How to Move a Tank

[mluntz]

We are thinking about moving into an apartment. I am not sure what needs to be done to move the tank. I think it will probably be a real PITA. Thanks for the help!

[Sk8r]

Get some coolers. They have lids. Don't try to heat the water: if it cools off some, it helps the fish survive (not safe below 62). Move fast, and have an airstone rig to handle all of them. Corals likewise. You can keep them in a rubbermaid Brute---or your qt tank for several days in the apartment with a bubbler while you handle the tank move. Have Prime on hand.
Discard the sand, get some new live sand (which I understand doesn't have to be washed) and set up asap in the new digs. Most modern apartments use rebar and foamed concrete for floors, so ok on that.
Expect that about 5 days after re-start, the 'new' tank rig will have a mini-cycle, which will soon be over. If you can keep the livestock in the Brute until that's sorted itself out, all should be well.

[BrianKC]

Make up a full tank's worth of new water at your new place before you start the move, as well. You don't need to bring your old water, and you don't want to save the stuff you moved the fish, rocks, and coral in as it'll get icky. I'd definitely move your rocks in water; don't be fooled by people that pack it in wet newspaper. You lose a lot of life if you don't keep it submerged.


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[BigEZ77]

Tagging along. I will be moving in the next year as well.

[billdogg]

In addition to the above advice I would like to add:

Plan on it taking at least twice as long as you think it will. Extra buckets - can't have too many.

If you are setting up the same tank at the new place, buy all new plumbing supplies - it's just easier IMO. If it's a new tank get it set up and ready before you tear down the old tank.(great time for an upgrade btw) Get 2x the fittings you think you'll need, then add a few more to the mix. You can always return the unused ones. Don't try to do anything else - start early and continue until you are done. Have a least one reliable buddy to help.

NO DRINKING UNTIL YOU ARE FINISHED!! Then order a pizza and pop open your beverage of choice.

[BrianKC]

Originally Posted by billdogg

NO DRINKING UNTIL YOU ARE FINISHED!! Then order a pizza and pop open your beverage of choice.

Haha, amen.




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[mluntz]

An upgrade is an interesting idea for sure. Wouldn't some of the old tank water aid in a faster cycle. I was thinking to basically put the LR and corals in one cooler and the fish in another. I don't have a sump, but I might consider one with a new setup. Not trying to spend a ton of $$$.

[davehead86]

Water wont help the cycle. The bacteria in the live rock is what you want to keep alive. Keep it wet.

[billdogg]

Originally Posted by davehead86

Water wont help the cycle. The bacteria in the live rock is what you want to keep alive. Keep it wet.

What he said. Transporting a single drop more than necessary of your old water is, at least IMO, a fool's errand. Even the water you use to transport livestock/rock in will be somewhere close to toxic by the time you get things set up due to ammonia build up.

Set up the new system with 100% new water - think of it as that really big water change you've been putting off. Float the fish/corals to temperature match with the new water and then set them free.

I would also suggest using new sand, although seeding it with a cup or two of the old will help it along quite a bit.

I have moved multiple tanks at a time, hopefully for the last time now. It really is not that difficult, just time consuming and sometimes a bit frustrating because you are on a definite time table and SOMETHING will throw a stick in the works. Plan for as many of those sticks as you can and hopefully the one that hits you will be a small one!

[billdogg]

Originally Posted by davehead86

Water wont help the cycle. The bacteria in the live rock is what you want to keep alive. Keep it wet.

What he said. Transporting a single drop more than necessary of your old water is, at least IMO, a fool's errand. Even the water you use to transport livestock/rock in will be somewhere close to toxic by the time you get things set up due to ammonia build up.

Set up the new system with 100% new water - think of it as that really big water change you've been putting off. Float the fish/corals to temperature match with the new water and then set them free.

I would also suggest using new sand, although seeding it with a cup or two of the old will help it along quite a bit.

I have moved multiple tanks at a time, multiple times, hopefully for the last time now. It really is not that difficult, just time consuming and sometimes a bit frustrating because you are on a definite time table and SOMETHING will throw a stick in the works. Plan for as many of those sticks as you can and hopefully the one that hits you will be a small one!

[anthonys51]

i always use my old water, but only like half. i put it in separate containers, never add the water with the fish or the corals. reason i use the old water is i dont want to do 100 percent want change. not saying you cant, but feel 50 is enough, plus there is nothing wrong with half the water sitting in a garbage can for 4 hours imo

[anthonys51]

but like they said before you will have a mimi cycle, mine lasted 3 days. have prime on hand just in case

[aleok]

for the mini cycle, are you guys leaving all the fish and coral in the brutes? and letting the cycle happen before adding everything back? what if the corals are all over the live rock?