Don't Flush or Release Your Goldfish Before a Move

Alberta has been forced to start a campaign urging residents to stop flushing and releasing their goldfish. These abandoned pets make their way into local ponds and lakes, taking over and upsetting the natural ecosystem.

The province reports that goldfish -- some as large as dinner plates -- have been found. In one storm pond in Wood Buffalo alone 40 fish were captured.

Sure goldfish don't have a long shelf life, but don't flush them or release them into the wild. Transport them during your move instead by following the tips below!

Before your move

• Stop feeding your goldfish a few days before your move so they secrete less waste

During your move

• Wait until the last minute to move your goldfish, this will help decrease stress levels
• Fill a seal-able plastic bag with water from your goldfish's tank (25 percent of this bag should be the re-used water, the rest should be air to provide your pet with oxygen) -- if you are moving multiple goldfish, they should each have their own bag
• Place this sealed bag inside a Styrofoam cooler (do not place bags on top of each other when moving multiple goldfish)
• Reserve some of the old tank water in a plastic bucket along with the uncleaned tank filter for when you arrive at your new home to preserve the bacteria colony
• Clean any decorations and place them inside plastic bags, the gravel can be thrown away
• When travelling, keep your goldfish out of direct sunlight

After your move

• Set up your goldfish's tank immediately upon arrival
• Re-integrate your decorations, fill the tank with the reserved water and hook up the filter, giving it some time to run so you can ensure everything is working properly
• Place your bagged goldfish into the tank and give him or her time to acclimate to the water temperature
• If your goldfish is behaving normally, add a cup of tank water to the bag and reseal
• Repeat this process several times in five or ten minute intervals
• If your goldfish continues to act normally, you can open the bag and allow your pet to swim free