Need input on major move of reef

[jumpincactus]

As some of you know I came into a smoking deal on a 120. I am preparing to drive almost 300 miles one way to pick the system up. As I have never moved a reef tank before I am looking for input from you all to hopefully make this as painless as possible. I am renting a Uhaul truck for the journey.

The tank is an existing established 120 and it comes with canopy and MH lighting installed, stand, sump, pumps, powerheads, live rock, live sand, refugium, chiller, numerous inhabitants,fish, LPS,SPS,,,,,,,,,,, the works.

I will be honest, I am more than a little nervous, the deal is I and a few friends are going to have to be able to break it all down and transport it back 300 miles in the same day. The owners will not be able to be home on Sunday. So I need to co-ordinate the timing so we can arrive and get it all done and over with in one day. Not to mention getting it back home and up and running in my place. What protocol will I need to follow in getting it set back up. Is it realistic to think that I can just re-assemble and plug and play. What are some of the potential hazards that I need to account for. Will I have to recycle anything??? So many questions and running out of time.

Anything anyone can add to assist in helping me plan this event will be very appreciated. Maybe some of you have done this yourselves a time or two. I know that I also need to put some forethought into having things squared away and ready back home on my end so I can readily facilitate getting it all put back together with a minimal lose to sanity and livestock.

So there you have it maybe I am stressing too much and making into a bigger deal than it is, but oh well............ Bottom line is this is going to save me thousands of dollars and I need to make it work And of course making sure all the critters survive the trip is paramount.

 

[Anonymous]

Since this is the first reply, let me start with the number one.

1, make sure you don't get into accident. If the driver is tired, take a short break, or switch driver.

2, similarily, don't get hurt while moving. 120 gal is not that heavy when *totally* empty, but if you don't lift it right, or have it smack on your toe, you can end up staying in a bed instead of putting the tank together.

3, get plenty of bags and plastic cans. Start to make water in your house before you leave so that you don't have to wait when you arrived home. You don't want to have a tank all empty and need to run to LFS to buy water with buckets.

4, rehearse the entire procedure to make sure it make sense. See if you find any thing that need preparation. Write it down, and bring it with you. Murphy's Law will be applicable, but you want to see its as little as possible, and the best way is to plan.

5, depends on the temperature and the type of truck, you may need to get ice or a portable ceramic heater to keep the truck warm where the livestock is.

6, get other relevant equipe. such as dolly, hand truck for heavy things. At one time I was so desperate that I knock on neighbor's door for a skate board, but appearantly people in a retired community don't have it around.

7, find out what the setup and connection of the existing tank to help you plan taking it apart. Bring tools like screwdriver and wrench if they are needed. You may need scissors and Saran wrap, towels, etc.,. Plan ahead so that you don't have to let the livestock stay outside longer than needed.

8, do the same for putting thing back together. Keep in mind that the procedure is not complete reverse of the take down process.

9, you may want to have a temporary tank ready for livestocks (fish and coral) in your home before you leave. Rock and sand can wait, and you can just keep them cover with paper towel for 12 hours or more. Put the fishes and corals in the temp. tank when you set the temperature/salinity/pH correctly. Use drip method if you want to be safe.

10, setup minimium amout of equipments instead of complete recreation. When it is ready, you can add the rest of them later. Remember the more you do, the more mistake you will encounter.

 

[Anonymous]

Seven gave great advice...especially, if you can, a temporary "tank" with properly mixed water for livestock at your home waiting. It can be garbage pails!

I would even bring a couple of garbage pails for the trip half filled with properly mixed water.

The problems I have heard of in the past, is that people tried to put live rock and fish and sand in the same garbage pails. I suggest using 3-4 differnt pails. One for fish, one for lr, one for sand, one for coral. Get some battery operated powerheads, They are cheap and worth it. Same for a heater of some kind if you can (or bags of ice? where are you?)

Take your time. If you do it right, no need to rush.

Good luck! I dont envy you! My next move into a newly built home will be less than 5 miles from my existing home, so I will have it very easy in comparison!

 

[jdeets]

Good luck. My last tank move was to the dining room from the living room, to make room for a new tank, and then moving all the livestock back into the new tank in the living room from the dining room. I haven't done a long distance move but I'll share some of my insight that I gained while moving all this stuff twice.

seven is right--do a lot of planning. That will get you through it.

If you keep the rock submerged with circulation somehow, it probably won't cycle again at all. If it's out of water for 5 hours--well, depends on other factors, such as temp, humidity, etc.

Large plastic trash cans are great because you can fill them up 1/3 to 1/2, put the lids on, and not have too much sloshing. Realize that any water you take is going to be really sloshy; you'll probably have to keep your containers well below 1/2 full to tolerate all the movement.

If there are stairs involved, definitely have a plan on how to deal with those. Even 2-3 stairs can make the job look a lot different. For example--if you have a heavy trash can, how are you going to get it up the stairs? Maybe you'll need to divide the contents into another empty trash can, to get it all inside, etc.

Furniture dollies are great for moving heavy things.

I'd definitely focus on having a sufficient number of containers, and a method to maintain circulation and aeration in the containers with livestock. LR could get by just with circulation. You can also put fish in with LR--no need for separate fish containers--just make sure the LR is "settled" in the container to avoid shifting enroute.

If the old tank has a deep sand bed--see if you can move it with the sand intact. Depends on the depth, etc., and how many guys you have, but if you can leave it intact when you move the tank that would eliminate the need for other containers for the sand. If not, well no big deal.

Good luck--I don't envy you one bit!

 

[Anonymous]

More great advices above.

However, I would not recommand moving a tank with sand intact unless you have heavy equipement, and want to risk breaking the tank. IMHO, it is not worth the risk.

 

[Anonymous]

I would go get a 75 gallon agway (rubbermaid) stock tank, and have it full of heated saltwater before you do the move. That way if you don't get the tank up and running right away you will have a place to put the livestock.

Also have several plastic garbage cans full of heated saltwater ready to go for the tank. It takes a while to bring adjust the temp on a whole system. Borrow heaters from friends if you have to.

 

[Omni2226]

Consider using methelyne blue for the FISH ONLY. Dont use it with the rock/sand/inverts.

Add enough to the transport water to turn it blue. This will eleminate the need for "air" pumps and reduce stress.

Buy one or two baitkeeper,s (air stone,s) from a bait/tackle shop. These are battery operated gizmos and should keep the corals alive.

You can also add plastic bags half filled with water/air to the fish buckets to reduce sloshing/damage to the fish. Just leave enough room so that the fish arent "squeezed".

One last thing about moving the tank itself....DO NOT allow the tank to twist, had this happen to a 40 GL and it sprung a leak in the bottom corner. (Was drunk while moving it and stumbled, twisting the tank in the process).

 

[Meloco14]

I agree with all of the above. With proper planning you will be fine. I had to move my 2 tanks around a lot while i was in college, and then back home after graduating. Plan for it to take the whole day, and plan for the unexpected to happen. Pretty much everything you need has been mentioned, but I will reiterate on the fact that you will need heated saltwater once you get home. You lose a lot of water in the move, and when you get back a lot of water will be dirty and you won't want to use it. I would suggest having a temp. tank set up for your livestock, so you can take a day or two to set up the 120 in your home exactly the way you want it, and youre not rushing to get it running in the middle of the night just so you can get your livestock a place to stay. Take some extra water with you for the move, and rags are a good thing to have too. When I moved I used large coolers for the sand and live rock, filled with a couple inches of tank water and then covered with a towel or damp newspaper. I either bagged the fish and corals or put them in buckets. If you bag them, you can put them in a little styrofoam cooler. The insulation of coolers can really help keep the water temp stable. If you put them in buckets, you can use a battery operated bubbler to keep the water aerated. Then just cover the bucket with a towel, to minimize splashing but allowing it to breathe. Don't stress too much, and as mentioned don't rush. Remember, these fish and corals survived a lot just getting to america, this one day move won't be too bad on them as long as you do it right. I think one of the more important concerns with the livestock is the temperature. The temp can do down pretty quickly, and they can survive this, but when you get back home and start to acclimate them don't raise the temp too quickly. Slowly bring them back up to normal. Anyway, good luck with it, I think you will be fine.

 

[ReefTiger]

Ok, I think I may be of some help as I recently had to move my tank over 450 miles along with all of my things from my apartment. The tips I can add for you are:

1) Don't stress out. The inhabitants are much tougher than I gave them credit for and everything survived including a large torch coral that I found with 30-40% not submerged on arrival. By the way it is thriving still with no heads lost.

2) Do not even consider setting the tank up in the first day or two. I would just buy a cheap rubbermaid container (the long kind with lots of surface area) or two for the fish and corals to go in. You have the advantage of already being able to have it filled and oxygenated.
When you return you will more than likely just have to place the corals in the water depending on conditions of transport.

3) go to your LFS and ask for styrofoam shipment containers that they recieve corals/fish in. These are perfect for shipping corals. I just filled them with enough water to cover the corals and taped them. Be sure to pad the moving vehicle with plenty of towels as you will have spillage. Also, plan on having to chip corals off large rocks in order to transport submerged. Do not, do not, do not pack corals in plastic bags. They will enevitably have a part of the rock or something pop the bag and transport dry=dead coral. Also, try and pack corals as much as possible in separate boxes or with like corals. Just use your own judgement.

4) As I remember, you said this rock was algae infected. I'd just remove the corals and wrap the rock in wet newspaper and place it in a rubbermaid container of your choice (without water). If you have some select pieces worth keeping submerged (sponges, zooanthids) place them in a separated container with water. When you get home, place the good rocks in your rubbermaid and don't worry about the newspaper rock until the morning (you're going to cycle it anway right?)

5) $#%@ the sand!! It is more hassle than it is worth. One less thing to worry about.

6) The fish you can do two ways. I took my fish to the LFS in tupperware containers and had them bag them for me and put oxygen in them for shipment. Obviously you'll need to scout the LFS there and call them ahead of time to see if they can help. I was willing to pay for the service but didn't have to, and I'd not squabble over a few bucks if that's the way you decide to do it. (on a side note, I'd still go to your LFS for the styrofoam so you can get an idea of how much stuff you can place in your moving vehicle) The other way is to have a garbage can/tupperware container with or without an airstone and with ample water (but not too much to slosh out). I know you could oxygenate the water from the sloshing, but I don't know if it would be enough for the drive ( I'm assuming mostly interstate?). Unless you have a battery powered pump, I'd strongly consider bagging them. (after all, that's how they're shipped)

7) The day of the move should plan to go like this:
Wake up early and on the road before sunrise. Get to the place and place large rubbermaid container on floor away from tank. Drain large amount of water from tank into container. Make note and try to remove choice rock and corals first. Remove other rock and wrap in newspaper. Drain more water until you can catch fish and place in rubbermaid container. (by the way place a powerhead or two in the container with one creating surface agitation). Deconstruct tank/equipment and pack this now. If you plan on going to have fish bagged you could just place them in containers when you catch them and you go to the LFS while your friends clean the tank/dump sand/organize or pack equipment. (I'd bring them some lunch on your way back from LFS as you guys will be hungry) Let them eat while you pack the corals and choice rock in said containers. Load up and go. Try and minimize the driving with the livestock, so I'd not recommend the LFS as the last stop.

When you get home first unload corals, fish, choice rock and start getting them ready for your container. Then, I'd just unload everything else somewhere convenient as everyone will be tired as hell. Your friends can leave, you finish with the livestock and then go to bed.

A few things I've learned in my move:
Corals can live for up to a week with minimal lighting
Use surface agitation for oxygenation (it will be low but adequate)
Don't feed the fish
Remember to top off the holding tanks evaporation
Take time to set up the new tank how you want. (I bought a new canopy, repainted my stand, leveled the tank, bought new sand etc and it was 8 days before I put anything from my non-lit holding tank inside)

A few parting tips-I wouldn't worry about heating packets too much as the car will be in the sun, you have A/C and any temperature decline would be slow and tolerable over that short a trip. Remember you don't have to keep everything including some livestock/rock. Bring some premixed water with you for packing purposes.

Sorry for the long post, but that's how I was successful.
Good luck and rest up!!

 

[Anonymous]

Good thread. It should be.. marked for archiving?

 

[Anonymous]

(Was drunk while moving it and stumbled, twisting the tank in the process).

Did you see the label on Budweiser says: DO NOT OPERATE HEAVY MACHINERY OR MOVE AQUARIUM WHEN UNDER THE INFLUENCE ?

 

[Anonymous]

marked for archive

 

[trido]

As some of you know, I am moving from the San Francisco area to Seattle this June. I currently have a 30 Gal. which will be my refugium when i get the 120 running afterward. I am planning to use a DC to AC power converter to run air pumps and heaters during my trip. 900 plus miles with a trailer and a three year old takes two 8 hour days of driving.
My joke to my brother is my dead battery in the morning at the motel. How long do the battery back ups run? :? I could incorporate these into the plan as well if they will get me overnight

 

[dadstank]

i had to move a 14 year old 55 gallon reef tank from central new jersey to midtown NYC, what everyone said above is true, i can tell you that if you say the ride takes three hours, add some extra time because it will take longer, and you will be driving slower than usual. you will be driving slower right? 8)

the lessons i learned:

if it can it will. it took me the better part of an hour to capture an algea blenny in an empty tank. don't forget you have never watched these fish, you don't know their habits, hidding places, ect.

have loads of extra _____. basically if you are thinking you may need to use, get one more.

slow and steady wins the race.

just think about what you are doing, and do it. the rest will fall into place. it's nothing more than a REALLY big water change with a break in the middle.

i'd like to hear how it all works out. i would also ask if they could send as many pictures as possible, if you haven't already. it will be useful to know as much about how what you are getting is set up.

breakdown of tank = 4hr 15min
pack up = 1hr 50min
drive = 2hr 30min
un pack = 1hr 20min (and had to fight not to get a ticket)
set up = 5hr 30min

:roll: yes i am that geek that saved the times...

 

[dadstank]

since, i must have missed the other post, do you have a reef tank set up now?

 

[Anonymous]

The only thing I can think to add is if you can get the 40 -whatever peice set of elcheapo gladware food containers with lids they work great for snails, other inverts, small frags or even small fish.

Also, when you package the coral bear in mind which ones might be toxic to others and pack accordingly. Like dont put a hydno in with the xenia :lol:


good luck, let us know how it goes!