Moving?

It's actually an easy process and I've done it many times. The most important thing is to keep the LR covered in water so that you don't lose the biofiltration/nitrifying bacteria. One of the myths about nitrisoma is that it's in the water column, it's actually only on the surface of items in the tank, ie LR, LS etc...I never keep the LS bed as moving it around usually cause more water quality issues than it's worth. I usually remove all the sand and then rinse it several times with fresh/clean saltwater, this removes all the detritus and helps when you setup the tank so that you don't get a spike in water quality.

Keep the LR submerged in 5g buckets, I usually just snap the top on and don't worry about an airstone as the water really moves around in the bucket while your driving, only filling the buckets it up 3/4 or half way is the trick.

I don't like to move a tank with any amount of water or LS inside the tank, the water swishing around can create some serious pressure as it goes back and forth and could cause issues with the glass seams, if you hit a large bump or pothole, well you get the idea. Not saying that you can't do it that way as many people have, I just don't like to take the chance as a buddy on mine did this and popped a seam on his 55g and it started leaking in his SUV


1.When I arrive at the destination, I start mixing SW ASAP
2.Clean the LS once again with the fresh SW
3.Fill tank with the clean sand, add fresh SW then add the LR
4.Add fish and corals

I moved a 125 reef from Sacramento to Vegas, took us about 14 hours travel time and I set the tank up the next day using the method above and I had no problems

Good luck, you'll be fine no matter which method you select

 

Sorry to hear you have to leave FL Did you ever get to make a trip to WWC? How long before you leave?

julie

 

Hrmm.. I moved to the other side of the city I live in.. it's kinda like moving across the country. As it felt like I was in mini mexico and now I'm in "the OC"

 

A small box truck from a rental company would work great also... one with a door from the cab to the box. We have one at work and it is what I will use when I move. Then you could stand up in the back easily and with wood floors an accidental spill would be no biggie. Just a thought... good luck!

 

I had to move my 40 about 2-3 months ago. Granted, it was only about 45 minutes away, but I did it a lot like max has suggested. But I did leave the sand in with just enough water to cover it. The trick is not to disturb the sand bed too much. Also, when you fill the tank back up, you can lay saran wrap on the sand bed. The saran wrap floats with the water level, and allows you to pour water back in without disturbing the bed or churning up particles.
I put everything in buckets, and saved about 50% of the water. I never went through any type of cycle. I lost 1 hermit, which all in all really isn't that bad. You will lose all the coraline on the glass and equipment though

 

I haven't had a chance to head over to WWC. Now, I've suspended all coral purchases for now, lol.

I'm actually looking for a new job now, and since I've always wanted to move overseas, I'm going all out looking for a job in South Africa, or certain northern African countries, or anywhere in Europe. Very busy scouring job sites and such. Also looking locally. With the global economy in such a bad state however, for 40 postings you may get one callback. It sucks. If I can't find anything, I leave in about 1-2 months.

I will be moving all office furniture from our office in Tampa to our new office in TN. The truck will be quite large and my stuff will most likely be packed in the same truck. So I may be able to get everything tucked in there and use rubbermaid containers. If I move overseas, I will be liquidating everything.

 

Everyday I see another great idea on this forum