How to shift my tank?

[clyde95]

Im going to move my 20 and 55 gal tanks upstairs on saturday. I think there was a thread last week on this subject but I missed it. Im not sure if I should try to drain them down far enough to move them with the fish in them or to put the fish into buckets? Also, I dont have enough buckets to save all the water so how big of a water change is to big? If anyone has a link or sticky on this subject please post it for me. I could also use everyones advice. Thanks. :coffee2:

[dr_sudz]

if your going to move the tank "loaded" but with reduced water be very tricky and can crack your tank. but i wouldn't do more then a minimum of 1/2 the water. just remember to do things as light as possible, i would pick up a couple of 5 gallon buckets.

[Dangerdoll]

there's no way you're going to be able to move a 55 gallon tank with water in it upstairs if you don't have 2 or 3 friends with you. I would get some buckets as the dr suggested.

You don't need to save the water, the water that holds the fish should be ample, it's the deco, plants, substrate and filter media that hold the bacteria and should be kept wet. Being that you're moving the tanks upstairs, you shouldn't have to worry abpout them drying out.

[IceH2O]

As long as your tap water and tank water parameters are close you should be okay using all new water.

I would also recommend picking up some more buckets. Do it now before you try to move those tanks or you'll be running to the store. A 55 is pretty heavy in itself empty. I'd hate to move one with sunstrate and even a few gallons of water.

I'd hate for it to be dropped too. Better safe than sorry.

[Slappy*McFish]

Yeah, drain those tanks. Put the fish in buckets or a cooler even. Carrying a simi- loaded tank upstairs is a risk just not worth taking. Imagine just one banged corner or slip of the finger.

[RockabillyChick]

my 10g tank i took the fish out, but only because i was moving the fish to a different tank ANYWAY. i drained the water to about an inch above the gravel and just picked it up and moved it. you could probably do the same with your 20g if you don't have a ton of gravel, but the 55 i would get some help, cause even with just gravel, its a large tank from end to end and you'd probably need someone else to hold the other end. i would remove the fish though. if it was a little tank, you could leave the fish in, but with the larger ones, definately remove them.

and there's no such thing as too big of a water change.

[joephys]

I helped a buddy move a 75 once with just about an inch of water. It was not fun, the only way we were able to do it was because it went down stairs. Empty out all the water.

[Dangerdoll]

just a note: I will never move a 55 gallon tank with substrate and 1 or 2 inches of water with one other person for as long as I live. I'd rather buy a new tanks and start over.... I would suggest 2 or 3 people.... or even more. The more the merrier....

[patoloco]

Another way would be to drain the tank but leave the gravel and decor inside. Then, move it alonsg with the stand to give support from underneath.

This requires more people, and more people moving at the same time over the staircases is difficult to achieve.

[RockabillyChick]

with the 20 you could leave the substrait in and even a bit of water and get two people to move it (you and someone else)

the 55 would probably be best to put the substrait into buckets and dump out all the water and get someone to help you move it.

[clyde95]

Thanks guys, sounds like im in for a real treat this weekend. Ill buy more buckets, cant hurt. Thanks again for all your help. I was going to try with me and my 14 yr old son, you probably saved the fish. They thank you too!

[patoloco]

Thanks guys, sounds like im in for a real treat this weekend. Ill buy more buckets, cant hurt. Thanks again for all your help. I was going to try with me and my 14 yr old son, you probably saved the fish. They thank you too!

A falling tank can be hazardous to fish and you!!! Glass tanks are made of common glass, which will fracture in 1000's of pieces and some will be just like sharp knives jumping at you.