Is It Okay to Move a Fish Tank With Fish in It?

No, it is not okay to move a fish tank with fish in it. Moving an aquarium with fish inside creates serious safety risks for both you and your fish. The weight of water makes the tank heavy and hard to handle, while sloshing water can crack the glass and stress your fish badly.

Why You Should Never Move a Fish Tank With Fish Inside

The Water Weight Problem

Water is heavy - really heavy. One gallon of water weighs about 8.3 pounds. A 20-gallon tank with water weighs over 200 pounds, not counting the tank, gravel, and decorations. Regardless of size, you should never lift or transport an aquarium with water or gravel in it because the weight and sloshing water can damage the aquarium, compromise seals and present a potential safety hazard.

Even strong people struggle to lift heavy, water-filled tanks safely. You risk:

• Dropping the tank and breaking it
• Hurting your back or fingers
• Slipping on spilled water
• Crushing yourself if the tank falls

Glass Can Break Easily

Due to the water pressure on the sides of the tank, even the smallest ding or crack can eventually lead to catastrophic breakage. Fish tanks are built to hold water when sitting still, not when being moved around. The pressure from moving water pushes against the glass walls in ways they weren't designed for.

When you move a tank with water:

• Sloshing water creates uneven pressure
• Glass walls can crack or shatter
• Silicone seals may break and leak
• One small crack can cause total tank failure

Fish Get Extremely Stressed

Sudden movements can cause stress to your fish, and the sloshing water increases the likelihood of cracks or breaks in the glass. Fish are sensitive creatures that need stable conditions. Moving them while still in the tank causes:

• Panic from bouncing and shaking
• Injury from hitting tank walls
• Shock from temperature changes
• Higher risk of getting sick

Fish deaths are common through lack of oxygen as mature biological filters actually consume oxygen and starve the fish of it when the filtration system stops working during a move.

What About Moving Short Distances?

Some people wonder if it's okay to move a tank with fish for very short distances, like across a room. While slightly less risky, it's still not recommended for most situations.

When It Might Be Possible

For very small tanks (under 20 gallons) and very short distances (same room), you might keep 20% of the water, but this should be done with extreme caution and adequate support.

Even then, you should:

• Remove at least 80% of the water first
• Take out all gravel and decorations
• Have multiple people help lift
• Move very slowly and carefully
• Be prepared for emergencies

Still Risky for Fish

Even short moves stress fish badly. The safest approach is always to remove fish first, no matter how short the distance.

The Right Way to Move Your Fish Tank

Moving an aquarium takes planning, but doing it right keeps everyone safe. Here's the step-by-step process that professional movers and fish experts recommend.

Step 1: Plan Ahead

Start planning your move at least one week early. Moving an aquarium requires careful preparation. Start organizing the process at least a week in advance.

What you'll need:

• Clean containers for fish
• Buckets for water and gravel
• Fish nets
• Siphon hose or pump
• Air pumps and air stones
• Towels and cleaning supplies
• Bubble wrap for packing

Step 2: Stop Feeding Your Fish

Refrain from feeding fish for 24 hours before the move. This helps because:

• Fish produce less waste during transport
• Less waste means cleaner water
• Lower ammonia levels keep fish healthier
• Fish can survive several days without food

Step 3: Save the Tank Water

Save and transport as much of the water as possible -- about 75% to 80% of the tank water is best. This will minimize stress to your tank inhabitants and help re-establish the biological balance quickly.

Use clean 5-gallon buckets with tight lids to store the water. This old water contains good bacteria that keep your fish healthy.

Step 4: Move Your Fish First

For small to medium fish:

• Use clean plastic bags or containers
• Fill with tank water (never fresh water)
• Leave space for air at the top
• Keep aggressive fish separate
• Add battery-powered air pumps for longer trips

For large fish:

• Use buckets or large containers with lids
• Fill with tank water
• Add air stones for oxygen
• Cover containers to keep fish calm

When transporting your fish, they should remain in the dark. This is because they will experience less stress under such conditions.

Step 5: Remove Everything Else

Take out all decorations, plants, and equipment:

• Unplug heaters and let them cool for 30 minutes
• Remove filters (keep filter media wet)
• Take out plants and put in tank water
• Remove all decorations and clean them
• Scoop out gravel with nets

Step 6: Drain and Clean the Tank

Siphon or scoop the last bits of dirty water out, leaving a clean, empty, liftable tank. Use towels to dry any remaining moisture.

Step 7: Pack the Tank Safely

Wrap your empty tank in blankets or bubble wrap. The tank should be transported in an upright position and never laid flat, as this increases the risk of cracks.

Setting Up Your Tank in the New Location

Choose the Right Spot

Before you do anything else, pick the perfect spot for your tank:

• Make sure the floor can hold the weight
• Check for level surfaces
• Look for nearby electrical outlets
• Ensure good air circulation
• Avoid direct sunlight

Rebuild Your Aquarium

1. Set up the stand - Make sure it's level and stable
2. Place the tank - Position it carefully on the stand
3. Add gravel - Rinse it first with old tank water
4. Install equipment - Put heaters and filters back
5. Add decorations - Arrange plants and ornaments
6. Fill with old water - Use your saved tank water first
7. Add fresh water - Mix in treated tap water as needed

Reintroduce Your Fish

Don't rush this step. Allow the tank to run for a few hours or even a day to stabilize temperature and filtration.

Test the water first:

• Check temperature matches fish containers
• Test pH levels
• Make sure filters are working
• Let equipment run for a few hours

Add fish slowly:

• Float fish containers in tank for 15 minutes
• Gradually mix tank water into containers
• Gently release fish into tank
• Watch for signs of stress

Special Situations and Tips

Moving Long Distances

For moves over a few hours, consider these options:

• Ask local pet stores about boarding services
• Have friends temporarily house your fish
• Ship fish after setting up the new tank
• Use professional aquarium moving services

Very Large Tanks

Big aquariums (over 50 gallons) need extra planning:

• Hire professional movers with aquarium experience
• Consider dismantling complex setups completely
• Plan for longer setup time at new location
• Have backup equipment ready

Saltwater Tanks

Marine aquariums need special care:

• Save even more of the original water (90%+)
• Keep live rock completely underwater
• Transport corals in specialized containers
• Test water chemistry before adding animals back

Signs Your Fish Are Stressed After Moving

Watch your fish closely for the first week after moving. Look for:

Physical signs:

• White spots on skin (ich disease)
• Torn or clamped fins
• Loss of color
• Rapid breathing

Behavior changes:

• Hiding more than usual
• Not eating
• Swimming strangely
• Being more aggressive

If you see these signs, do small daily (~10%) water changes—never change more than 25%-30% of the water at a time.

Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Rush the Process

Moving an aquarium takes time. Plan for several hours, especially for large tanks. Rushing leads to accidents and stressed fish.

Don't Use Soap on Containers

If you're reusing household containers for transporting fish and their tanks, ensure they haven't previously held chemicals, cleaners, or other substances that could harm your fish. Likewise, don't wash containers out with soap—rinse them only.

Don't Mix Fish Species During Transport

Keep different types of fish separate during the move. Stress makes some fish more aggressive, and you don't want fighting in small containers.

Don't Forget About Temperature

If moving in extreme temperatures, use insulated containers to keep your pets' environment stable. Fish can die quickly from temperature shock.

Professional Moving Help

When to Hire Professionals

Consider hiring professional movers if you have:

• Very large or expensive tanks
• Rare or valuable fish
• Complex aquarium systems
• Physical limitations that make lifting difficult
• Long-distance moves

What Professional Movers Offer

Experienced moving companies can help with:

• Specialized packing materials
• Proper lifting techniques
• Insurance for valuable equipment
• Knowledge of local regulations
• Connections with pet transport services

If you're moving in Alberta, companies like Last Stop Moving understand the challenges of relocating delicate items and can provide the careful handling your aquarium needs.

The Bottom Line on Moving Fish Tanks

Moving a fish tank with fish inside is never the safe choice. The risks to your fish's health and your own safety are too high. While it takes more time and effort to move fish separately, it's the only way to ensure everyone stays safe and healthy.

Remember these key points:

• Always remove fish before moving the tank
• Save 75-80% of the old tank water
• Plan ahead and don't rush
• Watch fish closely after the move
• Get help when you need it

Final Thoughts

Moving a fish tank might seem overwhelming, but thousands of fish owners do it successfully every year. The secret is taking your time, following the right steps, and putting safety first.

Your fish depend on you to keep them safe during this stressful time. By removing them from the tank before moving and taking care with every step, you'll have them settled happily in their new home before you know it.

Planning a move with your aquarium? Take the time to do it right - your fish will thank you for it! And if you need help with the heavy lifting, don't hesitate to contact professional movers who understand the special care aquariums require.