Step 1 Choose a durable container that is suitably sized for your goldfish. A five gallon bucket with a lid, free of contaminants works well for most goldfish. Using your tank water; fill the bucket in relation to the size and amount of your goldfish.
Your goldfish will be fine with the lid shut tight on the transport bucket if you’re traveling a short distance. If your journey is longer than two hours, then you might need to acquire a battery operated air pump for the trip. If one is not available, be prepared to exchange some water in the bucket with fresh water using water treatment; match temperature as closely as possible.
Goldfish are often shipped in doubled plastic bags filled with freshly changed tank water and topped off with oxygen; this might be how you brought your goldfish home. Your local pet shop might be willing to bag your goldfish. Goldfish have survived several days when bagged appropriately.
Step 2 It might be necessary to remove half of your old tank water which could make it easier to catch your fish. Gently remove any decorations that might provide a convenient hiding place; very gently, in order to keep from polluting the tank during the catch. A clouded tank will reduce the oxygen levels, stressing the goldfish even more.
It might be wise to have your water parameters tested at your new home if you are moving out of town. Tap water can vary greatly from county to county, and especially from state to state. If you find this is the case or you have no way of testing, use water treatment that buffers or neutralizes pH.
Raise or lower pH and water temperatures in 3 degree increments.
Over a period of partial water changes use less and less treatment so that the goldfish slowly become used to the change. It may also be necessary to soften or harden the water; the softer the water, the lower the pH. The comfort zone for a goldfish is 7. to 8.
Step 3 Using clean and well rinsed hands or a plastic container, transfer your goldfish into the transport container; leaving the lid off until you are ready to transport.
Your goldfish will be fine with the lid shut tight if you’re traveling a short distance. If your journey is longer than two hours, then you might need to acquire a battery operated air pump for the trip. If one is not available, be prepared to exchange some water in the bucket with fresh water using water treatment; match temperature as closely as possible.
Step 4 Remove just enough water from your tank or aquarium so that it's light enough to carry; leaving as much standing water as possible at the bottom; leaving the gravel and decorations and mechanisms untouched and inside of the tank. Do not rinse or clean.
Step 5 Upon arrival; set up your tank or aquarium, and fill with treated fresh water; making sure to leave enough space for the container water that your goldfish have been transported in; match the temperature of transported water by 3 degrees. Plug in your pumps or filtering systems turning up the volume for at least half an hour and then return to normal before transferring the goldfish. This will help clear the debris from the water.
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