--- title: How to Move a Fish Tank: Fish, Water and Glass url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-fish-tank/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - How to move a fish tank or aquarium # How to move a fish tank Water weighs about 8.34 pounds per gallon, so a 20-gallon tank holds roughly 167 pounds of water and must be moved empty. Move the fish separately in bags of their own tank water, and keep the glass, stand and equipment as three separate jobs. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) ## Eight steps to move an aquarium - Plan the fish. Arrange for the fish to travel with you, not on the truck, and prepare buckets with lids and bags with an air pocket. - Stop feeding a day ahead. Skip feeding on the day before the move so there is less waste in the bags. - Save tank water. Keep a few gallons of tank water in clean buckets to refill the new tank and bag the fish. - Move the fish. Catch the fish with a net, bag them in tank water and keep them out of heat and cold. - Remove decor and plants. Place decorations and live plants in a bucket of tank water and pack gear in a labelled box. - Drain and clean. Drain the tank into buckets, remove gravel into sealed containers, and drain filters but keep the media wet. - Pack the glass. Wrap the empty tank in padding, lay foam inside the base and move it upright with the stand separately. - Rebuild. Set up the new tank on a level surface, refill with saved and treated water and let the fish settle. An aquarium is a living system in a heavy glass box. Moving it works when you treat the fish, the water and the glass as three different problems. Plan the fish first, because they are the part with a clock. ## Water weight is the rule The USGS gives the weight of water at about 8.34 pounds per gallon. A 55-gallon tank holds over 450 pounds of water alone. That is why a tank is never carried full and why the floor under it at the new home matters. ## The fish and the clock Fish cope with a few hours in a bag or a covered bucket, but heat, cold and shaking are risks. A long-distance move calls for a plan made in advance, such as a pet shop, a friend or a fish shipper. See [moving with fish](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-fish/) and [what movers will not move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/what-movers-will-not-move/) for the rules movers follow on live animals and plants. ## The glass and the stand Wrap the tank in padding and carry it upright, never by the rim. Foam sheets inside the base protect the bottom pane. The stand moves like any piece of furniture; see [how to wrap furniture](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-wrap-furniture-for-moving/). Mention the tank to the O'Brien's estimator so it appears on the written list. ## After the move The biological filter can take time to recover after a move. Test the water, feed lightly and watch the fish for a few days. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [USGS, Water Density](https://www.usgs.gov/water-science-school/science/water-density) - [FMCSA, Protect Your Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Moving with fish](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-fish/) - [What movers will not move (hazardous items)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/what-movers-will-not-move/) - [How to wrap furniture for moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-wrap-furniture-for-moving/) Moving guides ## Read next - [How to move a freezer](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-freezer/) - [How to move a stove or range](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-stove/) - [How to move a dishwasher](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-dishwasher/) - [How to pack vinyl records](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-records/) - [Moving with a newborn](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-a-newborn/) - [Moving after a divorce](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-after-divorce/) - [Moving in together](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-in-together/) - [Moving out of your parents' house](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-out-of-your-parents-house/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Can I leave the water in the tank? No. A filled tank is too heavy and the glass can crack from the weight and motion. ### Can the fish go on the moving truck? No. Fish should travel with you in a temperature-stable place. ### How long can fish stay in a bag? A few hours is common; for longer trips, ask a pet shop or an aquarium specialist. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) E Edward G. September 14, 2025 James and the crew were terrific. N Nicole B. June 25, 2025 The crew worked extremely hard and treated our belongings with care. Customer service was outstanding leading up to, during, and after move. Thank you! C Charles C. May 31, 2025 Great company, I'd highly recommend for any move!!! ### Owner's reply Charles, It was a pleasure working with you on your moves. We hope your trip is amazing and if you ever come back our way, we will be happy to help. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to complete this review on our behalf. ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070