST

[lilsd]

Not sure on the best section to post this. I am in the process of leaving an extremely volatile and violent living situation, and I have no idea what to do with my fish tank. It’s only a small tank, but heavily planted with lots of tiny nano fish, shrimp, snails, deep substrate, etc.

I’m fine with taking it as a total loss and giving everything away, but so far have not had any luck finding someone who wants it. And even though it’s small it would be nearly impossible to move as is. My two biggest concerns right now are being humane to the live animals in the tank, and the task of dismantling everything quickly, like over the course of a couple hours at most.

Has anyone ever done this before?

 

[Lcc86]

Sorry to hear about your situation OP. Worst case you can use a plastic tub as a temporary home, and keep the filter running so you don't lose your beneficial bacteria. Sending good wishes.

 

[lilsd]

Unfortunately I won’t be able to take the fish with me, even in a temporary container. They need to go somewhere or I need to humanely euthanized them, which I have never done before.

 

[gwand]

I hope you don’t have to euthanize but if you do clove oil is most humane method.

 

[Lcc86]

Really sorry OP, I agree with @gwand ,clove oil is the most humane way to euthanise your fish. I'm not sure about the shrimp or nails tbh, as grim as it sounds crushing them may be the quickest way.

 

[Back in the fold]

Is there a pet shop that will take the fish ?

 

[Colin_T]

Unfortunately I won’t be able to take the fish with me, even in a temporary container. They need to go somewhere or I need to humanely euthanized them, which I have never done before.

Contact a local pet shop and say you have some fish that need rehoming for free. Most shops will take them. Once you have a place to unload them, take a couple of buckets to the house, put some tank water in them, add the fish to one bucket and plants to the other bucket. Put lids on the buckets. Drain the rest of the water out of the tank and put the tank in the car with the buckets. Then get out of there. If possible try to scoop out most of the substrate before moving the tank so there's less chance of it cracking on the base.

Drop the fish off at the pet shop and take the tank to your new place and set it up with plants only.

If worse comes to worse, maybe call the police and see if they will escort you into the house to get the tank and stuff out. If the police can't then see if you have a group of friends who can go with you and have them carry their phones to film anything that might happen. If there's 5 or 6 of your friends, hopefully things won't escalate if the bad person is there or turns up while you're trying to get the tank (and any other belongings) out of the house.

 

[GaryE]

The most important thing is to get yourself out of there. You don't want to have your concern for the tank and its inhabitants used as a weapon against you, and I see your need for speed. If you can't rehome, drain the tank to an inch or two, remove all plants. If you are leaving the tank behind, you can remove the inhabitants to later euthanize them when you're out of there, or to euthanize immediately if you can't hand them off.
Your priority should be to take care of yourself. You write in a measured and thoughtful style, and you used the words 'violent' and 'volatile'. That matters.

Can you leave the tank with the hope of returning with backup and support to remove it within 2-3 weeks? Most tanks will support their inhabitants for about that long.

 

[lilsd]

Thanks all. Took the tank apart yesterday, it was a bummer but all went smooth. Unfortunately I had to euthanize the fish as I didn’t have any means of taking them with. They were not young, and they lived a good life. The clove oil worked fast. The tank had already been sitting for nearly a month with no maintenance, so it was time to make a decision as I’m not living there anymore and won’t be back any time soon. I appreciate the tips and support. Hopefully I can start a new tank once I’m back on my feet. Cheers.

 

[MattW]

Happy to hear you've gotten away from that situation! Put yourself first before any tanks/fish projects. Hopefully, you can return to the hobby in time. I find watching a tank for 15-20 mins a day is a great way to de-stress

 

[Lcc86]

Really sorry you had to euthanise but it sounds like the right thing given the circumstances and they wouldn't have suffered. I hope you can get back to the hobby when the time is right.

 

[Naughts]

I’m glad you are out of that situation, and hope that you are feeling better. Stay strong.

 

[GaryE]

Stay safe and trust your instincts. I used to live near a shelter for women who had left violent partners, and have seen some things. I'm glad you're out of that direct situation, and hope you can avoid more trouble from it.