How do you do a big tank move?

[judgemax]

when filling a large tank with water with a sand base, ..take a large black trash bag, ..and lay across the top of the sand. Place empty glass cups along the outer area and corners of the tank, ..Fill those cups with your water, ..then fill the tanks half way, ( unless you are placing base rock ect before adding water.) Then dump and remove cups of water, and wait a few seconds, the bag will float to the top, grab and remove. it eliminates most of your sand cloud.

 

[Amphiprion]

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.

I can't think of anything in particular. You could you some furniture dollies to support the bottom, unless you have to bring it up any stairs. That would definitely make it easy until you have to briefly lift it. If you are concerned about it, you might want to wait and see if anyone else has any other ideas.

 

[mcsassy]

I can't think of anything in particular. You could you some furniture dollies to support the bottom, unless you have to bring it up any stairs. That would definitely make it easy until you have to briefly lift it. If you are concerned about it, you might want to wait and see if anyone else has any other ideas.

That would be really smart!!! Like a tray dolly kind of thing...could just lay it across the whole thing kind of like the tray on the bottom of shopping carts...only stairs to deal with are the ones going down to go out of my apartment building...I live on the first floor here and the new house we are moving to is 1 story as well.

What about all my crabs? They all go into all the holes in the LR during the day and come out at night...my wrasse will dart into the sand no questions as well...what about him?

 

[Amphiprion]

That would be really smart!!! Like a tray dolly kind of thing...could just lay it across the whole thing kind of like the tray on the bottom of shopping carts...only stairs to deal with are the ones going down to go out of my apartment building...I live on the first floor here and the new house we are moving to is 1 story as well.

What about all my crabs? They all go into all the holes in the LR during the day and come out at night...my wrasse will dart into the sand no questions as well...what about him?

Crabs will more than likely be ok, but get all the loose ones you can find. Just lay some damp newpaper, etc. to keep the rock moist. Also, the wrasse needs to come out. Have a net handy and gently lift him out of the sand and catch him. You might already be planning this, but make sure the tank is the last thing you move so you can devote your full attention to it and get it done as quickly as possible.

 

[kcress]

The short answer?

With much careful planning.

 

[chenya]

You have had some good suggestions. Here is a website that I found helpful when I made my move.

http://www.****************/information/moving_your_fish.htm

It suggests keeping 80% of your water. I did only because I wasn't going very far. For 10 miles you might be able to handle that. I would save some but to transport 80% would be tiresome. Just save as much as possible so you don't have a complete cycle again. Make sure the gravel/sand stays moist to avoid loosing too much good bacteria. If there is a way you can get most things ready at your new location ahead of time that would work best and save you time.

Good luck with your move.