CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

I am moving about 45 minutes away and I was wondering if anyone has tips on moving with fish? I have a 55g with 6 med size cichlids. I will probably be upgrading to a larger tank (180 or 210g) in the new house. I will most likely have to set up a 10 gal temporary holding tank. What is the best way to transport them... bags, large plastic container, etc? Do they need air? Anything else? Thanks!

Hi,
for a quick move like that, large plastic containors with lids is the way to go. That will get them from point a to point b. Now as for upgradeing the tank, perfect time to do it. Keep your filter media and just put it in the new tank, with the fish, gravel, etc, and near instant ready to go tank. Keep an eye on spikes, just to be sure, but you will have a pretty good established's colonies in your filters to help keep ammonia, and nitrite in check.

I've used common coolers in the past. They have lids, are insulated and most people already own one or two.

Rubbermade tubs and coolers are the best for moving, you don't have to worry about bags splitting and the lids are there to keep them from jumping out. If it's only a forty-five minute drive there should definately be enough O2 in the water. but make sure to put a bubbler in when you get there to set up the new tank.

Thanks for the help. Sounds like a big container or cooler is the way to go. Will it hurt if I just get a battery powered airstone? How about Stress Coat? I don't want to skimp on precautions.

A battery powered airstone is a precaution that is a good investment. As for stress coat, I wouldn't worry about it until you get them back in the tank. Aqua Plus is a great investment as well, it is a declorinator as well as good for stress coat. I don't know if a 10 gal tank is big enough for a holding tank. My suggestion is 33 gal with lots of hiding places or the 55 gal that you already have until the new tank is up and running.