How do you do a big tank move?

Yep, good eye there.

Just last week I switched over from Reeflux 12k DE 250w's to Phoenix 14K's fired off of Blueline E-Ballasts.

Supplements are 2x Geisemann 54w T5HO Actinic plus run off of a TEK retrofit kit with individual reflectors.

The Phoenix bulbs are surely blue but not over powering like the SE's on Mag ballasts.
 
^ I have 80 pounds of sand in it...maybe I can pack some temporary support under it while doing the move?
 
I've got to admit I was very lucky when I moved house. My LFS came over helped me stripped my tank down, he then took everything to his shop and set it all back up there. When I was ready to move it into the new house he did the whole thing again.

Free of charge!!!

I know it doesn't help you, but it does show that there are a few good LFS's out there:grinyes:
 
well, when i moved my 72 gallon bow, i moved it around 70 miles, ..I took all live stock, and put it in a large Styrofoam shipping container, lined with a black bag,and added a portable air source along with water from my tank. I then used rubber maid tubs, and wet towels to keep my LR healthy, and used a separate tub for any rock that had anemones or other critters. made sure that rock was stable, and remained submersed.

I also will recommend moving the sand out of the tank. not only will it be heavy because of sand, there will still be water in the sand. Personally, I wouldn't chance busting the tank.What are you going to do if you loose the tank between point A and point B?..

to move your sand, scoop out the top layer first, ..and keep it in one bucket, ..and the bottom layer in another. make sure you know the difference. That way you eliminate excessive die off in your LS.

also remember if possible to save a tub of water, large enough to accommodate your livestock for several hours. That way, when they arrive, you can get them in fresh water again, ( that has the same params as what they are acustomed, and have traveled in.

those are my suggestions, and i have moved two large SW tanks over 50 miles each. Both were completely successful, and both thrived within a few days of moving.
 
might I also add reducing feeding a day or so before packing them, and resuming full meals a day or so after.

Another thing you may not have thought about since its only a 10 mile move, I would test your tap water before using it for anything, if you do not use bottled or RO, ..copper( or many other issues may be present in the new homes pipes, ..( even if its from the same place your old homes water comes from.

maybe I am paranoid, but I spent way to much on the hobby for a dumb mistake to kill my tank!:)
 
judgemax said:
well, when i moved my 72 gallon bow, i moved it around 70 miles, ..I took all live stock, and put it in a large Styrofoam shipping container, lined with a black bag,and added a portable air source along with water from my tank. I then used rubber maid tubs, and wet towels to keep my LR healthy, and used a separate tub for any rock that had anemones or other critters. made sure that rock was stable, and remained submersed.

I also will recommend moving the sand out of the tank. not only will it be heavy because of sand, there will still be water in the sand. Personally, I wouldn't chance busting the tank.What are you going to do if you loose the tank between point A and point B?..

to move your sand, scoop out the top layer first, ..and keep it in one bucket, ..and the bottom layer in another. make sure you know the difference. That way you eliminate excessive die off in your LS.

also remember if possible to save a tub of water, large enough to accommodate your livestock for several hours. That way, when they arrive, you can get them in fresh water again, ( that has the same params as what they are acustomed, and have traveled in.

those are my suggestions, and i have moved two large SW tanks over 50 miles each. Both were completely successful, and both thrived within a few days of moving.
Click to expand...

While I do agree to removing the sand if it is beyond practicality to lift it with the tank, it should be left if at all possible. By removing it, you will damage most of the infauna, in addition to freeing up much of the sequestered detritus (which equals instant nutrients in the water column). In other words, removing the sand when it could have been left in the tank (again, within practical limits) is setting yourself up for a major algal bloom, etc. beyond what it would have been. That's not to mention a much longer time for the sand bed's infaunal population to recover.

I have never had issues with the bottom glass breaking, etc. when moving tanks in this manner.
 
:iagree:
 
Amp, is there any way to secure the bottom of the tank by reinforcing it with any material just to be safe? I was thinking the same thing...they always say you shouldn't disrupt the sand bed...plus that way when I take it to the new house instead of having a cloud of sand I can just pour my water back in through the overflow and let it gently fill back up without the sand storm.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom