Planning
Schedule move on low-stress day. No weekend parties after.
Have new tank set up with heater, filter, lights 2 weeks before to start cycling.
Transfer seeded filter media from old tank to speed new cycle.
Day Before
Do not feed fish.
Gather: 5 gallon buckets, nets, new water ready, heater for transport bucket.
Siphon 50% water into storage containers (for reuse).
Move Day
Transfer fish to transport buckets with airstones and heaters.
Drain remaining water, pack substrate separately.
Transport tank empty — never move with water.
New Location Setup
Reassemble substrate and hardscape.
Refill with mixed old water plus dechlorinated new water.
Match temperature before adding fish.
Acclimate fish 15 minutes then release.
First Week After
Daily water tests.
Feed light first 3 days.
Expect mini-cycle — watch ammonia.