Looking for help moving a tank

[P.Kelly]

This may be a bit of a stretch, but here goes, since this is the local aquarium community. I'm looking at buying a fully stocked tank in the Sacramento area. I'll see it later today and decide for sure.

Is there anyone that would be willing to help, guide, etc the move, as I have never moved an aquarium before. It is smallish (50-60 gallon).

I can pay in beer and coral frags or corals from the tank.

It would probably need to be once night this week.

Thanks,
Pete
Elk Grove

 

[funman1]

I'm confused you're looking for a tank to buy?
Or looking to have someone move your existing tank?

EDIT:Nevermind... Just re-read the post and it made sense that time.. Sorry

 

[Auntbeez]

About 2 weeks ago I bought out a 75gal in Fresno and moved it. It all went well and I haven't had any losses (so far). Anyway, I have lots of buckets and a big trash can.
I don't know how much guidance I can be, but I would be happy to help... depending on the day. LMK

 

[Jim_S]

I won't be able to help this week, but you can borrow my 100 gallon stock tank to move the water and livestock.

Let me know,

Jim

 

[kevin95695]

I'm not able to be there, but last time I moved a tank: Get your logistics figured out as much as you can in advance and have plenty of rubbermaid products on hand.

 

[sacfishguy]

i can might be able to help depending when it is, i have some rubbermaid containers that you can use. i have moved a few tanks and i live close to elk grove if you still need help


thanks

alan

 

[P.Kelly]

Thanks for all your responses. I'm going forward with the purchase of a 55 gallon with fish and coral. The seller is going to help me move it tomorrow night.

I'm planning on bringing:

5 - 20 gallon Rubermaid Brute trashcans
An extra powerhead and hose to siphon water
Plentry of large ziplock bags for coral, fish and inverts

Our plan is to remove the coral, fish and inverts into bags, siphon water and move live rock into the 5 trash cans, then load it all up in my truck (with campershell) and move the whole thing about 15 miles, and reverse the process.

I'll have about 35-40 gallons of saltwater made at the other end if all goes as planned, but we will be moving all his existing water.

I've never move a tank this big before. He's moved this tank once before. Any specific suggestions?

 

[sacfishguy]

when you get back to your place siphon some of the water thats left in the tank out to get out most of the waste so that your chances of a mini cycle are less. also put the cans in the truck before filling if possable as they are heavy. also i would do about a 40-50% water change. if you had the salt and rodi water you could just do a 100% water change and just take enough water to cover the LR and just reacculmate them as you will have to anyway. thats just what i have done in the past on moves. (tank sizes 30-150g). but again thats my .02 cents.


alan

 

[airinhere]

hey man I would be willing to give you a hand. Shouldnt be very hard at all to do the move. Check your PM.

 

[Auntbeez]

Awesome... It all sounds pretty good. (My 2 cents) We used 5 gal buckets for the live rock so they weren't too heavy, and you could assess the bigger base rock that needs to go back in the tank first, easier.
Good luck and keep us posted... pictures too.

 

[Justin74]

Sounds like you got most of it all figured

I would siphon all the way down to the sand,hopefully its just an inch or two Then go as planned.When you reach your destination, put 10g of old water back in, let settle briefly then siphon back down to sand(to help clean up and dilute toxic waste water from stirring the sandbed during the move), then put another 15-20g of your old water back in, put your rocks back in. Put 10-15g of new saltwater. Acclimate coral and fish. Then top off with the remaining 10-15 of new water. Sit back and whine about how damn tire you are!


-Justin

 

[eagleONE]

ahh justin you beat me to it. Yeah, be sure to save your original water.

 

[P.Kelly]

Thanks again all. Great advice. Any ideas on how to transport rocks with large corals attached without breaking/damaging? Most are soft corals, but good size and a few tree like.

I was planning on placing rocks in the bottoms of 5 20 gallon BRUTEs and cover with water, but I'm worried about the rocks rolling and damaging corals.

 

[kevin95695]

Just like taking frags home from the LFS, but on a bigger scale, I would imagine.

I'm glad to hear you're trying to think ahead to minimize the losses. Good luck and congrats on the score!