Best way to move a tank with livestock (Not yet, but in the future)

I'm actually moving next month so I've been planning this for awhile. I'll give you my plan for your size tank which is much much easier.

First off, how far is it between places? If its within an hour or so you won't have to worry about keeping the toxins low and the oxygen moderate in the tank. If you're over an hour, I'd considering using large jars to store the fish over bags, and I'd use something like amquel+ to neutralize the toxins.

So after you figure out the moving method of the fish. You need to figure out moving logistics.

Since you have a 20 gallon tall tank, I would strongly advise buying a 2nd tank of at least 10 gallons, maybe even 20g if you have fish that may fight when crammed, or 2 -10gallons. Either way, what you want to do is set this 2nd tank up at your new place. Do a 25% water change (no vacuum) and put the water you took into a clean bucket(s). Bring that DT water to your new tank (hoping the distance between places is not too far). Do one more of these water changes so you have 50% of your DT water in your 2nd tank. Fill the 2nd tank with either clean saltwater or you could do more water changes and put that in the tank if you want to play it very safe.

Now you can transfer your fish to this 2nd tank with no more stress than when you bought them from the pet store. You should acclimate them again since there will be temperature variations for sure. This 2nd tank needs no substrate.

As for the substrate in your DT, well its up to you. I'm only taking about 1/3 of mine with me then replacing the rest. Depending on your substrate, if its gravel toss most of it. If its a DSB then its worth disrupting and cleaning out all the toxins that sunk in there over the course of time. SSB can be either or really.


Then you can transfer your DT after you drain it of course. Bring it to the new home and you can combine clean water and the water from your 2nd tank to fill your DT. That's about it for I'm planning.


Be prepared to accept that a mini cycle may occur, especially if you replace the substrate.


:Edit: Also forgot, this is a little harder to do if you have corals, but if you're dealing with just fish, then all you really need is a HOB filter, maybe a powerhead, and a small compact light for temp. You can get one at homedepot for like 20 bucks. All in all you're probably looking at spending less than $100 dollars for everything.

I'll be going through this soon so I'll be able to let you know then how it works haha.

 

When you say the fish may fight in a cramped area. They are in a 20 gal tank now! That is considered cramped by most observers here on 3reef. I would assume they will be fine if you put a rock or coral that's attached to a good sized rock in there for some shelter. You have to consider that the move of your fish tank should be solitary without the hassle of furniture and clothing etc. if at all possible. This will speed up the move and lesser the chance for losses. Your going to be fine. Moving a 20 gal tank is a breeze don't fret about it you've gotten a storehouse of knowledge from here. And we never stop helping..