Moving house with goldfish

[Prometheus]

We're moving house this week and have two goldfish in a 30 litre tank. I was planning to half empty the tank then drive with the half full tank on my knee to the new house (literally a 3 minute drive away). I would then set up the tank as soon as we got to the new house. Does this sound doable or am I missing something that could turn it into a nightmare?

Doable. I transported pond fish twenty minutes away in a huge box, probably about 60 litres.

Totally doable, I've done the same with more fish and more water. Keep the decanted water and reuse it if possible. Can I suggest you increase your tank size in your new place? 30 litres is a bit cosy!

30 litres for 2 goldfish?

That's not cosy, that's cramped. Recommendations for goldfish health are 30 GALLONS, so 120 litres. If you can upgrade at all when you move, please consider it.

I've moved a goldfish before now in a car. It's surprising how far even a little amount of water can slosh if you are taking corners/roundabouts. I'd recommend keeping the old water in the tank at a level that covered the gravel (as a lot of the beneficial bacteria actually live on your gravel as well as in the filter) and that you submerge the filter too, so that as little of the bacteria in that die off or you'll be back to re establishing your tank from scratch.

Then get a large plastic container with a lid - like a really useful box, as large as the tank if you can. Then clip the lid on tight, which should cut down on sloshing and soaking!

Keep the old water covering the filter and the gravel so that any fish waste in the water keep feeding the bacteria.

Thanks everyone! My friend is a vet and said that 30l is fine for two small goldfish (she keeps hers in a smaller tank!) but will definitely take the advice on board.

Vets don’t exactly get a lot of training about fish.

Google size requirements for goldfish and you will see how completely wrong your friend is.

Also I would move the tank totally empty. Water sloshing around in it can stress the glass which can result in leaks. Buy some supermarket value spring water, empty the bottles then fill with as much tank weather as you can. Keep the filter spring submerged in tank water so you don’t kill the bacteria. Use stresscoat or similar when you get there.

We have a tropical aquarium and it was definitely the most stressful part of moving! DH got boxes from his local fish supplier and bagged them all up before emptying and moving their home (it's as tall as I am, so there's no way we could do it filled with water). I would recommend bagging as it's less likely to involve water everywhere and it's more stable for the fish (assuming it's a very short trip). Alternatively, yes you can keep them in their aquarium but have a cover!

For 2 months or so I commuted along the M5 Glos-Birmingham with Maureen the goldfish-with-attitude in her bowl, and 2 budgies, one of which was paraplegic, the other telling me "my mummy is a beautiful princess", oh! and sometimes ds home from School.

We all survived. Fun times

We had to move house when I was about 12 as a result of Dad's job. We were all heartbroken to leave the village we lived in.

We made the hour or so drive on Moving Day with my Mum & I both in tears and my brother sitting holding the goldfish bowl on his knees. They survived the journey and lived for years. I think it was the most stressful journey my poor Dad drove

Yes goldfish should be in a much bigger tank. It's a common misconception that they grow to the size of the tank they are in, they actually end up stunted and with deformed organs. The biggest tank possible is always best. They are also waste machines so bigger tanks reduces the risk of poor water quality.

I personally would transfer the fish and filter to travel bags or a secure tub with plenty of room for air, would drain the tank into empty bottles or other suitable container to transport, and move the tank empty. Least risk of damage that way and tank can be strapped in or padded.