Temporary tank move

Rubasu · 04/18/2016, 08:16 AM

I'm getting carpet installed and I plan to add an overflow/sump to my 40B while it's getting done.

I have a spare 20H that I plan to put everything in while I do this (just 2 clowns, a carpenters flasher wrasse, and the cuc.) They will be fine in there for a month or so... But for the actual transfer, can I just take water and the rock from the 40 and put it in the 20 without issues? (I can do this within probably 20 minutes.)

I couldn't imagine any die-off or anything since I can have the 20 filled before the 40 is drained far enough for the rock to hit air. Just curious if there's anything that I should watch out for.

nuttyd · 04/18/2016, 08:21 AM

Would have a bucket with tank water large enough to dip the rocks and give them a good shake to get any extra loose crap off. Will help you with any possible spike. Might also consider having a bottle of prime ready and test ofter after move for ammonia spikes.

thegrun · 04/18/2016, 08:34 AM

I've done this several times in the past and you should be fine. I agree with nuttyd that having some prime or amquel on hand in case there is enough detritus stirred up to cause a new cycle is a good idea. I would not try to transfer or reuse the sand. get some new dry sand when you finally get the new tank set up. You might also consider using a Brute trash can as your temporary tank during the process, it will give the fish a little more room.

Rubasu · 04/18/2016, 09:10 AM

Thanks, both of you. Yeah, I plan on getting new sand when I set up the 40 again. And I think I'm just going to keep the 20g bare bottom while they're in there. The fish are all pretty small (clowns are 2" and 1.5" and the wrasse is maybe 2" right now.)

04/18/2016, 08:16 AM	#1
Rubasu Registered Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 230	Temporary tank move I'm getting carpet installed and I plan to add an overflow/sump to my 40B while it's getting done. I have a spare 20H that I plan to put everything in while I do this (just 2 clowns, a carpenters flasher wrasse, and the cuc.) They will be fine in there for a month or so... But for the actual transfer, can I just take water and the rock from the 40 and put it in the 20 without issues? (I can do this within probably 20 minutes.) I couldn't imagine any die-off or anything since I can have the 20 filled before the 40 is drained far enough for the rock to hit air. Just curious if there's anything that I should watch out for. __________________ 40 Breeder / 20L Sump: Ocellaris Clown - Green Star Polyps, Kenya Tree, Brown Palys, Blue Mushrooms...and the clean up crew.

04/18/2016, 09:10 AM	#4
Rubasu Registered Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 230	Thanks, both of you. Yeah, I plan on getting new sand when I set up the 40 again. And I think I'm just going to keep the 20g bare bottom while they're in there. The fish are all pretty small (clowns are 2" and 1.5" and the wrasse is maybe 2" right now.) __________________ 40 Breeder / 20L Sump: Ocellaris Clown - Green Star Polyps, Kenya Tree, Brown Palys, Blue Mushrooms...and the clean up crew.

04/18/2016, 08:21 AM	#2
nuttyd Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Coral Gables Posts: 520	Would have a bucket with tank water large enough to dip the rocks and give them a good shake to get any extra loose crap off. Will help you with any possible spike. Might also consider having a bottle of prime ready and test ofter after move for ammonia spikes.

04/18/2016, 08:34 AM	#3
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	I've done this several times in the past and you should be fine. I agree with nuttyd that having some prime or amquel on hand in case there is enough detritus stirred up to cause a new cycle is a good idea. I would not try to transfer or reuse the sand. get some new dry sand when you finally get the new tank set up. You might also consider using a Brute trash can as your temporary tank during the process, it will give the fish a little more room.