Best way to move tanks?

[Salty Cracker]

The wife just took a new job offer and it looks like we are moving. It will not be a long move only about 80 miles away. What is the best way to move reef tanks?

 

[moneymm]

How big of a tank and what is in it

 

[ghellin]

If you are able to at the new place get as much saltwater ready to go and have it ready as you will always do a big water change in the move.

 

[Frantz]

I moved my tank from Atlanta Ga to Mech Pennsylvania (and as we speak am setting up in Lewisberry Pa). For the long distance move I took PVC and put air stones in the bottom for aeration and water circulation in 5 g buckets with lids from HD, two holes drilled for air hose and pressure. I set up and had minimal losses to coral. My Mandarin didn't make it, but I didn't lose my two Maroon clowns, and they are still well!

As we speak I am letting my RODI make water in our new home. When I fill the tank I'll work water chem best I can. I'll do several water changes over the next few days. I kept my sand and added new sand on top. LR is original. i have lots of macro alge in the tank at this time, and I am not going to do anything to kill it off right now. It's not ideal to move a tank without cycling a new one, but it's doable, you just have to be attentive!

 

[Frantz]

oh, and if it's a big tank, buy beer and make friends.... The professional glass suction cups for large sheets of glass work well. Myself and 4 other guys used them to move a 300 g tank. through a door with much better security than just holding the bottom.

 

[BBURKE]

Bought and moved a 180g which had softies and fish and 200 lbs of live rock lots of buckets and containers , it's an all day event good luck , do replace the sand though, so I was told