Moving tank in 2hrs. HELP!!!!!

[MouseTrapp]

I am moving a 72 gal bow front reef tank today and I need some help planning the break down/set up process. I’m new to this, but I have a friend with experience who will be able to help tomorrow. The tank is about 25 minutes from my house and it is currently in use. It has sand, live rock, a few damsels and a 14” bubble coral. My main goal is to see the bubble coral survive and not have to cycle the tank.

Last night I mixed about 15 gal of water, but the plan is to save as much water as possible. I also bought 6 heavy duty 18 gal Tupperware containers w/lids. I also bout a couple bags of sand.

The guy who is selling the tank is going to help me move it. Any advice or plan from someone who has done this before would really be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Sk8r]

Do not save the water. Use it to wash the sand very thoroughly.

Use your new water for the bubble coral and damsels, aerating well and running carbon, whethe ryou have a qt tank or have to put them in a white polystyrene 5 g bucket (lowes). Test morning and night. Never mind cycling that water. "Raw" is ok, because you are not going to overfeed and they will be safe. Just keep them at 80 degrees and aerated constantly: an air-driven box filter with floss and carbon will help.

Moving the tank: protect any bottom connecting pipes very carefully.
Empty it, wash it out with white vinegar and clean it up. This is your chance.
Lay down eggcrate lighting grid on the bottom. Add your live rock, with the worst on the bottom. Pour in your thoroughly SALTWATER-WASHED sand. Strain it in your hands as you add it to be sure you're not pouring crud into tank. Add water and start mixing more water: this tank WILL cycle, but mildly and quickly. Its "new" sandbed will layer itself fairly quickly and grow its bacteria within the week. Set it up, lights, skimmer and all, and let it run. You won't have to 'feed' it: the live rock and washed sand have plenty of bacteria and the waste that gets past your cleaning will fuel a small cycle---usually no more than 5 days.

Care for your qt tank full of coral and fish. DO NOT light it. do not overfeed. Just let everybody rest. The bubble coral is a low light coral anyway, tough as nails, and will get by just fine for a few days.