we are settling on our new house tomorrow and that means i need to move the tank im hoping to do a break down move and set everything right back up we are only move about 10 minutes away so it wont have to be down for long. any tips from anyone with experience. oh and my tank is a 90gal reef
I’ve moved a few tanks. Be as absolutely prepared as possible. Buckets, trash cans and get somone to help you. Even though it’s only 10 mins away, plan on dealing with it all day long. Make it the very last thing you move and have the time to dedicate to sefting it back up.
Try to save around half the water and mix up the other half new, and have the new water ready and waiting at your new place. Use some of the old water to transport your livestock and put fish in buckets or something by themselves without rock in it. That way they won’t crash into rocks when you’re moving them. Use the last bit of water to clean or scrub whatever you need to like algae from rock, equipment, etc.
Just think it all out ahead of time and make a plan and stick with it. You’ll be alright as long as you take your time and think ahead.
Agreed. I moved my 55 to a 180 about 45mins away it took about two days. Just expect that things will take longer than you think.
My advice will focus on the possibility you don’t need to be out of your current house tomorrow as well.
Step 1: Go out and buy a nice 120g tank and stand. Pick up a nice 40g breeder as a sump.
Step 2: Fill it 1/2 way up with new salt water
Then start transporting your rock in water from the 90, one bucket / tub at a time. Get all of the rock, sand and corals moved. Then move the fish. It may take a little longer but it’s soooooooooo worth it in the long run.
Just remember to say “But honey, we have a new house, why would we want to put the old beat up tank in it?”
Have all the new salt water you will need to refill ready , mixed and warm in trash barrels there before you move.
and lots of buckets and tall plastic containers with lids to move the livestock in . We moved a friends 90 one time. started at 9 AM and finished the setup about 8 PM. long day. count on lots of time.
I have buckets and containers if needed
I’ve moved at least one tank every year for 6 years now and have got pretty good at it. The easiest thing to do is what Craig said, get another tank and transfer everything into that.
My best tip is to put all ur corals into plastic solo cups and put them in buckets so they don’t sting eachother. Cut a piece of eggcrate and do another layer of solo cups. You should end up with 2 or 3 layers of solo cups in a 5g bucket with all the corals separated and protected.
[quote=“bnelson, post:7, topic:7225”]
My best tip is to put all ur corals into plastic solo cups and put them in buckets so they don’t sting eachother. Cut a piece of eggcrate and do another layer of solo cups. You should end up with 2 or 3 layers of solo cups in a 5g bucket with all the corals separated and protected.[/quote]
That’s probably one of the best ideas I’ve heard. Never thought about that, but it makes total sense.
That and if you can, isolate the different types of corals if possible (sps with sps, etc.) that will keep the chemical warfare down too.
[quote=“beadlocked450r, post:6, topic:7225”]
I have buckets and containers if needed[/quote]
But have to return it. :
: :: inside joke!