View Full Version : transporting a complete reef setup
tcermd
04/14/2015, 08:36 PM
Thinking of buying a 125 gallon from a friend and it is an active tank, it has 200lbs of live rock with significant coral but only one tang. Do i remove as much water as possible and leave everything in tank or do I have to remove all of it and transport tank empty to prevent damage or stress fractures? it will be in truck for 30 minutes at maximum. 49inches long by 21 inches
MoneyGone
04/14/2015, 08:42 PM
Take everything out into Rubbermaid tubs or buckets and move the tank empty.
skeeter_ca
04/14/2015, 08:51 PM
30 minutes will most likely turn into two hours but it should still be ok.
reef_aholic
04/14/2015, 09:04 PM
Take everything out into Rubbermaid tubs or buckets and move the tank empty.
+1
I am also setting up for a move of my 120G. I will be putting everything in 2 50 gal barrels, and lots of rubber made totes. Generator running in truck with power head and heater to keep water warm in barrels with rock. Fish and coral in totes.
CHizer
04/14/2015, 11:52 PM
I'd not move the tank with anything in it. I guess the sand if you're careful.
kmbyrnes
04/15/2015, 06:05 AM
Empty.
julie180
04/15/2015, 06:06 AM
empty
tcermd
04/16/2015, 09:33 AM
If it does turn in to 2 hours transit, do I need to have heater and power head going?
oscarinw
04/16/2015, 05:08 PM
If it does turn in to 2 hours transit, do I need to have heater and power head going?
No, you don't, but you want them to be in clear water so corals and fish should be transported in one of the rubbermaids with clear water in it. Try to do it at a time of the day when it won't receive direct sunlight to avoid overheating or when it's too cold.
dymaxiun
04/16/2015, 05:16 PM
30min turns into, 1hr, 1hr turns into 2, 3hrs turn into a long day. Just be prepared to spend extra time, and give up your day to ensure this gets the attention it needs.
As many others have said...1. Empty 2. Rubbermaid containers or lots of buckets 3. Small circulation pumps ready to go at our destination. 4. Patience, don't rush it. 5. Reserves of patience.
thegrun
04/16/2015, 09:42 PM
A tank move is a lot more work than most people think. I would not reuse the sand, it will contain a lot of trapped detritus that if released could start a new cycle, killing off all your livestock. Start fresh with dry sand. Be sure to wash the sand well before using it. To wash the sand place 5 pounds or so at a time in a 5 gallon bucket. Use a garden hose at full flow to agitate the sand. The finer grains of sand will overflow the top of the bucket, leaving the larger grains behind. Continue to agitate the water until it runs clear. I would not use "live" sand as it can contain more dead than live organisms and has the potential to start a new cycle (and cost more to purchase since you are paying for water). Try to reuse as much clean water from the old system as possible to lessen the shock of new water chemistry on your livestock. Once the water from the old tank starts to get murky from stirred up detritus, don't reuse that water. Have plenty of new premade and preheated saltwater on hand to make up for the lost water. I would plan on pre-making 50% of your display tank's volume and have it ready for use. 5 gallon buckets with lids are your best friend for a tank move. Anything larger becomes very heavy to move, although for longer moves ice chests work well at maintaining water temperatures. You can use bubble wrap to help keep your rock with corals attached from being smashed against the sides of the buckets during transport. Start by filling three buckets 1/3 with water from the tank and then add the rock from the system to one of the buckets. Continue filling buckets first with water, then rock until you have removed all the rock. Save a couple of half full buckets of clean water from the tank for the fish. Once all the rock has been removed, the fish should be easy to catch. Some fish will burrow into the sand to hide so if you come up short on your fish count you may need to sift through the sand to find the missing fish. Once you have everything back at your home and the tank in place, first set up your rock. Try to minimize the amount of time the rock is out of the water. If aquascaping the rock takes you awhile, pour some of the saltwater from the old set-up on the rock to keep it wet. Once the rock is set fill the tank with all the old water and whatever new water is necessary. You can just dump the fish directly from the buckets into the new tank to prevent injuring the fish or adding stress to the fish by netting them. Then start circulating the water, get the heaters running and the rest of the equipment. Tank moves take much longer than one would first suspect. Plan on a very long day. Best of luck and keep us posted with your results!
tzylak
04/17/2015, 08:19 AM
All mentioned above are good options.
I removed most rocks to lighten the load but left enough water to cover whatever remained, including the fish. -Not disturbing the bottom made for a quick recovery from the move with minimal stress to all creatures.
I purchased a 4x8 foot panel of 1" insulation foam at Home Depot and cut it to closely fit the INSIDE of the tank to eliminate splashing during transport. I placed a plastic foil on top of the water as a moisture/contaminant barrier, then the foam plate, then wedged vertical columns of foam between the flat plate and the top rim of the tank to keep the flat plate down and stable.
Yes, it is a day-long process, brace yourself with patience to do it slowly and RIGHT. Get 3 or four guys to help you in the process. -You will need some muscle.
Good luck!!
SaltieG
04/17/2015, 12:12 PM
Im going to be moving my fully stocked 90 reef in a couple months to a new house and my plan is to get a large rubbermaid container or a used cheap tank. Im going to have the container ready at the new house so I can just bring all the rock/fish/coral straight over and that all can sit there while I transport the main tank/equipment. Its just too much of a hassle to worry about keeping everything in multiple buckets while I get the main tank going again. I am planning on leaving my sandbed in the tank with just enough water to cover it. The tank is less than a year old so im not too worried about the sand having too much gunk built up inside of it. Im also going to have a good 60-70 gallons of fresh saltwater on hand at the new house just incase my water gets fouled up or I have an ammonia spike somewhere along the line.
igot2gats
04/17/2015, 12:56 PM
Don't forget to clean the Rubbermaid bins out before you use them as well.
tcermd
04/17/2015, 07:53 PM
thanks to all. All of a sudden I think I will offer less to purchase this than I previously planned now that I know the time committment. I new setup sounds a little more appealing
dymaxiun
04/17/2015, 08:09 PM
new setup sounds a little more appealing
You can plan, get what you want, and most important - take your time... which is the single most important element of the hobby.
This hobby is built on regrets, and lessons which turn to pride, great livestock, amazing tanks, and enjoying a well thought out system.... Take it from the thousands of people here, and learn from others ... what you can learn is invaluable. However, if you get a good deal it's probably still worth it to consider if it makes sense.
tcermd
04/18/2015, 07:37 AM
thanks
AmberLee
04/18/2015, 08:06 AM
A tank move is a lot more work than most people think. I would not reuse the sand, it will contain a lot of trapped detritus that if released could start a new cycle, killing off all your livestock. Start fresh with dry sand. Be sure to wash the sand well before using it. To wash the sand place 5 pounds or so at a time in a 5 gallon bucket. Use a garden hose at full flow to agitate the sand. The finer grains of sand will overflow the top of the bucket, leaving the larger grains behind. Continue to agitate the water until it runs clear. I would not use "live" sand as it can contain more dead than live organisms and has the potential to start a new cycle (and cost more to purchase since you are paying for water). Try to reuse as much clean water from the old system as possible to lessen the shock of new water chemistry on your livestock. Once the water from the old tank starts to get murky from stirred up detritus, don't reuse that water. Have plenty of new premade and preheated saltwater on hand to make up for the lost water. I would plan on pre-making 50% of your display tank's volume and have it ready for use. 5 gallon buckets with lids are your best friend for a tank move. Anything larger becomes very heavy to move, although for longer moves ice chests work well at maintaining water temperatures. You can use bubble wrap to help keep your rock with corals attached from being smashed against the sides of the buckets during transport. Start by filling three buckets 1/3 with water from the tank and then add the rock from the system to one of the buckets. Continue filling buckets first with water, then rock until you have removed all the rock. Save a couple of half full buckets of clean water from the tank for the fish. Once all the rock has been removed, the fish should be easy to catch. Some fish will burrow into the sand to hide so if you come up short on your fish count you may need to sift through the sand to find the missing fish. Once you have everything back at your home and the tank in place, first set up your rock. Try to minimize the amount of time the rock is out of the water. If aquascaping the rock takes you awhile, pour some of the saltwater from the old set-up on the rock to keep it wet. Once the rock is set fill the tank with all the old water and whatever new water is necessary. You can just dump the fish directly from the buckets into the new tank to prevent injuring the fish or adding stress to the fish by netting them. Then start circulating the water, get the heaters running and the rest of the equipment. Tank moves take much longer than one would first suspect. Plan on a very long day. Best of luck and keep us posted with your results!
This is awesome information! You should definitely post this as a thread and request it to be made into a sticky!!
dymaxiun
04/18/2015, 10:06 AM
A bullet list format will be great. Broken down into 1. Prep, 2. Move, 3. arrival, and 4. Setup
tcermd
04/19/2015, 11:08 AM
Do I have to clean the rubbermaids with RODI, or do you just mean rinse out with reg water
tcermd
04/19/2015, 11:21 AM
Is it inappropriate to forward pic's of the aquarium I am looking to purchase and get your expert opinion on the setup and price?
dymaxiun
04/19/2015, 11:46 AM
No, and it's encouraged.
ShesEasy
04/19/2015, 11:48 AM
Man some people put alot of effort into a move
Moved my 180 2.5hrs up Island in some Styrofoam boxes and garbagecans
Never had a problem.....heaters....generators....powerheads....damn guys relax
tcermd
04/20/2015, 08:06 PM
http://myrtlebeach.craigslist.org/for/4893198856.html...here is the setup I am looking at. I am not familiar with the make nor the owner. I would appreciate your opinions.
tcermd
04/20/2015, 08:08 PM
http://myrtlebeach.craigslist.org/for/4893198856.html
here is the correct link
tcermd
05/11/2015, 08:48 PM
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=6074f637fe&view=fimg&th=14d45fb2f9079c6d&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ-TDdOo2Rf-laSQ1S6fbGWQb2BNlNBViGEh4E0Fb9Cqn8n9cEklnBMZcWncU5uS13hWDhX8IGIrdKpaFcMVto6wxpc7vdhxHB6_xdV_vpKGhIn-H0eO7jP6sfk&ats=1431398201420&rm=14d45fb2f9079c6d&zw&sz=w1416-h644
tcermd
05/11/2015, 08:49 PM
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=6074f637fe&view=fimg&th=14d45fb2f9079c6d&attid=0.3&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ_GSdriszdsJ4FdwAktlApYT8bnFR__eT-aPrm3V6CYMT7AIMvKMeyE_z5RtA8RDOSEPufK_Kg4q_ySwjlAs4cS3suq2e6HHrjHaiiUgRhrrrWHLdt9kO5S2fQ&ats=1431398201420&rm=14d45fb2f9079c6d&zw&sz=w1416-h644
tcermd
05/11/2015, 08:50 PM
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=6074f637fe&view=fimg&th=14d45fb2f9079c6d&attid=0.5&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ9L-sEe5K1Pu-FjfdepgM7MMjYbCCfH0iiMosVARaLTU0r9Yu94w-2Ua2hLvTlnjNCJ-AnjRwdAAa7EK8zvYAWHxv8Ok0q8TKagn4FUK5WI0U0B-QbmSEGkwyw&ats=1431398201420&rm=14d45fb2f9079c6d&zw&sz=w1416-h644
tcermd
05/11/2015, 08:52 PM
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=6074f637fe&view=fimg&th=14d45fb2f9079c6d&attid=0.7&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ8YEJm9rApciRmjbziEJo_TGhmrPwJFQqw1u7-lXRjM4jQppc5VziaPTEYjbnv3uqeuuAJukeimei-V1iGOCofjINOd2YBNexFeIXsSxly96h1FuWpZkAsp6Ak&ats=1431398201420&rm=14d45fb2f9079c6d&zw&sz=w1416-h644
oldbones
05/11/2015, 08:55 PM
Those links are wonky.
tcermd
05/11/2015, 08:59 PM
Sorry, but I am new to posting and posted pictures before labeling them. I wanted to know what coral is in this list. A friend is selling it, 120 gal, 100+lbs of live rock, 8 years old and does not know the make of this tank and cabinet. The aquarium is glass with curved corners, dry/wet filter with bio-balls with ext jebae cannister skimmer and cooler, T5 halogens with actinic, one yellow tang and the corals as seen. This is the tank I was previously requesting advice on moving. Does anyone know the make and can ID the corals?
tcermd
05/11/2015, 09:00 PM
The links did not open for you?
tcermd
05/11/2015, 09:14 PM
Does anyone recognize the make of this set-up and can ID the coral? What would be your opinion on the value of this set-up as is?
tcermd
05/11/2015, 09:54 PM
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=6074f637fe&view=fimg&th=14d45fb2f9079c6d&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ9mGwV4Yc1PAvh4FrZytEEVJL55Oe1PHH4xTA2xi6Pyr-iABDAzLxpazUam15BskAnfaxcBroamGX26XlZVSbC_GXZ1x5G-OTbbbAjs_0Y6jIBO858wwXMghp4&ats=1431402511021&rm=14d45fb2f9079c6d&zw&sz=w1416-h644
tcermd
05/11/2015, 09:58 PM
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=6074f637fe&view=fimg&th=14d45fb2f9079c6d&attid=0.3&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ-nP9u39ypaswi7I1f1Wpla6WKAyrZmgezwwrs6RESJF8YegwK2i4slxmd_7Eihoc1jyIZ6H9bVOduM2rOA4xTeKSlox1CxmA6Deid L2Xs9_xawZo7WmJzba3o&ats=1431402511021&rm=14d45fb2f9079c6d&zw&sz=w2448-h1200
tcermd
05/11/2015, 10:01 PM
http://https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=6074f637fe&view=fimg&th=14d45fb2f9079c6d&attid=0.7&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ_F-dLqcNWB8ijPtTiiNNo4_rlxzdkZ-H5HpRMv68cn0zOHIjQ0nSEft0BOonV09O9juSpVQXqHk-Fp6KhETlLCsQRdkWCfKviv74CPdwH515IYjac-qQYaKhk&ats=1431402511022&rm=14d45fb2f9079c6d&zw&sz=w2464-h1200
tcermd
05/11/2015, 10:02 PM
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=6074f637fe&view=fimg&th=14d45fb2f9079c6d&attid=0.7&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ_F-dLqcNWB8ijPtTiiNNo4_rlxzdkZ-H5HpRMv68cn0zOHIjQ0nSEft0BOonV09O9juSpVQXqHk-Fp6KhETlLCsQRdkWCfKviv74CPdwH515IYjac-qQYaKhk&ats=1431402511022&rm=14d45fb2f9079c6d&zw&sz=w2464-h1200
tcermd
05/11/2015, 10:09 PM
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=6074f637fe&view=fimg&th=14d45fb2f9079c6d&attid=0.7&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ_F-dLqcNWB8ijPtTiiNNo4_rlxzdkZ-H5HpRMv68cn0zOHIjQ0nSEft0BOonV09O9juSpVQXqHk-Fp6KhETlLCsQRdkWCfKviv74CPdwH515IYjac-qQYaKhk&ats=1431402511022&rm=14d45fb2f9079c6d&zw&sz=w2464-h1200
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