So I haven't had a tank since I was 15, in that 45 gallon tank I had one oscar, I had the oscar for 3 years before my mother's boyfriend's 4 year old dumped windex in my tank, committing fishy homicide. My 17 year old little brother currently has a 20 gallon tank with a gorgeous oscar that is much too large for the tank it is in. He no longer takes care of the tank because he has lost interest. I am going to rescue the oscar, I'm planning on moving the current tank to my house so that I can care for it until I can get a larger tank(as soon as possible). Problem is, I have NO idea how to move an established tank. HELP ME PLEASE!!!

Just wanted to say welcome to the site...I have never moved an established tank so i'm not much help there but I'm sure someone will give you some advice soon...a lot of good people here with tons of experience!

Welcome!

how far of a move is it??

Welcome to the community

The most important thing that you are going to have to take care of is your biological filter if indeed you don't want to have to go through a full cycle when setting up the tank again. the two most important factors you are going to have to remember is you cannot leave your filter off for too long, and you must not let any of the media dry out. You'll need to transfer the media in the existing tank water. Could you please tell us what type of filters you have got? Also, how long will it take to get from one premises to the other?

it's only about a 10 minute drive, and I'm really not sure about the filter, the tank was bought as a set for my brother, it came with the filter, heater, water conditioner, it's a Tetra setup.

Your beneficial bacteria will survive that long if you can replug it within an hour.
Fresh water with primer could have your water declorinated in an hour.
Best would be to take some buckets of old tank water to get your filter running.
It should be fine to transfer the fish if the filter and bb stay alive.

Welcome to the site, I believe your biggest concern will be to provide a gentle trip for the oscar. Covering the tank with a light cloth might help with any incidental shock.

Welcome to OFL

for a 10 min drive the important thing is getting the fish there unstressed, not breaking the glass in the tank, and keeping the inside of the filter/s wet, then setting up the tank with water at the same temp it was before the move.

I would get a large plastic storage box (50-80L ) fill with some tank water. catch your oscar using a large clear plastic bag as this is easier than a net and dose less damage.place in storage box. if you leave the fish in the plastic bag it will be ready to put into the new setup tank.(you may need to double/triple the bags as oscars have sharp fins that can damage light plastic).

turn off heater and take care if its cold out as it could break when in contact with cold air out of water. wrapping it in a wet cloth may be a better option. keep water inside the filter at all times. move the lot to the new house ASAP without delay.

fill tank with water using hot/cold tap water to match old tank temp. 24-28c add prime or other water conditioner. get the filter running again and then float the oscar with the bag open in the new tank. 15-20 mins should do. then slowly allow the oscar into the new tank. with the tank being so small (20L you say?)I don't see any point saving old water. the oscar will produce enough waste for the filter to continue its work. if you don't think you can get to the new house and set up within a hour you will need to get the filter running while you move/take down and set up. a bucket with old tank water will do. run the filter using this while you move the tank then go back for it. its important you don't leave the filter out of water and not running for a long time 20-40 mins is best but not longer than a hour.

welcome to the site hope you stick around after the move )

welcome aboard.... the guys got you covered...please post an update
after moving....