moving an established system

We just bought a house.
Does anyone have any advice? I believe I have my bases covered but I dont forget anything. MOVING IS SUCH A PAIN INTHE ASS!!

 

Just plan, plan, and then plan a little more. I'm about to move a 72 gallon bowfront into my apartment tomorrow, and THEN move everything from my smaller tank into the big one. It's literally going to take me all day long. And I've only had 1 day to formulate a plan in my head. But I've done this sort of thing before so I feel confident.

PLAN

 

Been there, done that and got a tee-shirt. ABOUT A DAY??? Thats an understatement!!! At least a day and thats starting at 7:00am. It took me all day long to transfer from a 45 gal to a 90 gal. I only had 3 fish and a hand full of corals. I wish you all the luck in the world Brandon and Torch jockey. What ever you guys need, let us know, we're here for ya;D

 

A bunch of cat litter buckets washed out for the water and rocks, a big rubbermaid container with a hole in the top and an air pump with a hose going into the hole, a d/c inverter for the car to plug the air pump in(if ride is longer than about 30 min, also a heater if longer or really cold), blankets to put the tank/sand on in the vehicle. Lot's of towels, if you are in cold weather have the vehicle warming up during the last drained bucket of water, ready to transfer to the vehicle. Have some replacement water for when you get to your new place, you'll lose a few gallons on the move. Before you move you might want to vacuum your sand a little(clean it).


My tank is only 55 gal and I moved it from kissimme FL to Louisville GA(South of Augusta.) It was about 8-9 hours for us. I had it all in the back of a rav4. I left the sand in the tank.

Remember Air and Temp are your major concerns.

I only lost a crab from that move about 2 weeks after the move! Good luck and if I can think of anything else I'll let you know! Patients, Planning and Timing. But isn't that what this hobby is all about!!!!!

 

I wrote an article in the article section that should help you and other fellow reefers out! Based on my own personal experience!
Good luck!

 

I just moved a 72g about 3 weeks ago. I used about 15 5g buckets and lids, i put live rock in some of the buckets and topped off with water. I also used one bucket for my fish, another for the cleanup crew, all full of water. You want to try and keep as much water as you can. I left all the sand in the tank, slid it into the back of a pickup (heavy enough not to move long as the driver isnt whipping around corners or slaming on the brakes. Lost 1 peppermint shrimp in the process. Bet I looked funny to the neighbors seat belting the bucket with the fish into the front seat lol.

Overall took about 3 hours to tear down and the move was only 15min drive. Hope this helps and Good luck.

 

I have moved more tanks then I care to think about this morning..LOL. I have moved them throughout the house, from one house to another, etc....My advice is to take it slow and remember you are moving living things. If the weather is cold where you are remember to run the heat in your vehicle first before putting them in..8)