HELP...Relocating Tank from Dorm to Home

[Just195]

In about two weeks i will need to move my tank back to my house (1.5 hour drive) and am wondering if I can get some tips on the best method to do this.
I have a 12g aquapod with about 10 lbs rock, 1 true perc, 1 four stripe damsel, gsp, pulsing xenia, and kenya trees.

I was thinking the best method would be to put the rock in a 5 gallon bucket and keep the tank about half full. But as for the livestock I'm not sure what would be best.

Thanks.

 

[Rosseau]

Hey I've done this a lot. I have a ~6 Gallon that I move back and forth a lot (christmas etc.), for a 3 hour drive.

The only problem with keeping the tank half full is that your sand bed will likely get mixed up like crazy. If you have any bad nitrates or whatever sitting in the sand they might all come out.

For mine, I cut a piece of styrafoam to fit over the edges of the tank, made a nice seal and taped it all up and around the tank. Crude, but it works.

I fill the water to the top so that there isn't too much rocking around in the tank and then throw her in the car.

If you can't do that, buckets is the way to go.

 

[slowECUdiver]

i'd say get all the water out to minimize any stress on the tank itself. keep enough water in so the sand stays wet; buckets for the LR (with water of course) and another bucket with a battery operated airstone and water for your fish and you should be good to go.

FWIW, i have done this several times with fresh water tanks. sometimes over great distances (1000 miles) and have never had any livestock losses even after the fish have been in buckets for upwards of a week.

i would also advise to have some freshly made-up salt water on hand in case you do stir up some nasties from the sandbed upon setting it back up again and need to do a WC to bring down nitrates.

 

[Just195]

would i then use the water i have in the buckets for the live rock and fish/corals to put back in the tank or replace some and the rest new water?

also what is a good battery operated air pump?? and do i need more than one?

 

[kaserpick]

Forget the air pump. If you bag the coral and fish with plenty of air in the bag and also consider that they'll probably be in there for about 3 hours total (you've got to break down and setup and let the tank clear a little bit), then you'll be fine. I've moved my 30 gal. back from dorm to home twice. I've found the best method for me was this; hope it helps.

1. Have 3 5 gal. buckets with lids.

2. Fill the first with water and all rock w/o corals. (be sure to place the corals on the bottom of the tank)

3. Take out as much water (in second bucket and/or third bucket) as you can w/o exposing the corals/ fish or any other inverts.

4. Bag all fish/inverts and any corals that can fit in a bag. (If you have a coral that can't fit in a bag, you can buy a clear plastic box with a lid (should sell at LFS)). Place all bagged/boxed goodies in second and third buckets.

5. Put the rest of the water left in the tank ( leave enough to cover sand).

6. Once home get as much water in the tank setup ALL filtration to clarify the water a bit. Get the temperature rolling. Leave lights off. (If fish are stressed IME they do better in darker environments). Once the water temp is within range and water is pretty clear, place corals and fish back in with rocks.

7. A tip I've read is to place a trash bag over sand when you pour the water back in to keep the sand from being stirred around too much. Once half of the waters in, gently take the bag out.

Wow, that's a bit of typing; hope that helps! Keep your wits about you; you'll be fine.

 

[sixspeed]

Hey i am about to have this same problem in about a week aswell. I am going to use the same method described by kaser, 5 gallon buckets are a life saver. A 1.5 hour drive is not too long to have your fish and corals in make shift homes, just make sure you have time once you get home to get the tank up and running again to limit the time the livestock are in the bags.

 

[syrinx]

I move reefs all the time for people who need carpet laid and whatnot. Time is similar to your down time 3 hours is a good estimate. First off if you are going to leave any water in the tank-you need to stay in summer school. Bad idea with a strong tank- pointless in a weak tank with such little water. Bag the fish with plenty of air- or put them in a half full bucket. put the rock and the rest of the water in a rubbermaid tote (use quality- it will pay off). Forget also about any battery powered bubbler- they can effect a small water movment, but will actually cause the co2 to rise rather than oxegen to be raised. Oftentimes a bubbler will effect the ph of the water in a small volume. Leave a micro layer of water over the sand and git!

 

[Just195]

thanks.. sounds like a good plan.