How to Move Your Fish (and Other Odd Animals)

Remember going to a fair when you were a kid, winning a goldfish, and then coming home only to find that the fish didn’t last the night? That’s the kind of scenario you’ll want to avoid when moving to a new location. Whether you have a goldfish or a turtle, moving pets in tanks is a whole different thing than move a dog or cat.

 

Here are out best fish – and other odd animals – moving tips (from your favorite Denver moving company).

 

Moving Fish Friends

 

It might seem like a good idea to just move your fish in that safe and secure tank. Don’t do this. You have to move fish in two parts.

 

1. Move the tank.

2. Move the fish.

 

If you try to move the fish in the tank, you could wind up with fish that are out of water. Not a good idea! Here’s how to move your fish:

 

1. Purchase a proper holding container from a pet store.

2. Make sure that your fish are nice and happy in that container.

3. Drain your tank

4. Disassemble the tank completely

 

For short moves: do not clean your tank or filters. Cleaning these items will ruin the bacteria colony that you have created.

 

For longer moves: clean everything, and when you arrive at your destination, set up your tank like you did when you first purchased it.

 

Wait First

 

Since most people tend to move longer distances, the rest of this article will focus on moving fish long distance (or other odd animals!). We’ve already established that you have to clean your tank if you are moving far away. What we didn’t establish is that you can’t just throw your fish back in the tank once you are in your new place.

 

Just like a new tank, you will have to get that bacteria growing again, fix the water situation, and provide a nice home for your fish before they can move back into your tank. This will likely take a week or so to set up. If you have the chance to move your fish and tank prior to moving everything else, you may be able to set up your tank, so that your fish are situated before you move the rest of your home.

 

Now that we’ve covered fish, let’s talk turtles.

 

Moving Turtles

 

You will first need to purchase a deep container that has air holes in the top the box. Turtles will climb, so that container has to be deep enough to keep your turtles from climbing out of the box.

 

You will also need:

 

A towel

A spray bottle filled with water

A thermometer

 

Place the towel at the bottom of the deep box that you have purchased. This will keep your turtle from climbing too much or from shifting around. Place a thermometer inside of the box where you can see it. The temperatue inside of your turtle’s travel box should be around 70 degrees at all times. 65 degrees is a good temperature for a turtle too. Make sure to check the temperature regularly, so that your turtle does not get too hot. If your turtle starts to get too hot, spritz him with some clean water.

 

Sunbathing Traveling Turtles

 

Typically, most turtles will be fine in a box for a day or two. But, it’s not a bad idea to provide your turtle with some sunlight if possible. Whatever you do, do not let your turtle out of its box, or you may lose your turtle wherever you stop for sun. Simply place the box out in the sun while you snack on a sandwich. No sun? That’s okay! Your turtle will be fine if you aren’t moving for more than two days.

 

What happens if your turtle gets sick? This can happen, so make sure to have the phone number of a vet nearby – someone you can call if you need help. If you plan to send your turtle to your new home via airplane, call the airline first to see what you need to provide your turtle with. Most of the time, vet papers and proper shots will do. Surprisingly, turtles move rather well, and most pet turtles will be perfectly fine during travel.

 

Important note: be sure that you put your turtle in proper water when you arrive at your destination, and feed your turtle in that water too.

 

Moving Company Help

 

If you need professional help moving your pets, find out if the home moving companies you are considering handles pets. Some moving companies do not work with pets at all, and some companies are really knowledgeable in this area. Either way, though, both turtles and fish can be safely moved by following a few necessary steps.