The Puffer Forum

I actually had a question...

I have moved several aquariums before including my 100g Mono Sebae set up but things have never gone too smoothly (Lost a few fish the last time). I have always transported my fish in Rubbermaid containers or large buckets and added Amquel for ammonia and stress, kept the filter media moist in tank water, Kept the gravel, drift wood and other decorations in tank water, ect, ect.

But still always had issues with the tanks nitrites and nitrates spiking once I set it back up...I am moving a very short distance this time (only a 5 min. drive) but am very worried about my GSP because he is very moody compared to my other fish (my Monos and Archers dont seem to get bothered by anything).

1. Is there anything anyone can suggest to make a move go smoothly?
2. How much tank water do you recommend I try to keep?
3. What is the best way to get the Sand out of the aquarium without scratching the glass and quickly? (This has always been a pain!!!)
4. Would it be a good idea to set up a temp tank (20g) at new place, so I can move simply bag puffer up and put him in temp. tank, then go back and take down his tank and set it up at the new place...Only problem is that the temp tank will not be cycled, but he would only be in it for a few hours or so...Does this make any sense???


Thanks for all your help!

Ensure the tub you have your filter media in is aerated to ensure the bacteria doesn't die off.

If you set up the temp tank and got the water dechlorinated and up to temperature adding one of your already established filters to the tank should work while you get his tank set up and then just move him over when it's ready.

Keep as much tank water as you can but it's not as important as keeping the filter media and substrate as they will hold the most of the bacteria.

Quickest way I can think of getting the sand out of the tank is shoving the gravel syphon into it and sucking it out into a container.

If you have spikes I would concentrate on keeping the bacteria in the filter alive. I would put the floss/media in a small bucket with tank water and put a small battery operated aerator in there, if you have one.

Seems a kinda simple question - but can't you keep the sand in the tank? I appreciate wet sand weighs a bloody ton and this depends on the size of the tank.

Also, the tamp tank - i presume it's the same salinity as the host tank - else it'll ruin the bacteria if you put one of your filters in there.

Finally, double bag the puff - he may get a bit arsey and try and bite his way out if he gets stressed. (NB, he wouldn't actually chew his way out, but you'd lose water). I suggest this if he gets easily stressed - rather than putting him in the buckets with your other fish - as he may lash out.

Other than that you seem to have it pretty much covered. Always plan! think about silly things like location of the new tank, will it get direct light, is there enough room to get cleaning stuff (buckets etc) near it when water changing, power outlets close enough etc etc

I'm actually going to be moving very soon. The last time I moved I actually left most of the substrate in the tank and lifted the tank off the stand and on to a dolley right next to the tank. Rolled the dolley to the truck and quickly lifted it into the truck. Did the reverse when unloading. I know its not recommend but it worked - plus I left enough water with the substrate to keep it wet.

For the fish I have a couple 20 gallon rubbermaid containers that I fill up as much as possible. Typically it takes two people to lift them. I like to keep as much water as possible.

I didn't loose anyone last time and I'm hoping this time is the same.

Its a bonus that I'm only moving 3 miles too!

MP