Advice for tank moving checklist

Rocklgnd2b · 12/09/2013, 01:43 AM

Just bought a currently running tank with livestock. It's an 82 gallon lee mar rimless with 41g sump. Since our first tank was and still is a biocube 29, we've never had experience with plumbing a tank let alone all of the other potential issues of moving a tank. Looking for experienced reefers to chime in and help us make this move without major problems.
Do's and Don'ts would be greatly appreciated
Thanks

oscarinw · 12/09/2013, 07:27 AM

Couple of lessons I have learned when moving:

1. There are 2 major ways of making a move: a) restart or b) preserve. When what you are moving seems like it has no issues at all, I would suggest b.

2. If preserving, try to leave the sand in the tank when moving.

3. If restarting, setup a quarantine tank at home, and put a few rocks there, but clean everything else. Look up 'rock reincarnation'. I have gone back and forward with what I think is generally a better approach. While mainly depending on the current condition of the tank, I think that I would favor the restarting approach in general.

4. Take several pictures of the setup in place so you get a quick reference for what to do when you bring the tank home.

5. At the very least, give all the rocks a spirited rinse when moving.

6. Cover the sand bed with a plastic bag when replacing the water as to not stirring it unnecessarily (if opting for preserving).

Good luck with the move

tkeracer619 · 12/09/2013, 09:08 PM

Where do you live? I would look for local help through the clubs.

Rocklgnd2b · 12/09/2013, 10:50 PM

Orange County, I tried my club but nobody offered to help. I'm new to the club so they don't know me very well yet

tkeracer619 · 12/10/2013, 12:32 AM

oh, I misread that I thought this was your first tank. That would have been a lot more difficult...

Really you just want to be as quick as possible with the move and set it up the same way it currently is. Any changes will add time. Take a bunch of photos.

I personally would remove the old sand during the move and replace it with new sand in a couple days after the tank has settled down a bit.

Keep an eye out for Ammonia and have water ready to go if and when you need to do water changes.

thegrun · 12/10/2013, 07:57 AM

Orange County CA or FL?

Rocklgnd2b · 12/10/2013, 11:36 AM

Cali

billyboy69 · 12/10/2013, 11:44 AM

old sand what if clean or rinse it really well??

12/09/2013, 01:43 AM	#1
Rocklgnd2b Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 101	Advice for tank moving checklist Just bought a currently running tank with livestock. It's an 82 gallon lee mar rimless with 41g sump. Since our first tank was and still is a biocube 29, we've never had experience with plumbing a tank let alone all of the other potential issues of moving a tank. Looking for experienced reefers to chime in and help us make this move without major problems. Do's and Don'ts would be greatly appreciated Thanks

12/09/2013, 09:08 PM	#3
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Where do you live? I would look for local help through the clubs. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

12/10/2013, 12:32 AM	#5
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	oh, I misread that I thought this was your first tank. That would have been a lot more difficult... Really you just want to be as quick as possible with the move and set it up the same way it currently is. Any changes will add time. Take a bunch of photos. I personally would remove the old sand during the move and replace it with new sand in a couple days after the tank has settled down a bit. Keep an eye out for Ammonia and have water ready to go if and when you need to do water changes. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

12/10/2013, 11:44 AM	#8
billyboy69 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 166	old sand what if clean or rinse it really well?? __________________ Girlfriend said i should get a hobby...she has no idea what she just started lol Current Tank Info: 180g 3 250 watt MH 14k,10k , 20k two VHOS blue LEDs 40g sump

12/09/2013, 07:27 AM	#2
oscarinw Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Western Massachusetts Posts: 1,091	Couple of lessons I have learned when moving: 1. There are 2 major ways of making a move: a) restart or b) preserve. When what you are moving seems like it has no issues at all, I would suggest b. 2. If preserving, try to leave the sand in the tank when moving. 3. If restarting, setup a quarantine tank at home, and put a few rocks there, but clean everything else. Look up 'rock reincarnation'. I have gone back and forward with what I think is generally a better approach. While mainly depending on the current condition of the tank, I think that I would favor the restarting approach in general. 4. Take several pictures of the setup in place so you get a quick reference for what to do when you bring the tank home. 5. At the very least, give all the rocks a spirited rinse when moving. 6. Cover the sand bed with a plastic bag when replacing the water as to not stirring it unnecessarily (if opting for preserving). Good luck with the move

12/09/2013, 10:50 PM	#4
Rocklgnd2b Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 101	Orange County, I tried my club but nobody offered to help. I'm new to the club so they don't know me very well yet

12/10/2013, 07:57 AM	#6
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	Orange County CA or FL?

12/10/2013, 11:36 AM	#7
Rocklgnd2b Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 101	Cali