Any suggestions on moving a tank?

[ept04]

I will be relocating from the Pittsfield area to the Albany area and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to safely move a 90 gallon fully established reef tank. I have moved tanks before and I actually bought my 90 gallon as a used setup so I know what a headache moving tanks can be. Anyone have any recent experience or have any good suggestions?

It’s about an hour drive and I was planning on renting a large van or moving truck to carry everything. I am wondering if I should set up a holding tank or one of those grey livestock bins and transfer my fish and coral into that….and then move all the living stuff back into my 90g after its all setup in the new location??? Or would it be better to just move everything all at once and just set up the 90g the same day??

As far as moving supplies I have: 2x 10-gallon bins, 2x 30-gallon bins and 12x 5-gallon sealable buckets. I also was thinking about buying one of those large grey Rubbermaid livestock tanks that you can buy at a farm store…if I decide to go that route.

Open to any suggestions

Thanks!
-Erik

 

[Dave ESPI]

A one inch diameter 8 foot rubber hose will be usefull for beating yourself with.


* or for draining the tank water out into those buckets .

Glad I could help


EDIT: I'm moving tanks today myself..... argh.. I hate moving tanks.

 

[michaelg]

The biggest problem IMO is sand. There is a bunch of cruddy toxic stuff deep in the bed, and is not advisable to re-use it after moving without giving the tank several days and a huge water change after moving it. Fresh sand is a better option, but again, you would want to give it a couple days. Getting a stock tank is actually a good way of doing it- but have the stock tank just ready for the animals- I wouldn't try to transport them in it. a 1 hr move isn't long, but the break down might take a while. airpumps are helpful, and there are battery operated ones that can be used. When I moved a tank before, I did it mostly with rubbermaid bins (not super big). Have salt water already made at the new place.

 

[ept04]

Thanks for the advice.....yes, the sand was a big concern for me...as I remember when I set up my tank originally the sand was left in the bottom and it took a day or so for the water to clear up. I know a lot of people have mixed views on re-using live sand, replacing all of it entirely, half old-half new, etc.

This is definately one of my major concerns and I haven't decided what route to go. I know that the sand bed in my tank is about 5 years old and its the really fine sugar size sand.

 

[DanConnor]

I would definitely have the livestock trough set up; even if you don't have to use it, it will be worth the money as insurance.

I would siphon out all the sand before hand, and set the tank up barebottom. Add the sand in later, if you want, when everything is adjusted.

 

[krajacich]

I just did a nine hour move with my 72g bowfront. I put the majority of the rock into rubbermaid garbage cans. The fish & inverts went into 5 gal orange Home Depot buckets.

We actually borrowed my parents mini-van for the move. It has some power outlet in the back so we were able to plug in a couple of pumps. I put my Tunze in the garbage cans for water movement. I put little battery powered air pumps onto the orange buckets & threaded the airline & airstone into the water through a hole in the lid.

I just tossed all my sand and used new when we got to the new house. I put everything into the tank right away and never saw an ammonia spike. No casualities but it was a REALLY long day. Good luck with your move.

 

[xxxbadfishxxx]

i will be moving within the next three months as well, but i am only moving like 2 miles away. I plan on setting up my quarantine tank at the new house a couple days before i actually move the tanks. I will put all livestock (Fish, Coral, Hermits, & Snails) in this tank for a couple days. I will have water pre-made at the new house, as well as all new sand. I will keep 50% of the tank water, and use 50% new water. Hopefully with 2-3 days i will start transporting from the hospital tank to my 50 Gallon and nano. Hope this helps.

 

[plandy]

Don't forget the ever valuable battery operated air pump(s). Keep the fishes covered at all times inbetween transfer. As to how to move them from one place to other, there are many ways. Choose the safest path possible.

 

[gary greguire]

my personal preferance is to bag fish and corals just like when you buy them keep them in coolers or styros. keep the rock in the tubs with enough water to just cover the rock. do not re use the sand go BB and add sand later if you feel the need.. the most important thing IMO is to have pleanty of ro di water or even better to have it already mixed with salt waiting at the new place and ready to add to the tank when you get it there and set up.. This method will allow you 24+ hours to get everything back up and running...

when you transfer the old rock to the new tank shake it out good in a pail of sw so not to transfer allot of dietris..

Good luck I have moved several with 5- 10 hours drive time

 

[ept04]

Thank You for all the replies/advice......I still have a lot of planning to do.....

At this point I am even contemplating setting up a 65 gallon at the new location before hand and then transferring my livestock into that. If I end up going that route I will have my 90 gallon tank and an Oak stand and canopy up for sale....anyone interested?

 

[scorp1on]

PM with the price you are asking and time frame you are planning on taking it down please