New setup but moving within a year, need advice

[HumanIMDB]

This is my first post so I would like to start by saying that I’ve already found this site extremely valuable. Had I only known about it when I was first getting into the hobby I could have saved myself lots of money and be in a better position to get back into it now.

A few years back I was given an All-Glass 92 Gallon Corner Tank with stand. I then went about starting it with only the guidance of the LPS. Let’s just say I bought a lot of the wrong equipment. (Fluval 404, regular aquarium gravel, plastic structures, etc.) My last fish died while I was away for work and I stopped taking care of the tank after that. I have recently drained it and am preparing to move it to my new residence.

Being that I am in an apartment and looking to move in the next year, my first question is whether or not to get started now or wait until I am settled a bit? If I am to get started now, if anyone has any tips on moving a system, I would greatly appreciate them.

I’ve been doing research on what I will need to get started the right way and have come up with a shopping list. I welcome any comments or suggestions.

Already Have:
All-Glass 92 Gallon Corner with stand
Berlin Turbo Hang-On Protein Skimmer
36” Twin Tube Strip-light 2x30 Watt
Two AquaClear Powerheads (Can’t recall the model number but I believe they are the 802 model)
RO/DI Unit (Not dedicated to the Aquarium)

Need:
T5 Retro Kit for 36” Strip-light
Sump/Refugium
U-Tube Siphon Overflow (Don’t want to drill the tank)
CaribSea Aragamax Sugar Sized Sand (60 lbs dry/30 lbs live)
60 lbs Base Rock
30 lbs Ultra Premium Live Rock
Plumbing
Return Pump
Top Up System

Eventually, I may go look into an Ozone Generator/OPR Controller, Metal Halide Lights, and all the other cool toys, but right now I am looking to just get what I need to get started.

This time I have two LFSes that I trust as well as several friends locally who are willing to guide me, so hopefully I can do things right this time.

[GlobaLPimP]

Welcome!
WELCOME tyo RC!
I say if you love this hobby and can't wait START NOW! It will be a bit of a hassle to move everything, but you will be able to enjoy it now AND learn a lot of stuff before your next move. I'm positive that if you start now you can and will make a list of what you want to do differently next time around. Then you will be even happier the next time you set up with your new ideas and changes! Good luck and have fun!

[Remicade]

i just moved my tank saturday. actually i just bought a friends 65 gal from him. be prepared to take all day to tear it down and setting it back up. i posted here asking for help moving and i got alot of great ideas. so i followed them and my new tank is up and running nice.
i would make up some water, for my 65 i made 60 gal. you would need some clean buckets or beer coolers to keep the old water and corals/rock in. other than that you wont need much more to move it all.

[puffer21]

[welcome]

[davocean]

Set it up now!
Hey, a 92 glass, you're gonna need help moving it anyway.
So put some 5gal. buckets in your friends hands along with it!
Just don't glue everything down or go too crazy w/ sensitive corals.
And welcome.

[HumanIMDB]

bump

Okay, I went to the one LFS that I really trust today to do some pricing, and while not cheap by any means, I think I can get up and running for less than I originally thought.

The Sump/Fuge I was looking at is a total Filter System with Needle Wheel Skimmer built in. The dimensions are 26.5"x12.25"x14". It looked like it might be an OEM type setup, at least I've haven't seen the brand before; Pure Reef. The box stated that it was good for systems up to 400 gallons. I figure more is probably better and the price difference between it and the next one down is minimal. I could get one rated for 600 gallons, but it wouldn't fit in my stand.

The T5 Retro fit kit was a bit more than I was expecting, but the I looked at in the store had the individual reflectors where the ones I had been pricing out online didn't.

So, now all I have to do is spend the money... :D (I will post pictures when I get started)

As for moving in a year, I've already started collecting 5 gallon pails and rubbermaid containers. They don't have to be "food quality" or anything like that, right? All I have to do is rinse them well with RO Water, correct?

[meco65]

Myself I only use clean new buckets for any thing to do with my tank its just not worth the risk of contaminating the tank. If new yes a RO water rinse should be ok. Cant wait to see pics of the tank.

[HumanIMDB]

I have two buckets that used to contain salt (used when I had the system running before) that are dedicated to holding stuff from the tank.

I will probably get a bunch at Home Depot and then some Rubbermaid containers at Wal-mart when the time comes.

Yes, I can't wait to get it up and running. Just need one of my friends who owns a truck to bring my tank up...and to purchase the above items. :)

[daveverdo]

Welcome to the addiction,

While not as sensitive to many things I have moved freshwater tanks all over the US (PA to WA to GA to SC to NY). It just takes care. I am in the process of setting up a marine system now and plan to move within a year or two so you are not alone.

With regard to buying your equipment. While I like to support local businesses, things are much cheaper buying online. I just bought a few powerheads for $15 each online that my LFS had for $35. Even with shipping I saved $40. I try to support some of the smaller operations rather than the big chains although I do get some things from bigger online retailers.

Check out the Online Vendor Experience forum for dome advice on who is a good supplier.

Good luck,
Dave

[mskohl]

I too am in the process of setting up a tank and will probably move in 3 or4 years. I just moved into this house and moved a 45gal tank with me. it wasn't too bad, though it did take all day - the drive itself was 2.5 hrs. I used home depot buckets, battery powered air pumps and left a little water in the tank to cover the sand.

As far as the t5 lights go, I'm going to use these on my aquarium I'm setting up. I bought the individual reflectors that are 2" from reefgeek.com. I'll probably order my bulbs from there as well unless my lfs can get them for the same price. I try to get stuff locally when I can, especially livestock, but if there is a large price difference, I give the lfs a chance to match it.

[kclewis]

if i were you i would not set it up. take the next year to research and buy equipment. moving a tank is an all day process. things start to become time sensitive and you dont want to rush your set up. the more time you take preparing for the new setup the more successful it will be. but this is just my opinion.