Moving tanks

[kravi]

Okay, so this is a last minute post with a bunch of questions. I'm moving apartments tomorrow and the next day. Luckily, I'm moving apartments within the same building, so I'm not worried about driving with the fish. I'm also rambling a bit, but trying to provide as much relevant info as possible.

My current aquarium is 30 gallons with a 10 gallon sump. I've got 3 fish, a bunch of soft coral, an anemone, and, sadly, a touch of aptasia (going to be treated this weekend). The lighting is compact fluorescent.

I inherited from a mate a 40 gallon tank (with 15 gallon sump). I also got my paws on a sunpod lighting system with two pseudo-MH lights. I *think* it is 300W (it's already downstairs in the new apartment). The problem with the light is that it sits on the top of the tank (with leg things), but is only 6 or so inches above the tank level.

So my current plan is tomorrow to fill up the new tank (30 Gallons or so of water (leaving room for the rock) before doing most of the regular moving. I'll get the salinity levels correct and give the tank some time to settle. Then I (with some mates) will move all of the other remaining stuff out of the apartment.

On Sunday, I'll double check the water quality (all the juicy stuff) and make sure it's kosher. But, when all my corals are attached to large hunks of rock, how do I acclimate them to the new water? Same problem with the anemone.

Also, the new lights are great, but I'm worried about the corals and anemone getting sunburned. I planned on putting the rocks with the corals lower down in the tank for a while to get them used to brighter light and then raise them.

So I'm worried about acclimating the corals/anemone to the water and also worried about acclimating them to the new light. Any ideas? Feedback?

I hope to G-d that there are a bunch of late night aquarists taking a peak

--Me

 

[SeanySean]

Are you able to get most of the water from your old tank on the day of your move? the lights if 300W (Very high for your setup) will need to be moved at least 18" - 24" above your tank start at the latter!

If you are able to maintain most of your current water and substrate accilimating will not be a problem for the corals and anemone and is the route I would strongly suggest. If you can't, use the container you will be transporting in and take your time

I have done a few tank moves and water and substrate will help you alot

Sean

 

[kravi]

I am more than able to use the same water. I was *hoping* to avoid it because I haven't done a water change in a while, but it isn't a problem.

The light is indeed 2 MH bulbs. I just did a quick google (no I didn't pay this price) and this is a link to it: sunpod

I may be able to get it up higher, but at best only about 12 inches above the tank. At best.

--Me

 

[kravi]

Sorry for the double post, but I couldn't find an edit button.

Live rock and sand will be moving with me. All of it.

--Me

EDIT: First, I found the edit button Second, it is two 150W lights, not 2 300W lights. Don't know if that makes it better for the tank or not.

 

[SeanySean]

That will make it a lot safer for a smaller tank I used to use 400W lights for my 200g but that was 36" deep! 150W is still big difference, but 12" should be ok, just move the corals lower and see how you go, if you can get most of your water and substrate you will not have any problems, don't worry about the lack of water changes as this can be rectified when your move is complete and will be a lot less stressful for your animals