That we are a mobile society now goes without saying. Many families, including those with aquariums full of beloved pet fish, relocate periodically for job, family, school - or maybe even to get closer to a really good fish store!

Should you try it? If your current collection of aquarium fish has little sentimental value and can be reasonably replaced at the new location, it’s certainly simpler to leave them behind. The local aquarium store may accept them, and possibly even offer a small amount of store credit that can be used for merchandise such as filters or food that are easily packed and moved. Likewise, if the move is of many hundreds of miles, the time and effort spent to move the fish may far outweigh their value. On the other hand, a move across town or to the next state is possible and may be practical if properly prepared for and carried out.

Preparation. Ideally, the aquarium(s) should be moved separately from other household belongings, so as to assure proper time and care can be given to the needs of the fish. Fish should not be fed within 24 hours of the moving time to reduce waste output in the traveling containers. Decorations can also be removed in advance to make fish catching easier; removing them just before catching fish often results in a cloudy tank in which it’s difficult to see, much less catch, fish. Moving containers and a few basic necessities (see Check List) should be acquired in ad ...