Who Gives A Fish Forums

Hi All,

I'm planning a move from Colorado to Alaska and I'm curious if anyone has experience moving a tank internationally or via ferry. I'll be transporting my 60g glass tank, either in a pod or on a Uhaul, and it'll be taking the ferry through the Inside Passage after reaching Washington.

I'm looking for advice on how to pack it safely for the journey. If aquarium supplies were readily available in AK, I'd consider selling the tank and getting a new one, but unfortunately, that's not the case.

On a separate note, I have some tetras, BSP Angels, assorted angels, snails, and other aquarium inhabitants that I'm willing to part with if anyone in Denver is interested. I'm assuming it's not feasible to bring the fish along, but I'm open to suggestions.

Has anyone here successfully moved an aquarium from the lower 48 to AK, or even Hawaii, which I assume would involve a similar process?

To pack your tank securely, start by placing protective padding, such as pillows or towels, at the bottom. Then, insert the lid diagonally into the tank. Fill any remaining space with additional towels to prevent movement. Before placing the tank in a box, wrap it in blankets or another protective layer for extra cushioning.

Finding a suitable box might be challenging, but you can try visiting home appliance stores to ask for larger boxes. If needed, cut a customized box from these to create a multi-layered box that fits your tank. Another option is building a 2x2 and plywood plank crate to enclose your wrapped tank.

When preparing the box, be sure to clearly label it "Fragile" and "This side Up" on all sides to minimize the risk of damage during transit.

As @kokomo pointed out, crating is the way to go if you're using movers. Securing the tank to the base with a foam base is a must. I've had some experience with this - my dad and I moved a 75-gallon tank from LA to Calgary years ago, but we had the luxury of pulling our own trailer, which allowed us to pack the tank in a way that prevented shifting or pressure on the sides and bottom.

Thanks for the advice, it's really helpful. I'm in a bit of a tricky situation since I'll be separated from my stuff during the move, and I won't be able to keep an eye on it. I like the idea of a crate, and I think I can find some big boxes at Home Depot - they usually have those from appliances. They also have this weird spray foam that hardens when it dries, might be a bit messy but it could be worth it if it keeps my tank safe. I'll have to look into that.