Im Moving

[Rottluvntxn]

Im moving in a few weeks and I dont know how to handle my salt tank What do I do as far as the fish are concerned ..do I need to set up another quick tank at my new place? And if so just the bare minimums or what?and maybe take the fish my local pet spot? any suggestions? Ive never done this before.

[Thunderkat]

I would say you need to get a new tank set up, at least 500 gallons with the works on it :skeezy :lol

When I moved from Hawaii I just gave all my stuff back to a pet store, of course I doubt you will be moving as far as I did.

[Tim Marvin]

How far are you moving? These creatures all ship in bags from the wholesaler and can live in a bag for 24 hrs. I usually put them in buckets do the move and then put them back in the tank.

[Polkster13]

If you moving to someplace that is local, then I can help you with the move. I have lots of buckets and a 65-gallon polypropylene tank that I use to deliver LR that I can use to help with your move.

I moved the inhabitants of 33 aquariums and 2 ponds (over 700 fish - both fresh water and salt water species and about 50 corals and numerous invertebrates) from Alabama to Texas in the dead of winter.

[Dozer]

I moved the inhabitants of 33 aquariums and 2 ponds (over 700 fish - both fresh water and salt water species and about 50 corals and numerous invertebrates) from Alabama to Texas in the dead of winter.

Wow, my advice would be to listen to anyone who has done that :) . Let polkster help you work out a plan. If you figure out you need more containers or anything let me know. I've got buckets and rubbermaids I'd be happy to lend you.

[Rottluvntxn]

so basically I can just move them (fish and corals) in buckets and set the tank back up and then throw them right in with no problems?

[Dozer]

my biggest concern would be the sand bed- which is where maybe Polkster can give you some advice since he's been through it. Unless you don't have a sandbed?

[Rottluvntxn]

no sand bed just crushed coral thats all

[Dozer]

I'm gonna defer to someone else on this, I don't really have experience with crushed coral...

[AlexKilpatrick]

From what I have read, this is a good opportunity for you to get rid of the crushed coral. I have heard nothing but negative things about it. It might be a good time to set up a sandbed (or bare-bottom).

[Tim Marvin]

Id keep the crushed coral intact and moist. Put everything else in buckets. When you get to the new place put a layer of sand over the crushed coral and it will settle through over time. Anyway, put all the water back in and let the dust settle before putting the livestock back in. Expect a small cycle and diatom bloom in the weeks ahead, but it should settle right back out.

[Polkster13]

If the move is going to be over a couple of days, try and keep most of the stuff seperate. Put the LR in one container, the crushed coral in another, the corals in another (making sure they won't be able to sting each other), inververtaes in another and fish in another container. Ice-chests work well as they help keep the water insulated and you won't have a large temperture drop. You can put small pieces of rock in with the fish so they have a place to hide and will help relieve some of the stress. Make sure the rock can not shift and crush what is in the container, especially if you put rock in with the invertabrates. Also, some corals do not do well if exposed to air. Use a glass conatiner, submerge it into the tank, gently place coral in glass and remove from aquarium ensuring the coral is completely submerged in glass. Reverse the process when putting the coral into its traveling container. If the buckets are going to be sitting still for any length of time, drop in an airstone hooked to an air pump to gently agitage the water. This will cause the surface tension of the water to break and allow CO2/O2 exchange.

[Rottluvntxn]

I appreciate the info. Thanks yall!