Question regarding moving large tank n livestock

hersheyb

hersheyb

Active member
So I might be moving about 30 mins away... so I have to move the tank ughhh...

So i'm trying to figure out a way to do this... few questions...

1. I'm considering upgrading to a bigger tank... currently have a 62x31x24.. considering a 84x36x24.. should I? i'm only considering a bigger tank cuz I can have the new tank up and running on the new place and I would just have to move the livestock instead of taking everything down the same day and setting it all up on the new place.

2. I have 2 large rock structure with sps encrusted on the rock... the rock work is all cemented down. How should i go about moving these 2 rock work? I'm thinking the best way would be to just cut out the sps off the rock and transports those separately? I would love to just transport them all in one piece. Each rock structure is prob around 24x16x20h or so... with the sps.. any suggestions on containers that I can use to transport everything?

I have about a month or 2 to plan this... so I can take my time...
 
Setting up a new tank would be the way I would go if possible. Especially if you started curing some more rock now. Even if you just fill your sump completely with rock. If you lucky and have a week or two to set up thr new tank first, then you can move things somewhat slowly. Less stress on you and you tank.
Moving that large a tank in one day is really pushing it. You will end up rushed and wished you had done thinks you will not have the time to do. Your fish and corals will habe to be monitored during this time to maintain temp, siration and some flow. if you move your tank it could easily be 8 hours or more between when you remove something from your tank until your able to put it back into the tank.You will need lots of bins, pumps heaters and water to hold everything. And lots of help!

Moving you big rocks mostly depends on if you can physically get them out of your tank in one peice. You can count on breaking some SPS in.the process. Then you just need large enough tubs and enough water to transport them in.
 
Upgrade and set up the new tank at the new place ASAP. If you can try to setup the new tank with live rock and water from your current tank that would be best case scenario.
Transfer livestock and then break down and sell the old tank.

I had to move two 100 gallon systems in a single day when I bought my house and after that I vowed to never relocate a running system ever again. If I move again to a new house, the tanks are being sold and I'll buy new ones at that point.

Also not only is it a PITA, it's also risky moving a mature system. If you can't transfer enough of your old water to the new location, you'll risk creating a cycle and killing your corals.
 
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I agree with everyone else. The only that I might add is that if it's a short distance then you may not need to transfer the SPS in water. Having enough water for those big structures is going to be a PITA. I've transferred things wet for a short distance with no problems. Good luck.
 
Will you have a pickup truck available? If not, consider renting one for 30 bucks.. :)

I really think if you can manage to keep all the sps on the rock, it would be better for the corals. On my last tank transfer, I got most of my sps off by using a Masonry Chisel (I can lend it to you), and the rest was taken off using a tile saw.

If you are able to move the entire structure, I would try to see if someone here has a Rubbermaid stock tank to lend you. It should fit both your rocks with ease. If not, I would just purchase 2 50 gallon brutes from HD. You'll always have use for these later on. Either Choice, I recommend that you tie down the containers to your truck and filling it with old tank water. Then it's a matter of moving the rock from your tank to the top of the truck and the reverse when you get to the new place.

What city are you gonna be at?
 
I moved my 6 month old Fusion 25 about six feet and put it on a new stand and that took me a whole day. I'm still dealing with some of the algae issues from that move 3 months later. I don't envy your situation :(
 
rhkingsfan said:
I moved my 6 month old Fusion 25 about six feet and put it on a new stand and that took me a whole day. I'm still dealing with some of the algae issues from that move 3 months later. I don't envy your situation :(
Click to expand...

Hahahah! I moved to the other room and it took an entire and night.
 
pga7602 said:
Will you have a pickup truck available? If not, consider renting one for 30 bucks.. :)

I really think if you can manage to keep all the sps on the rock, it would be better for the corals. On my last tank transfer, I got most of my sps off by using a Masonry Chisel (I can lend it to you), and the rest was taken off using a tile saw.

If you are able to move the entire structure, I would try to see if someone here has a Rubbermaid stock tank to lend you. It should fit both your rocks with ease. If not, I would just purchase 2 50 gallon brutes from HD. You'll always have use for these later on. Either Choice, I recommend that you tie down the containers to your truck and filling it with old tank water. Then it's a matter of moving the rock from your tank to the top of the truck and the reverse when you get to the new place.

What city are you gonna be at?
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I will have a truck available... thanks! I'll let you know if I need that chisel... I will be moving to Montclair, not too far from Covina...
 
I did a move about a year ago... from inside house to my garage... about 30 feet away... even though i had a tank already setup in the garage.. it took me a whole day to get everything out and move the old tank out into the back yard...

I figure the best way would be to have a new tank setup and ready in the new house.. I just needed a little push from you guys to get a bigger tank lol =) Now the new tank is justified lol! I just placed my order for the new tank!
 
hersheyb said:
I did a move about a year ago... from inside house to my garage... about 30 feet away... even though i had a tank already setup in the garage.. it took me a whole day to get everything out and move the old tank out into the back yard...

I figure the best way would be to have a new tank setup and ready in the new house.. I just needed a little push from you guys to get a bigger tank lol =) Now the new tank is justified lol! I just placed my order for the new tank!
Click to expand...

Nice! Congrats! Who did you go with for the tank?
 
pa1ntbru5h said:
Nice! Congrats! Who did you go with for the tank?
Click to expand...


I went with AA... yes I know acrylic... I love glass tanks... I love CD/Leemar tanks.. I think most of my reef tanks were made by them... but build time on glass manufactures are pushed out to months... Also i feel a bit more comfortable not having to worry about seams failing at some point especially with larger tanks...

The only drawback with acrylic is how easy the scratch... just something i'll have to live with =/


How's ur tank going!??
 
hersheyb said:
I went with AA... yes I know acrylic... I love glass tanks... I love CD/Leemar tanks.. I think most of my reef tanks were made by them... but build time on glass manufactures are pushed out to months... Also i feel a bit more comfortable not having to worry about seams failing at some point especially with larger tanks...

The only drawback with acrylic is how easy the scratch... just something i'll have to live with =/


How's ur tank going!??
Click to expand...

Yeah the glass tank production time is way too long for your case.
Acrylic tanks can be just as nice! Like you said as long as you be careful and try your best not to scratch it, it'll still look amazing!

My tank is finally progressing haha. I just started plumbing it this past weekend. I plan on finishing that this week and then fill it with tap water for a week to leak test before filling with saltwater.
 
When I moved back from Arizona I came out here one weekend set up a temporary system let it cycle for two weeks and then brought over the fish and corals sold my old tank and built my current system. Every time I moved in college I always set up a new system and moved everything over.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
If you can do the bigger tank and get it going prior, do the bigger tank. Will decrease deaths. breaking a tank down, moving it with livestock, and setting it back up is a huge undertaking.
 
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