Tank Relocation - need advice

[mpcart]

I'm getting ready to relocate my 58G to a new home and want to make sure I have a good plan.

I know everything I need for breaking down the tank and moving it (heaters, buckets, etc.) but I'm not sure how to put it back together in its new home.

I am going to completely replace my sand bed. It is too course and I want to use a smaller grain. I intend to go to the LFS and buy a couple bags of sands.

I also intend to purchase a 100 Gal rubbermaid sump to replace my 20L that is under the stand.

My plan was to get the 100Gal sump running at the new house, break down the tank, save the water, move the corals/rocks/fish into the sump.

Move the tank to the new house, add the sand and the old water, move the rocks/corals/fish back into the tank.

The new house is only a couple miles up the road so I can do everything in a day.

My worry is that there will be a cycle in the new tank that will affect the fish or corals. Should I worry about that?

I must be an addict . . . I have to move the entire contents of a house and the only thing I care about is damaging the tank!

Any advice is appreciated. My payment for good advice will be pieces from all the corals I'm going to end up breaking in the move.

-Mike

 

[capncapo]

Your plan sounds good to me.

How long in advance are you going to set up the sump? I'd give it a week or so to let the water "age" a bit.

You may get a small cycle from the new sand but it should not be much of one and is usually nothing to be too concerned about.

 

[JxMetal]

Looks good!

Small cycle probably.

I've also heard that some peoples sps brown up a bit after a move. but then get their colors back later.

 

[Chelsey]

moving a sand bed probally will give a small or big cycle


the only advice is take your time

 

[frenchie]

good luck with move mike i know mine went good just from swapping tanks. I moved everything from a 75 gallon to 125 and didnt lose anything i had 3 buckets one for live rock, one for corals and one for inverts and fish but the 125 was already emptied out and i made up the difference in saltwater that was going to be needed cause i was saving water in 75 gallon setup. i let the xtra water in 125 run and cycle for a week before i did move adding biozyme and stress zyme to load up bacteria and cycle quicker than did my move with 3 5 gallon buckets. Took awhile to acclimate to new tank cause of new water added to bigger system but i have 4 battery operate air pump and a few small powerheads and heaters and acclimated corals, fish and inverts and even live rock for 3 hours. Everything went great no dead a little bit of a cycle not much since already had new water that was needed already set up for a little over a week cycling.

 

[levon15]

When are you moving everything, if time permits I would be willing to help in the move.

Your plan sounds good. Saving water. The only thing that would concern me is the sand. I think your rock and water will help with minimizing the cycle form the new sand.

If you need something let us know. Buckets, air pumps, etc. I have a battery air pump you cold borrow along with a couple plug in types. Smaller power heads as well.

What tie in will you be making to the new sump and how long do you think that will take? Will be the largest chunk of time since the distance is not far?

How will you be transporting the larger corals? Will they fit in buckets?

 

[nano7joy]

Sounds like a great plan. Good thing its a close move other wise I would give the regular. Last thing out first thing in advise about moving with a fish tank in general.

JJ

 

[mpcart]

Sounds like my plan is okay. I'll be moving everything in about 4 weeks and I'll make up my sump water a week in advance to let it "age".

I plan on picking up the Carib-sea sand at the LFS. I know its more expensive that a $2 bag at HD but I'd rather be sure the sand is okay - besides, I only need about 40 lbs for my small tank.

Levon15 - thanks for the offer. I may take you up on it.

-Mike