dropdeded 0 #1 November 27, 2003 So how do I do this without killing the fishies ? Its a big tank with two African Cichlids. Can I just put em in a bucket, drain the tank, move it, fill it with tap water, and put em back in it ? Or do I need to let the water warm up, will the fish die in the bucket? any help? dropdeded------------------------------------------ The Dude Abides. - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casch 0 #2 November 27, 2003 You mean you can't just pick it up and carry it as is? It's only like, 300lbs right? It all depends on the fish, but normally you can just put them in a little ziplock baggie with water that is about the same temperature as the tank, then drain it and move it. Yes you'll want to heat the water before you put them in, you can speed up the process by using warm water from the tap. Fish can normally survive the abnormal pH balance long enough for you to get it to where it should be. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyMan 7 #3 November 27, 2003 In the past, I've done it by leaving the fish in the tank, and draining it down to just a few inches... The fish weren't terribly happy but they were fine. I've had fresh-water fish. I wouldn't want to do this with salt-water ones.__ You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydivingchad 0 #4 November 27, 2003 Both my brother and I have salt water aquariums and have moved them several times each (they're more picky than freshwater). Once I just shoved the freaking fish tank across the floor (advantage of hardwood flooring!!) Better idea is to get a siphon and a few of the big home depot buckets. You can then move your water in more manageable batches and fishies stay happy for the move, not having to adapt to new water or temperatures, etc. Jen (chad's wife) Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug. Pelt Head #3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Antithesis 0 #5 November 27, 2003 Whatever you do make sure that you re acclemate them to the new water when you get set up again. Also you don't want to leave them with only a small supply of water for too long .. they will run out of oxygen and suffocate. In the past I've scooped them up and kept them in zip tie bags for a few hours while I got set up. If you then put them in a cooler (better insulation) and don't wait too long you should have no prob... Also if you put them in a bucket you also have to worry about what was in the bucket in the past. I travel the land, Work in the ocean, Play in the sky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimbo 0 #6 November 27, 2003 Have you contacted the local aquarium store? I suspect that they'd have the best advice. - Jim"Like" - The modern day comma Good bye, my friends. You are missed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
goose491 0 #7 November 27, 2003 QuoteIn the past, I've done it by leaving the fish in the tank, and draining it down to just a few inches... The fish weren't terribly happy but they were fine. I've had fresh-water fish. I wouldn't want to do this with salt-water ones. This is what I do also. It's better than putting them in a bag (which is acceptable too) because they keep the familiar bottom medium and whatnot. Drain it down only as much as is required to be able to move the tank. It's no thing... fishies are used to the water level changing. Keep it and be sure to put the same water back... unless your due for a partial water change anyway that is. African Chiclids? Got a bunch of rocks and rock-caves in there? Word of the wise: don't drain the water unless you can see both of 'em... don't want one of them getting stuck in one of the tank decors. lol What type? I have a couple auratus. My Karma ran over my Dogma!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChileRelleno 0 #8 November 28, 2003 QuoteYou mean you can't just pick it up and carry it as is? It's only like, 300lbs right? Yeah right, hell just the gravel in my 75gal weighs in at 40lbs(dry weight). Add rocks, decor, water and fish, plus the tank and stand, my setup weighs in at over 900lbs. You need to be sure when setting up med/large aquariums that your floor structure can handle it. ChileRelleno-Rodriguez Bro#414 Hellfish#511,MuffBro#3532,AnvilBro#9, D24868 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VanillaSkyGirl 6 #9 November 28, 2003 I love African Cichlids, but they are so much frickin' work. My BF is a very, very strong man, but he developed a hernia years ago from moving the HUGE tank essentially by himself. Men can be silly. If you call the Fish Store where you bought them, they know all the tricks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
McDuck 0 #10 November 28, 2003 As others have mentioned, one of the best ways to accomplish this is to drain their tank water into at least one bucket, where you will place the fish until after the move. They'll be okay in there for a while, but they can last there nearly indefinitely if you just take the aerator and stick the tube from it into the water so they have an air source. Typically, you don't want to completely replace all of their water, because the fish will lose their protective slime coat, and they will be totally stressed out, leading to the possibility of watching them do the upside-down swim. Drain about half of the water into buckets that will be used to put the water BACK into the tank after the move. Put the water you saved back into the tank first, then hook your hose to a faucet in the house and don't put the hose in the tank until the water is exactly the right temperature. I had African cichlids, and they typically needed warmer water, like about 80 degrees farenheit. Add the fish with their bucket of tank water last. This always worked for me and I never lost a fish. Kevin - Sonic Beef #5 - OrFun #28 "I never take myself too seriously, 'cuz everybody know fat birds don't fly." - FLC Online communities: proof that people never mature much past high school. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NoShitThereIWas 0 #11 November 28, 2003 Dropdeded, Not sure how far you've come along with this major task (as someone who has moved and owned fresh and marine water aquariums) but don't forget after you put the new water in the tank you need to condition it and use chemicals to make sure the water is the right pH. Ask your local aquarium store which chemicals are needed for freshwater tanks and just follow the amount to put in based on the number of tank gallons. Also, do try and get the fish's new water as close to the fish's "desired" temperature as possible so their systems will be shocked less and it is best to use plastic baggies about 1/2 filled with water and air to store your fish in and then just let them "sit" like that in their baggies floating in the water that you prepare to put them in. After about 20 minutes, the water in the bag will become the same temp as the water in the tank and you can simply cut the bag and let them swim free. Hope that helps, definitely sounds like you are working with freshwater, saltwater is a bit different.Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChileRelleno 0 #12 November 28, 2003 Heidi'ho Dropdeded, if you haven't already moved this tank, may I ask how big is your tank? This is important because the first thing you may need to do is have another strong person at hand... OK, my wife and I have multiple tanks and are getting fairly experienced at this stuff. step#1- remove all filters, heaters ,plants, rocks, decor and ect... step#2-remove enough gravel/sand and water as to be sure you'll not risk collapsing the tank bottom. step#3- leave enough water for the fish (Depends on tank/fish size, may need to bucket fish as last resort). step#4-move tank and stand to new location( make dang sure you have it where you want it and that it is sitting on the stand properly, you don't want to do it twice!) step#5- add the gravel and assorted decor, refill tank with water and treat with proper water conditioners, let water condition and come to room temperature or re-install heaters and heat before adding fish. step#6- re-install filters step#7- Add fish and leave'em alone for a day or two( they've been royally stressed, be prepared to lose a couple fish.) step#8- Add plants ect... step#9- enjoy! Best of luck,this is a pain in the ass. ChileRelleno-Rodriguez Bro#414 Hellfish#511,MuffBro#3532,AnvilBro#9, D24868 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dropdeded 0 #13 November 28, 2003 Oh shit. Well, its a done deal, lets just see if they survive Its one a them stop sign shaped tanks. I put about half a bucket of tank water in a bucket, put the fish in, emptied and cleaned the tank. Wrestled the big sumbitch into the open (stayed open too) trunk, tied it as best as I could, drove across town, wrestled the big sumbitch into my sisters house, gave her the box of crap that came wth it, put about 12 inches of fresh water in the bottom(probably about 80 degree's) and put the fish in. There ya go sis, go buy a fish book tomorrow, love you, buh buh now. um, I will let you know if they survive dropdeded------------------------------------------ The Dude Abides. - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SniperCJ 0 #14 November 28, 2003 Finally! Something I KNOW about! Ive moved my 2 cichlid tanks several times and never lost a fish. Heres what I do... Drain as much water as you can carry into a clean 30 gal trash can (I have 2 I use solely for that purpose). Keep in mind a 30 gal trash can of water is gonna be HEAVY! Catch the fish and toss em into the trash (cans). Throw all you plants and decorations into the trash (cans) with the fish. Scoop out your gravel into buckets. Move the tank and reverse the process. Have fun, its a pain in the ass!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
