How to Move House With a Fish Tank: A Step-by-Step Guide for Cardiff Movers

Moving home can be a stressful experience—especially when you have aquatic pets to consider. If you're a tenant or landlord in Fairwater, Cardiff, and wondering how to safely move a fish tank, this guide is for you.

At Red Key Lettings, we’ve helped hundreds of tenants and landlords in Fairwater, Llandaff, Danescourt, and Cardiff West with their moves, and we know that transporting fish requires extra care and planning.

Follow our expert advice to keep your fish safe, stress-free, and thriving in their new home.

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🧰 Step 1: Gather the Right Supplies

Before moving your aquarium, make sure you’re fully prepared.

You’ll need:

• A fish net

• Plastic bags or buckets (for transporting the fish)

• Rubber bands to seal the bags

• Watertight containers (especially for saltwater tanks)

• Separate containers for ornaments, plants, and gravel

If you're moving within Fairwater or nearby Cardiff suburbs, using the original tank water helps reduce stress on your fish. This keeps the water chemistry consistent during the move.

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🐠 Step 2: Prepare the Fish for Transport

Never move fish while they’re still inside the tank. While it might seem easier, transporting a filled tank is dangerous and likely to cause damage—to both the tank and the fish.

Instead:

• Use the existing tank water to fill the bags or buckets

• Transfer the fish gently using a soft net

• Leave air space in each bag if using sealed plastic

• Use lidded containers for longer journeys

These steps reduce the shock to your fish and mimic their current environment during transport.

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🧼 Step 3: Empty and Clean the Tank

Once the fish are safely secured:

• Remove all decorations, plants, and gravel

• Drain the tank (keeping water if possible)

• Scrub the tank using non-toxic cleaning products

• Allow it to dry completely before loading it into your vehicle

💡 Top Tip for Fairwater Movers: If you're considering a fish tank upgrade, this is the perfect time. Your fish are already displaced, so switching tanks now can reduce the need for another stressful change later.

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📦 Step 4: Protect the Tank in Transit

Even though fish tanks are bulky, they’re incredibly fragile.

To avoid damage during your move in or out of Fairwater:

• Dismantle any removable parts (lids, pumps, filters)

• Wrap the tank in bubble wrap or moving blankets

• Place the tank upright and clearly mark it as fragile

• Transport it in your own vehicle, if possible

Many professional movers don’t transport live animals, including fish—so plan ahead.

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🚗 Step 5: Transport Your Fish Safely

Most removal companies in Cardiff and South Wales won’t move live animals. That means the responsibility of transporting your fish will likely fall to you.

Ensure they’re in a stable, temperature-controlled environment—preferably your own car—and go directly to your new home without delay.

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🏠 Step 6: Set Up the Tank in Your New Fairwater Property

Now for the exciting part: reintroducing your fish to their home—just in a new location!

• Inspect the tank for any cracks or damage

• Add gravel, ornaments, and plants back in place

• Refill using the original tank water (if preserved)

• Restart all systems (filters, lights, heater, aeration)

• Let the tank run for at least 2 hours before adding the fish

Use a net to gently return your fish. Avoid pouring them directly from the bag or bucket.

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👀 Step 7: Monitor Your Fish Post-Move

Fish are very sensitive to changes in environment and water chemistry, so after settling into your new Fairwater rental property:

• Resume your normal feeding routine quickly

• Watch for signs of stress or illness

• Seek advice from an aquatics expert if needed

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✅ Let Red Key Help You With Your Move in Fairwater

Whether you’re a tenant moving between properties in Fairwater or a landlord preparing a rental for new occupants, Red Key Lettings are here to help.

We’re your local property experts for Fairwater, Llandaff, Canton, and across Cardiff and South Wales. With years of experience helping tenants and landlords with smooth, stress-free moves, we’re always happy to offer advice and support.

📞 Call us on 02920 090690 / 0333 3447850
📧 Or email hello@redkeylets.co.uk

Let us take the stress out of your next move—fish and all!

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