Making a move

I am moving my tank into the basement and was wondering if the 45 gallon plastic trash cans are safe to put the water into for the move? It wouldn't be there long, but want to make sure its safe

 

As long as it hasn't been used before where chemicals may have bonded into the plastics that may leach back into the water.

 

Line the bin with a large garbage bag just in case. I did this recently with a large garbage bin on wheels, but I don't know what your bins are like.

 

I keep four large garbage cans around that have never been used for anything else other than saltwater/RO water storage and tank moves (well....one tank move). It's fine. It just has to be a dedicated trash can.

 

Yet another question.

Since I am moving the tank should I continue to use the sand that is in the tank or get new sand and place a few scoops of the old in with the new?

 

I would use the sand from the existing tank, because of the diverse plethora of bacteria and other animals residing within your sandbed.

 

Make sure you get heavy duty trashcans. Rubbermade brute cans or something like that. If you get cheap ones they may not hold the weight and the sides will blow out. Even if they don't blow out the handles will not be strong enough.

 

If you are going to have to disturb the sand by removing it or sloshing it over to one side. I would replace it.

I lost 100% of my tank after a move. I rinsed the sand for 45 minutes, until it ran clear, and still the trapped nitrites killed all my corals.


I just would not chance it again

J

 

+1 I would never reuse old sand.

 

I'm moving this weekend from 100 to 150, I had planned to use the live sand for my refugium but wasn't sure about the crap trapped in the sand. Are you advising getting all brand new sand for both tank/refugium? I have 120lbs of live sand, but if it is going to save my tank's inhabitants then I'll go new on everything