Advice on moving an adopted fish tank

[Starface]

Hoping for some advice. My DB is emigrating and has said we can adopt his fish tank. He lives 1.5 hours away. It seems a happy tank as he says it takes minimal care.

Any ideas about best way to get it and fish here safely? I need to form a moving plan. Also top tips on what to read/ learn. I want to do best for the fish really. I am assuming no need for fishless cycling. But know next to nothing else.

TIA

[MrsPestilence]

Fish need to move in those big thick plastic bags. About one third water, two thirds air, knot or clip at top.
Guess you also need to put the rest of the water in bags. Reassemble when you get home. Have buckets of water ready at home for the reassembly.
Will be a strange looking car load.
Big plastic tubs, towels and don't forget to collect all water treatments and test stuff.

[ihatetosay]

what type of fish as obv gold fish are going to be a lot easier than a tropical tank to get right

[reallyanotherone]

As long as you keep the filter (never clean the filter, especially the manky sponge inside, the mankiness is bacteria which are very important), the gravel, and about 1/3 of the water it should set up the other end ok.

Unless it's saltwater or particularly delicate tropical fish.

As for reading/learning, best sign up for yoir degree in water chemistry now. I'm nearly serious. I am a chemist but bloody hell keeping fish alive was beyond me. There's a forum called tropicalfishforums which are fantastic, and very tolerant of naive newbies :). They will answer all questions .

[Dieu]

Certain fish (can't remember which, but they have delicate spines) will need boxed rather than bagged. Totally agree about the above mentioned forum - it's great!

[sharklovers]

Buy a couple of cheap camping water carriers off eBay, the soft foldible plastic ones. No need to keep all the water but about a 1/3 would be great and of course treat and temp match fresh water for the rest. Make sure the filter sponges are kept in water as well during the move.

[Dieu]

Yes, because if the filters dry out, the good bacteria will be lost!