Unplanned tank takedown

alfa1023

alfa1023

New member
Murphy's law in full action.

We have a sewer drain pipe somehow leaking up through the garage floor. Of course, the drain pipe runs in the wall behind the tank. So Monday, plumbers will be using jack hammers to remove the part of the garage floor and the wall/floor NEXT TO AND UNDER THE TANK!

So Sunday will be spent somehow trying to take the tank down without destroying / killing anything.

It never fails - just when everything is heathy and growing and all systems are running perfect, I have to take everything apart.

Will post how well (positive thoughts, right?) things go.
 
Man that really sucks... is it the 92g tank? You may be able to carefully slide it. I had to move my 90g and put wedges under the corners of the stand, slid furniture sliders underneath, and pulled the wedges out.

If it's on carpet you may be able to do the same but with wheels. May be a little tricky, but breaking the entire tank down is such a mess.
 
Hey Jim, That just stinks to the high heaven! If you need any buckets or tubs or containers just let me know....or even if you need a hand I would be glad to come down and help. KR
 
It is on ceramic tile right? If I remember correctly. I think you would have to empty a lot of water to be able to lift it up high enough to put wedges under it. And the other issue is isn't there a step up right next to the room entrance? so where could you move it to? KR
 
Crystal - thanks for the offer to help - I think I have enough tubs, etc. to hold everything for a day or two. And yes, it is a 92 gallon corner tank.

There will be so much vibration, I am concerned that if the tank isn't near empty that I could have some seam (leakage) issues. Rather bite the bullet and do a controlled take down rather than a crisis one down the road. Plan is to take all but the bottom row of rock out and leave only enough water in to cover that row of rock and sand, then slide it the tank/stand on the tile to the far side of the room. Will be traumatic for fish and corals, but no other choice.

Thanks for everyones ideas and help.
 
Thanks Steve and Ted for the offer to help - at this time I think I am ok.

We are going to use this as an excuse to change the fish in the tank. My tang, clown and royal gramma have all outgrown the tank and really need a bigger home.

If anyone has a good home for these guys (plus three somewhat docile blue damsels) and can give me a few $$ to go towards some new livestock, let me know. The fish are all very healthy, very fat and gave been in my tank together for over three years.

Jim
 
Jim,
If the timing works out this would be a great time to restock....as FAOIS is having a sale on Sat. Maybe you could go and pick out what you want and then John would hold them for you given your situation. Did you get his flyer? If not, I can forward it to you. BTW, what kind of tang?clown?. I may be interested. KR
 
What a drag Jim.

If there's any way I can help, LMK. I can take the gramma if you want and give you a few $$ for him/her. LMK how much you think is good on pm. Maybe Paul can drive him up to Hernando county for me and I can meet him.

Do you need any air pumps for the containers?

Diane
 
Thanks everyone for the offers to help. I think I am good, but if something comes up I will definitely let everyone know.

Diane and Crystal - sending each of you a PM re: fish.
 
All the fish other than the Royal Gramma are all gone.

Diane - you are first in line for this guy - please let me know ASAP if you want him - plan is to put tank back up on Tuesday.

Ted, if Diane doesn't want him he is yours.

Jim
 
Ted,

All the hard corals are in my 20 gallon with three powerheads and my 24" T-5 fixture - they all seem find. All the soft corals are in two big tubs with powerheads and they all look ok. The rest of the rock is in two other tubs with powerheads. With all the rock out of the tank (except the base rock under the sand) and with just the sand with water just barely covering the sand, I am able to slide the tank out of the problem corner.

So all is well at this point (my perspective.) Carrie's perspective is that the room smells fishy and that there are tubs and power cords everywhere! Oh well. Tomorrow morning brings on the jackhammers and dust.

Jim
 
I am hoping to have Paul or Crystal pick him up for me if I'm going to get him. Otherwise, Ted can certainly have him. In fact it might be easier on the little guy.

Diane
 
Diane , I shouldn't even take the fish , because I am without a skimmer right now . I really don't need the extra bioload , so if you want it it's yours . Ted
 
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