Moving a fish tank is one of the most stressful parts of any home relocation — and it’s something most moving companies simply won’t touch. At Ardie’s Movers, we’re one of the only moving companies in Ottawa Valley equipped and experienced to handle aquarium moves safely, whether you have a 20-gallon starter tank or a 200-gallon custom built-in.
After more than 30 years helping families across Arnprior, Ottawa, and Renfrew County move everything from grand pianos to full households, we know that some items need more than muscle. Fish tanks need a plan.
Fish tank & aquarium movers in arnprior & OTTAWA VALLEY
WHY FISH TANK MOVING IS DIFFERENT
A standard moving crew treats a fish tank like a piece of furniture. That’s a problem. Aquariums are fragile in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. The glass can crack under uneven pressure. The silicone seals can fail if the tank is titled incorrectly. Substrate, filters, and live plants hold beneficial bacteria that keeps your fish alive — disturb them the wrong way, and you risk crashing your tank’s ecosystem before your fish ever reach their new home.
Then there’s the fish themselves. Bagged or bucketed incorrectly, fish can suffocate or go into shock within hours. Temperature swings during transport — especially during Ottawa Valley winters — can be fatal for tropical species. This is why we approach evert aquarium move with a proper process, not guesswork.
OUR AQUARIUM MOVING PROCESS
(STEP BY STEP)
PRE-MOVE PLANNING
Every fish tank move starts with a conversation. We'll ask about tank size and weight, fish and livestock types, move distance, and any specialist equipment such as sumps or canister filters. This lets us arrive fully prepared on moving day — not improvise.
Fish and livestock removal
Your fish are bagged or placed in sealed, aerated buckets with original tank water — never tap water — to preserve water chemistry. For larger or sensitive species we use appropriately sized containers with battery-powered air stones to maintain oxygen levels throughout the move.
WateR MANAGEMENT
We drain a significant portion of the tank and save it in clean, sealed containers. Keeping as much original water as possible preserves the beneficial bacteria your tank needs to stay cycled.
EQUIMENT AND SUBSTRATE HANDLING
Filters, heaters, powerheads, and lighting are disconnected, drained, and packed carefully. Live rock, substrate, and decorations are kept damp in sealed bags — never allowed to dry out — to protect the biological life within them. The empty tank is wrapped, padded, and transported upright at all times.
transport and temperature control
For local moves within Arnprior or Ottawa Valley, we complete transport quickly to minimise the time fish spend in bags. For longer moves or cold-weather transport, we use insulated containers and heat packs prevent temperature shock.
SETUP AT YOUR NEW HOME
We position your tank, reconnect all equipment, return your fish and saved water, and walk you through what to monitor over the next 24-48 hours — including when to test water parameters to confirm your cycle has remained intact.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN YOUR FISH TANK MOVE
- Pre-move consultation and planning
- Fish and livestock bagging and transport in aerated containers
- Original tank water preservation and transport
- Substrate, filter media, and live rock kept moist and protected
- Equipment disconnection, careful packaging, and full reconnection
- Tank wrapping, padding, and upright transport
- PLACEMENT AND SETUP AT YOUR NEW HOME
- POST-MOVE GUIDANCE ON WATER TESTING AND MONITORING
- FULL INSURANCE COVERAGE THROUGHOUT THE MOVE
TYPES OF AQUARIUMS WE MOVE
Freshwater community tanks
The most common aquarium move we handle — community tanks, planted setups, and cichlid tanks of all sizes across Arnprior and Ottawa Valley.
SALTWATER REEF AND TANKS
Saltwater and reef aquariums are the most delicate moves we do. Live coral, sensitive invertebrates, and carefully maintained salinity all require extra care. We will always be upfront if a particular setup requires specialist reef transport beyond what we provide.
LARGE AND CUSTOM AQUARIUMS
Built-in tanks, room divider aquariums, and tanks over 100 gallons often require partial disassembly or specialist rigging. We assess these on a case-by-case basis and provide a clear quote before any work begins.
pond fish and outdoor water features
Moving koi, goldfish, or other pond fish as part of a larger home move? We can help with temporary transport and holding containers to keep your outdoor fish safe during the transition.
TRANSPARENT PRICING — NO SURPRISES
Fish tank moving is priced based on tank size, livestock type, move distance, and complexity of setup and teardown. We provide a clear, written quote before moving day so you know exactly what to expect.
As a general guide:
• Small to medium tanks (up to 75 gallons) — local move: starting from $150-$300
• Large tanks (75-150 gallons) — local move: starting from $300-$500
• Extra-large or custom tanks (150+ gallons): priced individually after consultation
Call 343-353-9900 or contact us online for a free estimate specific to your tank and your move.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
Do I need to be present during the fish tank move?
We strongly recommend it, at least for the fish removal and setup stages. You know your tank and your fish best, and being present helps us make the right calls quickly if anything comes up.
How long does a fish tank move take?
For a standard 50-75 gallon community tank with a local move, plan for 2-4 hours including teardown, transport, and setup. Larger or more complex tanks take longer. We provide a realistic time estimate when you book.
Can you move my tank in winter?
Yes. We take extra precautions in cold weather — insulated transport containers and heat packs for fish bags — to prevent temperature shock during Ottawa Valley winters. We have been moving in this climate for over 30 years.
What should I do to prepare before moving day?
Stop feeding your fish 24-48 hours before the move to reduce waste in the transport water. Have your tank’s test kit ready for when the tank is back up and running. We will walk you through any other preparation steps when you book.
Do you move fish tanks as part of a larger home move?
Absolutely. Many clients add aquarium moving as part of a full residential move. We coordinate the fish tank within the overall move plan so everything arrives safely and in the right order. Visit our Residential Moving page for details on our full home moving service.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ALSO CONSIDERING STORAGE?
If there is a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, we offer secure furniture storage in Arnprior for the rest of your belongings while your tank is handled separately. Ask about bundling storage with your fish tank move for a single, seamless booking.
Visit our Furniture Storage page for details.
BOOK YOUR FISH TANK MOVE TODAY
Don’t leave your aquarium — or your fish — to a crew that has never handled one before. Contact Ardie’s Movers for a free, no-obligation fish tank moving estimate anywhere in Arnprior, Ottawa, or across Ottawa Valley.
QUICK LINKS
SERVICE AREAS
- ARNPRIOR
- RENFREW COUNTY
- OTTAWA
- KANATA
- CARLETON PLACE
- GATINEAU
- OTTAWA-VALLEY
CONTACT US!
- 343-353-9900
- Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM
- 124 4th Ave, Arnprior, ON K7S 0A9, Canada