Best way to move a fishtank

[portosat]

So I'm going to be moving a 55 gallon mbuna tank. There are 8 4" or so mbuna, god knows how many fry (2 spawns worth), and a syn. cat

My current plan of action is to remove 50% of the water, net all the adult mbuna and the cat, put them in a 5 gallon bucket. Remove all the rockwork (after the adults are removed to make sure the adults don't go to lunch on the fry).
From here try to net or siphon up the fry. The fry will be placed in a temporary 10 gallon tank. (some of the fry are already living in there, the first batch started eating the 2nd batch and the mum only protects them from the other adults, not from each other)
After the fry are removed I was going to bag up the sand than move the tank & stand to the new destination. Put the sand and rocks back in, fill up the tank.
Has anyone moved a tank with the substrate still in it? I have 3 large strong males moving the tank, so the weight isn't an issue, but if it damages the tank I will remove it.

How long do bacteria stay alive on rockwork? I don't really have any place to keep them soaked in water, but if I'm going to have to either buy something or go through the cycle again, I'll buy another container.

*Now here is the part I need suggestions on*
I would prefer to put the fry back into the tank, than add the mother back in. Let them settle for a half hour or so, than add the rest of fish back in. Do you think the mother will re-establish her territory in that time, or do the fry need to remain in the 10 gallon (I'd prefer just to keep the larger ones in there)

Any general suggestions in moving a tank/stories of past mistakes/successes are appreciated

smiles,
nk

 

[patoloco]

To move the tank itself it HAS TO BE empty. Less weight = less risk.

If you are using a filter other than an under gravel one, you should not worry about the bacteria in the rockwork. Most of it will live in the filter media. If you have a undregrvel filter, you must keep all of your gravel submersed in aquarium water and keep it oxigenated with an air pump. You can keep it in any container.

As for fish, it's hard to predict their behaviour in the new setup. You could consider keeping the fry apart in other tanks, or you can put a divider or a breeding net (¿?) that is often used to keep fry apart from parents for some days.

Some other advice:

1- Don't feed your fish about 2 days before moving to avoid crap in the small tanks.

2- If the trip is long, you can use battery operated air pumps to oxigenate the water.

I assume you are moving the tank from a house to another, so use a soft blanket to wrap and cushion the tank while in the car. This will reduce the risk of breaking it against a hard surface. Also, if it breaks, the blanket will hold the glass and reduce danger.

GOOD LUCK

 

[liv2padl]

plan of action is to remove 50% of the water

big mistake. empty ALL the water before moving the tank. and don't move it with substrate in it either.

 

[Spykce]

I think they ment 50% to get the fish out and then the rest after that, I think anyways. If your moving to a new house, yes take the substrate out. If you're moving it across the room or into a new room as long as you grab the stand underneath the tank you'll be ok.

 

[hobie237]

I would remove all water, and I would keep the substrate wet with used water in a bag or something so that the bacteria colony stays alive, so you can avoid the tank cycling agian.

 

[portosat]

I'm just moving it up a flight of stairs... so if I empty all the water, I can leave the substrate in if I lift it by the stand?

 

[TKOS]

The biggest size tank I would move with substrate still in it is a 10 gallon. And even then I would be worried. Plus big tanks weight plenty and are hard to move on a flat surface, let alone up stairs.

I too would empty the whole tank, why not if the fish are all gone.

 

[cohazard]

When I moved my 80g I moved it with all the substrate still in it..........sure it was heavy, but it's made with thick glass that could handle it easily, but it's best to take it out and put it in trash bags or buckets with enough water to barely cover the substrate.

 

[anonapersona]

twisting stresses

Going up stairs is an issue. If the tank tilts with gravel in it, it will have twisting stresses, this can be bad for seals. If the gravel suddenly shifts, the movers may struggle to keep a hold on it. Pretty risky. So easy to just remove gravel, and clean it a bit while you are at it.

 

[kyperman]

An ounce of prevention

I agree...just take it all out, as they say an ounce of prevention now....think how you are gonna feel if you break the tank just cause you wanted to save 5 minutes.