Will be moving soon need some advise?

Discussion in 'Coral Health' started by Jason McKenzie, Sep 6, 2004.

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  1. chris-miranda

    chris-miranda Astrea Snail

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    Location:
    clovis, CA,California
    i agree with baynights i have used large containers on several moves and lost nothing in fact i will put a heater and air pump in and let them stay in the container untill the main tank is set-up ive had fish , shrimp and tons of corals in the containers for 2 days once 3 days i just threw a pc light set-up on there and it was all good :) my brother has also done this several times with no problems just give everything room so they do not sting each other :)

    i forgot to add garbage cans with wheels works very well also for live rock and they hold lots of water also the lid locks on :)

    chris
     
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  3. Black_Raven

    Black_Raven Scooter Blennie

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    I agree with Bay, get some rubbermaid tubs and put your fish and water in them, or you can use old salt buckets. I would suggest using battery operated air pumps with air stones to aerate the water. The battery airpumps can be bought online for $5-6. You also might want to see if your LFS will board your fish for a few days. My LFS here will do it for their regular customers
     
  4. alpinefish

    alpinefish Plankton

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    Woodfords CA
    The best thing ive found to move fish and such is large coolers you can get these at most thrift stores for under 5 bucks and their tough. they hold temp good are close to water tight. have caring handels and all. I use them when I buy new stuff and it seems to help since its a couple hour drive from here to any where, and i just put an air line in when i get home with a siphon drip to aclimate.
     
  5. Phil5613

    Phil5613 Purple Spiny Lobster

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    Location:
    Wheaton, Illinois
    Oh Boy a big move! Some things to remember:
    a. Water is heavy! 18 gallon storage tubs??? 10.5 lbs a gallon = sore back or buddy carrying
    b. Your live rock and sand are your Bio filtration use it to your advantage. Water is not your filtration.
    c. The tank is designed to hold the weight uniformly leaving sand and water in it can cause stress to the seams or a blow out.
    d. acclimation is a key factor. so proper timing is needed.

    After doing this for a living for a while here is my $.02 worth. get storage tubs for the new site make up new water. Enough for the whole tank This gives you piece of mind if something goes wrong on the move. If you don't use it all on the initial fill you have it for water changes later. Just use an air stone and power head to keep it fresh. On moving day use tubs to move the LR do not remove corals unless easily done. Pack it well in tubs and use tank water to cover ( now its heavy!). With all live rock out remove any pumps and such, now its easier to catch fish. Use smaller tubs or better yet fish bags. I have also used 1 gallon ziplock bags. Use your old tank water here too. Drain the tank to about an inch above the sand bed. Try and remove as much sand as you can under water. No exposure to air the better. Dump any water that is not used for rock, fish or sand. Great idea looking for sneaky sponges! When moving into new tank install base rock and start to build wall again. Use enough new water to be higher then the sand base. Install sand. As you build rock wall use a 50/50 mix old and new water. Once reef is rebuilt fire up pumps and let it run with Poly filters catching new debris. Once tank starts to clear and temp is where you want it start moving fish and critters in. I start with hardiest and add slowly watching how they react. Fasting the tank is a great idea before the move. Also adding LR at this time is a good time as tank is going to cycle a bit anyway but shouldn't be a huge spike. 50 50 mix is like a big water change not so drastic and less weight to carry
     
  6. Bruce

    Bruce Giant Squid

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    hmm i have a suggestion. ask you lfs if you can keep some of ur stuff in their (if they have one) display tank...that will ensure ur corals be at least safe :)...fish on th other hand well if they have a small tank lol...good luck!
     
  7. alpinefish

    alpinefish Plankton

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    WOW! i dont even want to know how many tanks you have moved. Great advice! i'll use it if i have to move.
     
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  9. Blade_Runner

    Blade_Runner Gigas Clam

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    Jason, be careful about leaving the sand bed in. I don't like moving AGA tanks with anything in them. It is too easy to blow a seal and ruin the tank. (Been there, done that. :( ) I'd move it in old 5 gal salt buckets for the move. Being well established, it should rebound in a matter of days.
     
  10. Jason McKenzie

    Jason McKenzie Super Moderator

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    OK whats with digging up really old threads lately. I moved 7 months ago

    J
     
  11. Michaelr5

    Michaelr5 Coral Banded Shrimp

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    I have noticed a lot of that lately myself. Maybe we can ask the great guru of the board (are you listineing Matt?) to lock threads that have been dormant for a long time.
     
  12. Phil5613

    Phil5613 Purple Spiny Lobster

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    SORRY Lurker resurfaced LOL